Document Type : Research paper
Authors
1
Department of Horticultural Science and Agronomy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2
Department of Horticultural science and Agronomy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3
Department of plant protection, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
4
Department of Horticultural Science and Agronomy, Science and Research Branch,Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
5
Department of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Science, University of Torbat-e Jam, Torbat-e Jam, Khorasan Razavi, Iran.
10.22059/ijhst.2025.378918.876
Abstract
Strawberries are highly susceptible to salinity stress. While elicitors tend to enhance plant defense mechanisms by stimulating the synthesis of secondary metabolites, zeolite can mitigate salinity stress by improving water absorption. This study employed a completely randomized factorial design in a hydroponic greenhouse located in Torbat-e Jam, Iran. The experimental treatments consisted of a culture substrate composed of cocopeat, perlite, and zeolite in the following ratios: 50:50:0 (control), 50:25:25, and 50:15:35. Additionally, fungal elicitor treatments using Penicillium sp. were applied at concentrations of 0, 4,000, and 8,000 ppm, and salinity levels were set at 0, 20, and 40 mM. The results demonstrated that Penicillium concentrations and substrate composition significantly influenced enzyme activity, proline content, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and shoot dry and fresh weights. MDA levels decreased in the medium containing 25% zeolite (50% cocopeat + 25% perlite + 25% zeolite) combined with 8,000 ppm of Penicillium, thereby reducing reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage in the plants. Moreover, the highest proline content and antioxidant enzyme activity were observed in plants grown in the medium with 35% zeolite (50% cocopeat + 35% zeolite + 15% perlite) and no Penicillium treatment. However, a significant enhancement in these parameters was noted when 4,000 ppm of Penicillium was applied. In conclusion, growth media containing zeolite at 50:25:25 or 50:15:35 ratios of cocopeat, perlite, and zeolite, in combination with Penicillium concentrations of 4,000 or 8,000 ppm, offered an effective strategy for alleviating salinity stress in strawberry cultivation.
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