Effects of a Biostimulant Containing Effective Microorganisms, Spirulina platensis and Earthworm Humus on the Growth, Defence Response, Yield, and Quality of Strawberry Fruits (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Albion) Grown in Pot Culture

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

1 CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via dei Fiori 8, 51012 Pescia, PT, Italy

2 Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, 25130, Pakistan

Abstract

The development of environmentally friendly strategies to support crop productivity is increasingly vital in modern horticulture. This study assessed the impact of a novel biostimulant composed of effective microorganisms (EM), Spirulina platensis, and earthworm humus on the physiological performance, defense response, and yield of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Albion) grown in pots. The experiment was carried out under semi-controlled conditions at CREA in Pescia, Italy, with biostimulant applications delivered via fertigation every two weeks for a duration of two months. Various plant growth indicators, antioxidant enzyme activities, and fruit production metrics were recorded. Treated plants exhibited significant increases in leaf expansion, chlorophyll content, and flowering compared to untreated controls. Enzymatic assays revealed elevated activity levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), alongside a notable increase in total phenolic content, indicating enhanced activation of natural defense mechanisms. Fruit yield improved by approximately 25% without compromising sweetness or fruit size. Although °Brix and individual fruit weight remained unchanged, the uniformity and marketability of fruits improved. These findings suggest that the synergy between EM, S. platensis, and vermicompost effectively supports both metabolic function and productivity in strawberry cultivation. The use of this biostimulant formulation may offer a practical and sustainable tool for improving horticultural output while minimizing dependence on chemical inputs. Further trials in field conditions are recommended to validate these results across diverse environments and production systems.

Keywords

International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 May 2027

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 08 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 September 2025

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