Calcium nutrient solutions in fertirrigation of strawberry ( Fragaria x ananassa Duch.), cultivar 'Albion'

Strawberry ( Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) is a crop that has specific nutritional needs, its response to fertilization is high, especially to calcium. This research was carried out in the Durazno Pamba sector of San Luis Parish, Riobamba Canton, Province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. The effect of applying nutrient solutions with different calcium contents via fertigation on strawberry yield and fruit quality was evaluated. The treatments used were solutions with 75-100-125-150 and 175 mg Ca L-1 in the vegetative phase and 82.5-110-137.5-165 and 192.5 mg Ca L-1 ;Hakaphos violet (N-P-K) 13-40-13, rooting agent and Alcaplant (Calcium oxide 35.0 %) were used as controls. Irrigation tapes (Italiana; 2.1 L h(-1) 2200 m) with drippers every 0.20 m were placed. It was found that calcium fertilization favors plant development in the strawberry crop; as the Ca dose was increased, fewer necrotic symptoms due to calcium deficiency appeared and the number of flowers increased. The equatorial and polar diameters had their greatest magnitude in the treatments with doses higher than 100 mg Ca L-1; the fruits grew above 40 mm in the equatorial zone and in the polar zone above 51 mm. At the dose of 137.5 mg Ca L-1, the highest amount of total soluble solids (Brix degrees) was present and consequently fruit weight and yield potential were favored.