EFFECT OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI ON QUALITY OF STRAWBERRY FRUIT IN SOILLESS GROWING SYSTEM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation method on growth of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. ‘Splendor’) plant in soilless growing systems. Plants were grown in 6 polyethylene bags (100 cm x 18 cm x 30 cm) filled with coconut fiber in a greenhouse under natural light and temperature. A completely randomized block design (2 treatments x 2 replications) was used in a soilless growing system. Each replicate consisted of 10 plants. The rhizosphere of plants was inoculated with soil mixture of peat and sand, (4:1; v/v). The soil mix was inoculated with 20 spores g^-1 of two mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices) (mycorrhizal substrate). Two different methods of inoculation were used: (S1 and S2). 2 polyethylene bags of each treatment were applied. The treatments were: ‘S1’ (50% of rhizosphere of plant were placed in bagful with 18-20 g of mycorrhizal substrate) and ‘S2’ (100% of rhizosphere were inoculated with 18-20 g of mycorrhizal substrate). Two polyethylene bags control of each treatment were placed. Control plants were set up without inoculation and with the same treatment ‘S1 and ‘S2’. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in 2010-2011 and it had duration of seven months. The main effects of treatments on weight and fruit quality parameters vegetative (pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids and firmness) were evaluated. There were differences between mycorrhizal plants and non mycorrhizal plants; and between different inoculation methods (S1 and S2).