An investigation into sustainable strawberry production using alternative growing systems

Strawberry is a fruit propagated by runners who avoid direct seed plantation due to its low germination rate. The study aimed to explore the germination rate of strawberry seeds by considering two varieties, ‘Temptation’ and ‘Florian,’ in different growing substrates (rockwool with and without nutrients and compost). The outcomes revealed that the change in substrate positively affects seed germination. Rockwool with and without nutrients depicted better germination. The study aimed to explore the growth and development of strawberry runners in aeroponic towers and the effect of different concentrations of nutrients (A and B) on the growth and yield of strawberry plants. Tower 1 (50% nutrient A and B) showed the survival of three plants out of seven, tower 2 (70%nutrient A and 30% nutrient B) depicted the survival of two plants, and tower 3 (30%nutrient A and 70% nutrient B) showed the survival of six plants out of seven. The leaves taken from Tower 3 (Nutrient A 30% and Nutrient B 70%) were the largest among all. The effect of different light (red, dark, and white) temperatures and Ethephon on seed germination was observed for Temptation and Florian seeds. The statistical analysis revealed that light has no difference in seed germination in Temptation and Florian strawberry seeds. The temperature and ethephon treatment did not show any effect on Florian and temptation strawberry seed germination. Tissue culturing of Calypso strawberry plants revealed that tissue culturing in rockwool was difficult in comparison to agar gel medium, whereas charcoal can be used efficiently to reduce fungal contamination. This study's results indicated that Temptation strawberry seeds had higher germination rates compared to Florian seeds. Red light, temperature and ethephon showed no significant impact on seed germination. Tissue culture techniques for Calypso strawberry plants were effective, with shoot multiplication medium (SMM) and shoot propagation medium (SPM) media supporting plant growth. Charcoal significantly reduced contamination in tissue culture. Aeroponic towers positively impacted strawberry plant growth, as evidenced by improved leaf size and fruit yield. Healthy growth, flowering, and fruiting were observed in strawberry plants grown in aeroponic towers, with no fungal or bacterial diseases recorded. Data showed a total of 270 flowers and 193 fruits in parent plants and 245 flowers and 164 fruits in runners, with a total dry weight yield of 191.73 grams for parent plants and 186.32 grams for runners. Overall, the study was designed to examine how different factors (rockwool substrate, aeroponic towers, tissue culture, light, temperature and ethephon) have a significant influence on strawberry seed germination and overall plant growth.

Grantor dc:publisher

University College Cork

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Bangash, Sana Batool

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Doyle Prestwich, Barbara
• Lettice, Eoin

• Aeroponic towers

Statement dc:rights

• © 2025, Sana Batool Bangash.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10468/18801

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cora.ucc.ie:10468/18801