Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and physiological parameters of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) under naturally-ventilated polyhouse

Investigations were carried out at the College of Horticulture, Mudigere, Karnataka during 2014–2015 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and physiological parameters of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) under naturally-ventilated polyhouse condition. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with ten treatments replicated thrice. The strawberry plants supplied with NPK 60: 30: 30 or 80: 40: 40 kg/haalong with Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) exhibited maximum plant height; number, length and breadth of trifoliate leaves; plant spread and runners per plant. At any growth stage of the crop these treatments recorded higher dry weight (24–26 g/plant), physiological parameters such as absolute growth rate, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, leaf chlorophyll content and per plant yield (299–305 g). Hence application of 60: 30: 30 kg/ha NPK along with Azospirillum and PSB proved beneficial for realizing higher yields.