Paper Details

PJB-2026-1513

Effect of foliar application of boron acid and chitosan on strawberry bioactive compounds

Volkan Okatan, Sultan Filiz Güçlü, Hasibe Çolak, Elif Mine Öncü Kaya and Halil İbrahim Sağbaş
Abstract

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This study was carried out to determine the effects of foliar application of boric acid and chitosan on yield components, fruit quality and bioactive compounds of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) (cv. Festival) plant. The study was carried out in soilless agriculture conditions in Sandıklı district of Afyon province, and boric acid and chitosan applications were carried out at different concentrations (2, 3 and 4 mg L^-1). The treatments showed statistically significant effects on the number of fruits per plant, yield and average fruit weight (p<0.05). The highest yield (569.97 g plant) and fruit number (18.83 plants) were obtained from 3 mg L^-1 chitosan application, while higher doses (4 mg L^-1) caused a slight decrease in yield. Fruit firmness, soluble solids (SSC) and titratable acidity values were also increased, especially at medium boron and high chitosan concentrations. The highest SSC (8.11%) and ascorbic acid (85.67 mg 100 g^-1) contents were determined in the 4 mg L^-1 chitosan application. Additionally, 3 mg L^-1 chitosan dose significantly increased anthocyanin accumulation in fruits (78.46 mg 100 g^-1). Boron applications supported fruit sugar content and textural durability. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between fruit number and yield (r = 0.70), and a high positive relationship between SSC and vitamin C (r = 0.72). PCA analysis revealed that the first two components explained 63.5% of the total variance, with chitosan applications being associated with quality parameters, while boron applications were associated with yield components. In conclusion, foliar application of boron and chitosan can be considered an effective strategy for sustainable production by increasing both yield and functional quality in strawberry

To Cite this article: Okatan, V., S.F. Güçlü, H. Çolak, E.M. Öncü-Kaya and H.İ. Sağbaş. 2026. Effect of foliar application of boron acid and chitosan on strawberry bioactive compounds. Pak. J. Bot., 58(3): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2026-3(18)  
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