Effects of Foliar Application of Chitosan on Some Vegetative Growth and Biochemical Parameters of Strawberry Under Salt Stress

Aim/Background: This research, which was carried out as a pot experiment in a plastic greenhouse to examine the effects of three different salt (NaCl) doses (Control, 30, 60 mmol/L) and three different chitosan doses (Control, 1, 2 and 3 ppm) applied to Albion strawberry variety (Fragaria ananassa Duch.). Materials and Methods: In this study, plant characteristics such as leaf area, Fresh Weight (FW) and Dry Weight (DW) of root, crown and leaf were investigated. Biochemical parameters including chlorophyll analysis was determined by the method of Witham et al., carotenoid analysis by Krik and Allen, total phenolic compound content by Folin Ciocalteu colorimetric method and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content by Rao and Sresty in leaf tissues. Results: The effects of applied salt stress showed an initial increase in all studied parameters, followed by a decrease with increasing salt concentration (60 mmol/L). Plant weight, leaf area, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid increased during the fruiting period. In the experiment, the effects of chitosan sprayed on strawberry leaves to reduce salt stress were found to be statistically significant some vegetative and biochemical parameters. Chitosan doses of 1 ppm (DW of leaf and leaf area) and 2 ppm (FW of root, DW of root and crown) increased plant growth. The effect of chitosan on total phenolic compounds and MDA was found to be statistically significant. The effect of chitosan on photosynthetic pigments was found to be statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Chitosan has been found to positively affect plant growth in strawberries improving yield and quality characteristics under salt stress.