Zinc oxide nanoparticles vs Zn- EDTA in the growth and production of strawberry crops (Fragaria x ananassa Duch)

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate and to compare the zinc oxide nanoparticles and Zn-EDTA on growth, nutrient concentration of zinc in the leaf, and strawberry production. Design/methodology: Strawberry plants were used, established in plastic bags with a mixture of substrate. Two factors were evaluated, the first one was the dosages of ZnO NPs (100, 200, 500, 1000 mg L^-1), plus treatment with Zn-EDTA and a control, and the second factor, form of application (foliar and to the substrate). The design used was a factorial plus, through a completely randomized. Growth was measured, foliar and fruit Zn concentration was determined, the number of flowers and fruits per plant was counted, and the variables of firmness and total soluble solids of fruits were quantified. Results: The results obtained indicate that the foliar application of the 200 mg L^-1 dosage of ZnO NPs caused the greatest plant height, as well as the greatest number of flowers, crowns and fruits per plant, and the greatest production. The highest leaf zinc concentrations within the sufficiency range were observed with the foliar application of 100 and 200 mg L^-1. Conclusion: The study allows inferring that the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles is an alternative fertilizer source with respect to conventional Zn sources to improve growth, zinc concentration and fruit production in strawberry.