He effects of rhizobacteria and vinasse applications on growth and yield in strawberry cultivati̇on

This study was conducted in 2024 at the greenhouses of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Selçuk University, to determine the effects of rhizobacteria and vinasse applications on yield and growth in strawberry cultivation. To determine the effects of the treatments on growth and yield, measurements and weights were taken for leaf area, number of daughter plants, plant root length, plant fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight, yield, number of fruits, fruit weight, total soluble solid content (TSS) in fruit juice, pH value in fruit juice, and total acidity in fruit juice. In the study, the combined application of rhizobacteria and 2.5% Vinas was identified as the most effective treatment, increasing both yield and the number of fruits per plant. This treatment resulted in a 27.53% increase in yield compared to the control group. Regarding fruit weight, the group treated with rhizobacteria and 1% Vinas showed an 18.2% increase relative to the control. Conversely, high-dose Vinas applications exhibited negative effects on yield. In terms of vegetative growth parameters, the rhizobacteria + 1% Vinas treatment led to a 39.89% increase in fresh plant weight and a 38.58% increase in dry plant weight compared to the control. Notably, adverse effects were observed at the 5% Vinas dose. No significant differences were found among treatments for total soluble solids (TSS) and acidity; however, regarding pH values, the 5% Vinas treatment was the most effective in increasing pH. As a result, it was found that the combination of vinasse and rhizobacteria at low doses could be used as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers, especially to increase yield in strawberry cultivation, thereby contributing to both human and environmental health, as well as supporting sustainable agriculture. Therefore, it is recommended to use the combination of rhizobacteria and 2,5% vinasse to increase yield in strawberry cultivation.