Effect of different growing media on pomological and phytochemical parameters of Fragaria vesca ʻYellow Wonderʼ and Fragaria ×ananassa ʻCamarosaʼ: a comparative study

BACKGROUND: Strawberries are one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world, and their popularity continues to grow due to their unique taste, high nutritional value, and numerous health benefits. The success of strawberry cultivation depends largely on the quality of the growing media used. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in soilless media as a sustainable alternative to traditional soil-based growing methods. This study aimed to compare the effect of different growing media, both soil and soilless (Hydroponic Production System) media, on the fruit quality and phytochemical contents of two cultivars of strawberry (Yellow Wonder and Camarosa) in a greenhouse. RESULTS: The values of Fruit weight, fruit firmness, and SSC were higher in soilless media than in soil media. In addition, ʻCamarosaʼ was higher than ʻYellow Wonderʼ in these characteristics. The rates of glucose and fructose were higher in soil media than soilless media, and ʻYellow Wonderʼ was higher than ʻCamarosaʼ in the rates of glucose and fructose. The values of total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were higher in soil media, and also ʻYellow Wonderʼ was found to have more total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than ʻCamarosaʼ. In terms of mineral contents, ʻYellow Wonderʼ had higher values than ʻCamrosaʼ in both media. When the results of the study were examined in general, Camarosa red strawberry variety was found to be higher than ʻYellow Wonderʼ in pomological characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Pomological values increased in both strawberry cultivar in soilless media. In terms of phytochemical properties, the ʻYellow Wonderʼ had higher values than the ʻCamarosaʼ. Also, Phytochemical contents were higher in the soil media compared to the soilless media.