Application of Calcium and Zinc Improves Vegetative Growth Characteristics and Plant Hormones in Strawberry

Abstract

Abstract The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of calcium and zinc spraying, as well as their potential interaction, on several vegetative growth characteristics and the content of plant hormones in strawberry plants. The study encompassed nine treatments, wherein plants were subjected to various degrees of calcium application using calcium chloride (0, 3, 6) g/l. These treatments were administered individually or in combination with three levels of zinc application using zinc sulfate (0, 2, and 4) g/l. The results showed that treating plants with 6 g/l of calcium via spraying improved plant height, fruit weight and elevated calcium and zinc levels in the leaves. The treatment of 3 g/l calcium increased the fruit yield and the amount of auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins significantly. On the other hand, the application of 4 g/l zinc via spraying led to elevating the concentration of zinc, auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin in the leaves as well as increased plant height. Additionally, applying 2 g/l of zinc resulted in a rise in the number of fruits and fruit weight. The application of zinc at 2 or 4 g/l led to a decline in the calcium concentration of the leaves.