The effect of water deficits on some morphological and physiological characteristics of three varieties of strawberry

Drought is one of the leading environmental stresses decreasing plant photosynthesis, growth and production. Deficit irrigation, where less than 100% crop evapotranspiration is replaced by irrigation, can also be used to reduce the demand for irrigation water. The objectives of this study were to characterise the impact of three irrigation treatments (full irrigation, mild deficit irrigation and severe deficit irrigation) on three different strawberry cultivars (namely Darselect, Elsanta and Sonata). A factorial experiment was performed based on completely randomized design with 10 replications. Results showed Elsanta and Sonata developed more and less leaf area and mass, respectively. Elsanta showed more transpiration efficiency and the least water use efficiency. Sonata had less transpiration efficiency and more water use efficiency. Elsanta and Sonata had the lowest and highest yield, respectively. Elsanta fruits had the most flavor index. There was a negative significant correlation between leaf fresh mass and fruit yield. Also water use efficiency was negatively correlated with leaf area and fresh mass and total dry mass at the end of the experiment. Water use efficiency was correlated positively with yield. According to the results, stress had negative effects on leaf area, total dry mass and yield and generally, Sonata for more yields was better than the other two varieties.