Effects of Mycorrhizal (Rhizophagus irregularis) and Trichoderma Harzianum Fungus on Strawberry Quality under Different Selenium Levels

The present study aimed at assessment of the beneficial role of fungal inoculation [Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma harzianum] and Selenium (Se) treatments (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg kg-1 soil) on quality of strawberry cv. Camarosa by an emphasis on physiochemical characteristics. Fungal inoculation and Se treatment improved the fruit fresh and dry weights and fruit length, which was related to their capacity to enhance photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoid). Leaves protein, N, and P content as well as fruit total phenolic content and anthocyanin concentration were significantly affected by AMF and T. harzianum inoculation. It was found that strawberry plants inoculated with T. harzianum under 1.0 mg kg-1 soil of Se treatment had better leaves and fruit physicochemical characteristics as compared with other treatments. Overall, inoculation of T. harzianum along with 1.0 mg kg-1 soil of Se treatment could be recommended as an environmentally sustainable approach for improvement of the quality of strawberry cv. Camarosa fruit.