Evaluation of physiological and biochemical changes of strawberry cv. Gaviota in response to Mycorrhizal and Trichoderma fungi under selenium treatment

This study evaluated the effects of Mycorrhiza (Rhizophagus irregularis), Trichoderma (Trichoderma harzianum) and selenium on some physiological traits of Gaviota strawberry as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications in the Shahed University, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences research greenhouse in 2017. The treatments included fungi (No inoculation, Mycorrhiza, Trichoderma) and selenium (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg soil). The results showed that the use of symbiotic fungi, especially Trichoderma, could significantly increase the pH, total soluble solids (TSS), antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin of the fruit, as well as increase the amount of protein, chlorophyll and carotenoid of Gaviota strawberry leaves. Furthermore, selenium treatment, especially at low concentrations (0.5 and 1 mg/kg soil), could increase the antioxidant and anthocyanin capacity of the fruit, as well as the amount of protein and chlorophyll in the leaves. Overall, it is possible to recommend the using of symbiotic fungi, especially Trichoderma, along with low concentrations of selenium (0.5 and 1 mg/kg soil) in Gaviota strawberry cultivation programs.