Effect of nano-chelating spray on yield, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of Sabrina strawberry fruit under low solubility conditions

Due to the environmental effects of the widespread use of conventional chemical fertilizers, foliar application of nutrients can prevent an increase in chemical fertilizer use and pollution of surface and groundwater. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of foliar application of nano-chelate zinc (0, 1 and 1.5 g/l) under low fertigation conditions (90, 110 and 130 ml) on strawberry fruit C.V. Sabrina was performed in greenhouse conditions. The measured traits included antioxidant activity, vitamin C content, total phenol, flavonoids, anthocyanin content, antioxidant enzymes, and the content of iron and zinc elements. The results showed that the application of zinc chelate leads to increased yield, vitamin C, phenol and flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity compared to control. The highest fruit yield (550.39 g) and iron element content (289.2 mg/kg DW) were observed in low fertigation of 130 ml and nano chelate zinc of 1.5 g/l, whereas the lowest yield (123.56 g) and iron element content (123.92 mg/kg DW) were obtained in low fertigation of 90 ml and nano chelate zinc at 0 g/l. Also, the highest activity of catalase enzyme (3.25 units/g FW) was obtained in 1.5 g/l of nano zinc chelate and low fertigation of 90 ml treatments. In general, it can be concluded that zinc chelate nano-fertilizer at a 1.5 g/l is suitable for improving the yield and quality of Sabrina cultivar strawberries under low fertigation conditions. Therefore, based on the results of this study, it is possible to suggest the use of a low fertigation treatment of 110 ml along with 1.5 g/L of zinc chelate nano to reduce the consumption of nutrient solution and water for strawberry hydroponic cultivation.