Comparing Strawberry Salt Tolerance Using a Low Volume Near-Continuous Gradient Dosing System

Abstract

Strawberries ( Fragaria× ananassaDuch.) are a high value crop well suited to local small-acreage production for direct sales. However, low tolerance to alkaline and saline conditions often limits where they can be grown. A rapid method for tolerance screening would be useful for identifying cultivars suited to the marginal soil conditions found in many arid and semi-arid regions. Tolerance testing historically required a tedious and time-consuming delivery process that limited the number of genotypes and replications that could be reasonably screened. A double emitter source (DES), or double drip line system, was adapted to automatically deliver 15 treatment levels, providing a near-continuous gradient dosing system. The system was then tested on the strawberry cultivars ‘Allstar’ and ‘Ovation’. Differences in salinity tolerance were apparent in both leaf injury and plant mortality, indicating that the system provides a simple and quick method for tolerance testing.