S06 - Session P8 - Pyroligneous acid and compost combined can improve strawberry productivity

Authors: Lord Abbey *, Tim Morcom, Lokanadha Rao Gunupuru

The potential of pyroligneous acid (PA) and municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) as biostimulant and growing medium amendment, respectively, is amply reported in the literature. However, the combined effect of these clean technologies on strawberry ( Fragaria x Ananassa ' Albion') plants is unknown. A greenhouse pot-experiment was performed to determine strawberry plant response to rates of application of PA (0%, 2%, and 4% v/v) and MSWC (0, 200, and 400 g/pot). The PA had various chemical compounds grouped as organic acids, carnitines and choline derivatives and few chemical elements, mainly nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn). The macro- and micro-elements composition of MSWC was higher compared to PA. Strawberry plant growth was increased by the application of MSWC. An increase in the application rates of PA and MSWC significantly (P < 0.05) increased relative leaf chlorophyll content of the strawberry plants. Chlorophyll fluorescence index revealed stressful conditions at Fv/Fm < 0.78 for chlorotic plants that did not receive MSWC, irrespective of PA application rate. Comparatively, leaf tissue macronutrients sufficiency requirement recommended for strawberry was met upon application of 400 g MSWC except for N. The interaction effects of MSWC and PA on plant growth, flowering and fruit production were highly significant (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of PA and MSWC enriched the growing medium. Therefore, plants treated with 400 g MSWC in combination with 2% or 4% PA gave the highest number of berries and total fresh weight. Future work must focus on strawberry plant yield and berry quality.