Effect of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) Cv. Chandler

The present experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different levels of organic manures (Farm Yard Manure, vermicompost and pressmud) and biofertilizers (Azotobacter, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria and Azospirillum) on growth, yield and quality of strawberry Cv. Chandler at Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad, U.P., India, during the year 2007–08. Maximum plant height (17.59 cm), maximum plant spreading (25.68 cm), maximum number of primary branches plant−1 (7.50), maximum number of secondary branches plant−1 (17.35), days taken first flowering (61.06), days taken from planting to first fruit setting (72.80), maximum fruit weight (11.75 g) and maximum fruit yield plant−1 (0.295 kg) were found with the combined application of vermicompost and phosphate solubilizing bacteria. Similarly, the treatments combination of vermicompost and phosphate solubilizing bacteria also significantly affected the total soluble solids (TSS) (10.75°Brix), titratable acidity (0.82%), vitamin C (57.24 mg/100 gm fruit), reducing sugar (4.65%), total sugars (5.95%) and juice content (79.50%). Conclusively, the application of vermicompost with Phosphate solubilizing bacteria was found most effective to improve the growth, yield and quality of strawberry Cv. Chandler.