Influence of foliar application of volk oil, dormex, gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate on vegetative growth and reproductive characteristics of strawberry cv. ‘Merak’

Application of chemicals for strawberry forcing or production in subtropical regions in autumn or winter months, inside or outside of greenhouse has been reported as a successful method. Present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Volk oil (2.5, 5%), Dormex (0.5, 1%), GA3 (50, 100 mg. L-1) and KNO3 on vegetative and reproductive growth of strawberry cv. ‘Merak’ in subtropic conditions of Darab city in Fars province of Iran. Dormant young rooted daughter plants were potted in 3L plastic pots and after 2 weeks of establishment period the treatments were applied and then plants were grown for 3.5 months in outside conditions. Results indicated that KNO3 caused augmentation of leaf surface area, roots length, number of flowers and inflorescences. Also Dormex at 1% concentration increased flowering period and decreased number of runners. Volk oil at both concentrations improved roots length and number of achenes in primary and secondary fruits. Conclusion showed that the mentioned materials could have impact on vegetative and reproductive growth of strawberry generally. In this study KNO3 resulted in best and maximum effects on plant growth