The effect of substrates on yield and quality of strawberry fruits cultivated in a heated foil tunnel

The experiment was aimed at comparing the effects of two types of peat-coconut substrates used for strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) cultivation in the soilless system. The study results demonstrated a direct effect of the substrate on the yield quantity and quality of strawberry fruits. Cultivar 'Albion' proved to have the highest yield under conditions of hydroponic cultivation. A higher yield as well as increased contents of extract, sugars, organic acids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins were found in fruits from plants cultivated in the peat-coconut substrate (50: 50). A different observation was made for vitamin C content, the highest content of which was determined in fruits of cultivar 'Polka' cultivated in the substrate containing 80% of peat and 20% of coconut.