THE ROLE OF MULCH COLOR AND IRRIGATION LEVEL IN REDUCING WATER STRESS IN STRAWBERRY.

Photosynthesis decline, resulting from changing evapotranspiration levels and varying growing conditions, can lead to crop failure. To prevent damage, it is essential to assess carotenoid and chlorophyll content, and crop responses to limited irrigation. In this experiment, we studied strawberry responses to photosynthetic pigments, physiological parameters, and macronutrient concentrations under different irrigation levels (IR100 and IR50), mulch colors (black, silver, transparent), and harvest dates in Turkey. The results showed significant effects on total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll a/b, and carotenoid levels due to irrigation and dap applications. Fruit N, P, and K concentrations were significantly influenced by irrigation and mulch colors but unaffected by different periods. Leaf water potential (ΨL) and stomatal conductance (gs) were significantly impacted by all treatments. Silver mulch retained more water (31%) and had higher gs (28%) than other treatments. Silver and black mulch resulted in the highest macro nutrient concentrations in the fruit. IR50 reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, ΨL, gs, and N, P, and K concentrations. Our findings highlight the benefits of using appropriate mulch colors and irrigation amounts, with silver mulch x IR100 combination mitigating the impact of limited irrigation under Mediterranean climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]