Resistance against phomopsis leaf blight disease induced by potassium salts in strawberry plants

Abstract

Full inhibition of the fungal linear growth was achieved at the highest concentration (2%) of the two salts. Under field conditions, 87.5, 81.3, and 81.3% were the best decreases in disease severity gained by the two salts at 2% of both salts and the fungicide Amstar, respectively. Potassium bicarbonate at 1.5% reduced severity by 68.8%. Concentrations 1, 1.5, and 2% of each salt considerably enhanced strawberry yield. The increases were 66.7 and 61.7%, at 2% concentration by the two salts, respectively. Increments by 126.7 and 150% of peroxidase activity in plant leaves and by 140 and 148% of chitinase activity were noted by the two salts, respectively, at 2%.