Silicon partitioning and accumulation in agronomic biofortification of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cv. Sabrosa grown in soilless system

Abstract

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a globally significant horticultural crop, appreciated for the nutritional profile of its fruits. This study investigated uptake, accumulation, and effects of silicon (Si) supplementation through nutrient solutions (50 and 100 mg L⁻¹ K₂SiO₃) in Sabrosa (known by the trade name ‘Candonga’) strawberries grown in a soilless system. Si was taken up and translocated dose-dependently, with the highest accumulation in roots and leaves and lower levels in fruits and stems. Si supplementation significantly increased fruit Si content, with a three-fold and five-fold increase at 50 mg L⁻¹ and 100 mg L⁻¹ doses, respectively, compared to the control. Despite the significant Si accumulation, no dose influenced growth, yield, or key fruit quality parameters, including firmness, dry matter, total soluble solids, and nutraceutical profile. Although mineral interactions were observed, with reductions in Ca, Mg, and K content in plant tissues and increased B in fruits and Al in roots only at 50 mg L⁻¹, this did not affect fruit nutritional or organoleptic qualities. Given the increased electrical conductivity associated with higher Si doses, 50 mg L⁻¹ is recommended as an effective biofortification dose. The lack of response suggests that strawberry is able to tolerate considerable Si enrichment without alterations to its agronomic performance or fruit biochemical traits. These findings provide novel insights into the potential for Si biofortification of strawberries, highlighting a unique opportunity to enrich fruits with Si for human health benefits without compromising crop productivity or quality.