Comparison of fruit colour development and biochemical attributes under different mulching regimes in strawberry

Strawberries are one of the preferred fruits due to their attractive appearance, flavour, taste and nutritional potentials. The quality of the fruits depends on the interactions between phytochemicals and bioactive compounds. These compounds change naturally with the advancement of the fruit growth. The major focus of this study was to investigate the effect of different type of mulches on biochemical attributes during fruit growth and maturation of ‘Winter Dawn’ strawberries. The results revealed that fruits harvested from the plants treated with silver-black mulch exhibited better quality parameters compared to paddy straw, black, and red mulch treatments. With the progression of maturation, fruits developed higher light to dark red pericarp and juice colour coordinates, TSS/acid , ascorbic acid, juice pH, sugars and anthocyanin content. A decline in fruit juice acidity, chlorophyll, carotenoid, phenol, polyphenol oxidase, and flavonoids parameters was observed up to final fruit harvest stages. Correlation and regression analyses showed the complex matrices governing strawberry attributes by unveiling the interdependence of various fruit quality parameters. It is intended that silver-black mulch emerged as a better option for strawberry cultivation as it enhances fruit color and biochemical attributes.