EFECTO DE Azospirillum brasilense Y FERTILIZACIÓN QUÍMICA SOBRE EL CRECIMIENTO, DESARROLLO, RENDIMIENTO Y CALIDAD DE FRUTO DE FRESA (Fragaria x ananassa Duch)

The effect of chemical fertilization and Azospirillum brasilense on strawberry growth, development, yield and fruit quality was evaluated. Three treatments were applied: T1: application of Azospirillum brasilense at a concentration of log 9 colony forming units/plant; T2: Azospirillum brasilense at a concentration of log 9 CFU/plant + chemical fertilization; T3: chemical fertilization; and T4: control. The variables evaluated were: number of leaves, of flowers and fruits, leaf area (AF), plant dry weight (PS), root length plant height, yield per plant and fruit size. Relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, leaf area ratio and leaf weight ratio were calculated from the dry weight. Results show that, the concentration of Azospirillum brasilense used caused null effects or inhibited growth and yield; manifested in leaf area reduction, leaf thickness and plant fragility increase, from the higher values of AFE; it also led to less production of biomass, producing reduction of the fruit size and weight.