Evaluation of Fragaria x ananassa in an aquaponic system with Oncorhynchus mykiss and substrate culture conditions

Aquaponics is the combination of recirculating aquaculture with hydroponics for the clean production of food. However, studies have focused on leafy greens plants and not on fruit plants, rendering crop diversification in aquaponic systems a challenge. Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) are the most traded red fruit in the world, and Colombia is an important producer in the region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of 'Monterey' strawberry in an aquaponic system and a culture system with substrate in a contained bed. Growth in both systems was determined from nondestructive and destructive sampling during the vegetative and reproductive stages. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth parameters and water quality variables were estimated. The number of reproductive structures and yield was higher in the aquaponics plants, indicating precocity in the reproductive stage under this culture system. Significant differences were observed in the dry weight of crowns, being higher in the system of contained beds, which suggests a predominance of vegetative growth of the plants in this system. Water quality conditions remained within the appropriate ranges for the species evaluated. Strawberry growth and yield was considerably better in the aquaponic system compared to the contained bed system. This work shows that this system can be a viable alternative to produce fruiting plants such as strawberries.