Influence of Different Spent Mushroom Substrates on Yield, Morphological and Photosynthetic Parameters of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)

The present study aimed to evaluate fresh spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as a growing medium in soilless strawberry cv. ‘Honeoye’ production. Fresh SMS after commercial production of Agaricus bisporus, Lentinus edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus was used peat substitute 15 25% (v/v), for cultivation an unheated plastic tunnel. In the experiment, seven different substrates were studied, including (100%) control six combinations (prepared by mixing SMSs with peat). carried out randomized complete block design five replicates. results indicated that electrical conductivity (EC), pH, nutrient content varied among studied substrates. experiment also demonstrated significantly influenced yield, leaf area, dry plant weights. However, no significant differences observed selected photosynthetic parameters (Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, PIabs) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values evaluated Differences recorded Photochemical Reflectance (PRI) Modified Chlorophyll Absorption (MCARI) values. investigation revealed can be effective inexpensive (v/v). Therefore, such easy immediate utilisation could overcome associated disposal problems.