Integrative effects of nutrients and hormonal regulation on quality and postharvest physiology of strawberry

Strawberries are nutrient-sensitive plants, and controlling nutrient levels is crucial for their growth and development. This review synthesizes current evidence on the roles of essential nutrients: boron (B), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn) as well as key phytohormones, including auxins [indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA)], abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA). Based on our study, the application of these factors to strawberry cultivars as pre- and post-harvest treatments significantly enhances plant growth and development, influencing flower development, fruit production, and quality improvement. Both B and Zn influence flower development. All nutrients and bioactive compounds contribute to the enhancement of biochemical attributes and the improvement of physical fruit characteristics, including fruit size, weight, number of fruits per plant, and marketable yield. In particular, auxins, MeJA, and SA enhance anthocyanin levels. Additionally, B, Ca, ABA, SA, and MeJA help prevent fruit softening, maintain fruit firmness, and extend postharvest life. Lastly, B and Ca offer a promising strategy for mitigating a range of pathological and physiological disorders.