Influence of genotype and propagation method on yield, fruit quality, and biochemical composition of strawberry under semi-arid conditions

Strawberry yield and quality in semi-arid regions depend critically on genotype selection and propagation method. We evaluated six cultivars (Rubygem, Amiga, Sweet Ann, Kabarla, Festival, and Fortuna) propagated via frigo and fresh seedlings under open-field conditions in Diyarbakır, Turkey, across two consecutive years to determine optimal cultivar-propagation combinations for challenging environmental conditions. Genotype and seedling type significantly influenced yield, color parameters, soluble solids, phenolic compounds, organic acids, sugars, and ascorbic acid (p ≤ 0.05). Frigo seedlings ensured earlier flowering and 123% higher yields (216.84 vs. 97.13 g/plant), with Rubygem achieving maximum productivity at 331.72 g/plant. However, fresh seedlings produced 11% brighter fruit with 23% higher pelargonidin content (38.4 vs. 31.2 ppm), demonstrating a yield-color quality trade-off. Soluble solids remained unaffected by propagation method (10.7°Brix), with Amiga and Rubygem showing highest levels (12.1 and 11.6°Brix). Phenolic profiles were cultivar-dependent: Festival and Amiga dominated in quercetin (42.1 and 39.8 ppm), Fortuna in pelargonidin (41.8 ppm), and Kabarla in ellagic acid (4.30 ppm). Frigo plants accumulated 39% higher ellagic acid (2.71 vs. 1.95 ppm), suggesting enhanced stress-protective mechanisms. Festival exhibited highest citric acid (1.19%), while Kabarla showed superior succinic acid (0.58%). Total sugars were highest in Rubygem (9.11 g/100 g FW) and frigo Festival (10.20 g/100 g FW). Fresh Festival demonstrated exceptional ascorbic acid (77.6 ppm), 41% higher than frigo counterparts. Multivariate analysis revealed strong negative correlation between pelargonidin and yield (r = − 0.59), confirming resource allocation trade-offs. Rubygem, Amiga, and Sweet Ann emerged as optimal choices for semi-arid production, while Festival represents valuable germplasm for vitamin C enhancement and climate-resilient breeding programs.