Abstract
Optimal conditions for micronutrients availability should be guaranteed to plants to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Despite their poor environmental sustainability, the use of synthetic metal chelators (e.g. EDTA) is therefore rather common in horticultural crops. In this study we evaluated the potential use of amino acids and orthosilicic acid as valid metal carriers in strawberry plants. Results showed a significant increase of photosynthetic rate, Zn and Si leaf content in plants treated with amino acids or orthosilicic acid combined with Zn. The use of amino acids in combination with Zn was therefore proved useful to optimize the physiological and nutritional conditions of strawberry plants.