Effect of three different substrates on growth and yield of two cultivars of Capsicum annuum

Effect of three different substrates on growth and yield of two cultivars of Capsicum annuum

2009

E01132

Greenhouse production of sweet peppers is gradually increasing in Kuwait as a response to increased consumer demands for local fresh produce. The major growing media currently in use are perlite and peatmoss. Since peatmoss is now considered to be a limited resource, interest to explore other relatively inexpensive substrates is of great importance in the country. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of three substrates on growth and yield of two cultivars of sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum cv. Yara; green and Piment Doux; red). Three substrates were considered in this study including; growing medium 1 (M1); peatmoss and perlite were mixed in the ratio of 1:1 (v/v) (this will be considered as control), medium 2 (M2); peatmoss, perlite and vermicompost 2:2:1 (v/v/v) and growing medium 3 (M3) comprised of peatmoss, perlite, vermicompost and cocopeat mixed in the ratio of 1:4:3:2 (v/v/v/v). The Capsicum annuum cultivars were grown in a simple and environmentally friendly soilless technique (Closed Insulated Pallet System, CIPS). A basic characteristic of CIPS is that water moves from a reservoir below the plant container through a capillary wick and then through the growth medium to the roots. Results showed that these cultivars responded differently to different substrates under this investigation. Furthermore, these substrates had significant effects on cultivars heights, number of leaves, chlorophyll index and plants’ total yields. Mean water uptakes for both varieties were significantly lower in all 3 media tested compared to the control.

v.28(2):227-233, EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

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