Response of red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to foliar applications of zinc

Abstract

An open-field study considering the responses of red pepper plants to foliar applications of zinc (Zn) was conducted with the aim to understand its effect on fresh fruit yield (FFY) and paste yield (PY), and some physical and quality properties of the fruits. Four different doses of Zn (control 0.0%, 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.20%) were applied from the plant leaves as zinc sulfate (ZnSO4.7H(2)O). The effect of Zn applications on plant height (PH) and crop canopy percentage (CCP) was in a positive direction. The longest plants were obtained from 0.10% Zn application. Treatments of 0.10% and 0.20% Zn positively affected the weight (FW), diameter (FD) and height (FH) of pepper fruits, significantly increased compared to control. The highest FFYs were obtained from 0.10% and 0.20% Zn applied plants. PY increased 33% in response to 0.10% Zn treatment when compared with control. The highest fruit dry matter (DM) was obtained from both applications (0.10% and 0.20% Zn), while the highest soluble solids content (SSC) was determined at 0.20% Zn application. These results indicate that foliar application of Zn could be considered for red pepper cultivation to improve plant development, yields and some quality properties, particularly in regions where Zn insufficiently is high.