Effect of foliar fertilization of Capsicum annuum L. together with optimal root fertilization in hydroponic culture on fruit yield and its capsaicin content

Abstract

The Wrocław version of hydroponic culture was applied. The optimal dose of mineral nutrient solution for root-fertilizing was found to be 19,6g and 22,4g of mineral salts per one plant during the whole vegetation season. In a separate experiment plants with optimal root fertilization were sprayed with multicomponent solutions of mineral salts. The sprays were applied weekly for 15 weeks. The concentrations of solutions for spraying were: 0,28, 0,84 and 1,4 per cent. The greatest increase of fruit yield was noted after the 0,84 per cent solution. At optimal concentration of spray solution (0,84%) chelating agents added (EDTA or humate) had no effect. Addition of the chelating agents to the 1,4% solution attennated its inhibitory effect. The humate gave a better effect than EDTA. A tenfold increase of microelements content (6 mg/l of each instead of 0,6 mg/l) in 0,28 per cent spray solution produced a marked increase of the yield of fruits and of their capsaicin content.