ISHS Acta Horticulturae 481: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
GROWTH OF PLUG SEEDLINGS OF CAPSICUM ANNUUM AS AFFECTED BY ION CONCENTRATION AND NH4: NO3 RATIO OF NUTRIENT SOLUTION |
| Authors: | B. Jeong, E. Lee |
| Abstract:
Pepper is the biggest vegetable crop in Korea and pepper seedlings are the major products of plug greenhouses nationwide. However, so far there are no fertilizer solutions developed specifically for raising pepper seedlings. In this study we examined the growth of pepper plugs as affected by ion concentration and NH4:NO3 ratio in nutrient solutions. Seeds of Capsicum annuum L. cv. Nogkwang were sown in 72-cell plug trays, and were germinated in a chamber of 25 °C and 99 % RH for three days before transfer to a greenhouse bench. Seedlings were grown in a plastic greenhouse, and were fertilized with nine different nutrient solutions, which consisted of three levels, 19.0, 25.0 & 31.0 meq.l-1, of total ion concentration (TIC) and three ratios, 0:100, 15:85 & 30:70, of NH4:NO3 concentration. Growth was measured and growing mix was examined for pH and EC 46 days after seeding. Plant height and number of leaves decreased as TIC decreased, but were not affected by NH4:NO3 ratio. Stem diameter was significantly reduced in the treatment of 19 meq.l-1 TIC. Leaf area decreased as TIC decreased and NH4:NO3 ratio increased. Fresh and dry weights, especially those of leaf, in treatment of 19 meq.l-1 TIC, and in treatment of 30:70 NH4:NO3 were significantly lower. Seedlings grown with 19 meq.l-1 TIC had reduced chlorophyll concentration. Medium pH was not affected by NH4:NO3 ratio, but was lower at 31 meq.1-1 TIC. Medium EC was affected by the treatment, but did not show a consistent trend. Marketable seedlings were raised with TIC as low as 25 meq.l-1 and NH4:NO3 ratio as high as 30:70 without detrimental effect. | |
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