Growth, Yield and Blossom-End Rot Incidence in Bell Pepper as Affected by Phosphorus Level and Amino Acid Applications

This study was conducted to examine the possibility of enhancing productivity and reducing blossom-end rot (BER) incidence in bell pepper (Capsicum annumn L.). Four rates of phosphorus application (30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha(-) (1) of P2O5) were combined with two commercial naturally occurring amino acid stimulants (Amino green and Aminofort). Water was used as a control treatment as well. Plants were sprayed with 500 ppm of solutions three weeks after transplanting. Increasing P application rate increased vegetative growth, fruit yield, fruit quality (fruit size, TSS, acidity and vitamin C.) and nutritional elements content (N, P, K and Ca). However, it was showed that the phosphorus level of 90 kg ha(-) (1) had no significant differences to the level of 120 kg ha(-) (1) for most parameters measured. Furthermore, P-applications had a remarkable effect on reducing blossom end rot, probably due to a positive effect on water uptake and Ca acquisition. In addition, positive effects on the vegetative growth parameters, individual fruit weight and number of fruits were showed concerning the amino acid used. Fruit quality in terms of total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity and ascorbic acid contents were also improved compared to control. Aminofort was superior in its effect as Amino green. However, the tested amino acids showed no effect on BER incidence.