The influence of nutrition on production of container-growth ornamental peppers

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted to study the influence of nutrition on the production of container-grown Capsicum annuum 'Fips': the first was a central composite design which examined the influence of five rates of N, P, K and lime: 0 to 600 g N m⁻³, 0 to 400 g P m⁻³ , 0 to 332 g K m⁻³ and 0 to 12 kg lime m⁻³. The second experiment was a 4 X 2 X 2 factorial with 4 rates of Mg from 0 to 450 gm⁻³ , 2 rates of P at 50 and 400 gm⁻³ and 2 rates of K at 83 and 415 gm⁻³. The third experiment was a simple randomised block design with 5 rates of K from 300 to 700 gm⁻³ Strong responses to N and K were noted while P had a moderate influence. Lime had no apparent effect at low N rates but influenced growth significantly at high N by raising the pH from 4.2 to 5.8. There was no response to added Mg. Foliage growth, plant quality and fruiting were optimal at 600 g N, 300 g P and 500 g K m⁻³. Lime at 6 kg m⁻³ was recommended (optimum pH 5.8 - 6.1). Suggested tissue composition of good quality ornamental pepper 'Fips' are given as 3.4 to 3.8% N, 0.4% P, 4.6% K, 3.4% Ca, and 1.4% Mg.