Trials on soilless culture of peppers in plastic-house

摘要

In greenhouse studies during 1991 and 1992, peppers (Capsicum annuum cv. Drago) grown during the autumn on the substrates rockwool and perlite were compared with plants grown by the traditional system used in the region, in sand-mulched clay loam soil. Peppers grown in the substrates ripened significantly earlier than those grown in the soil/sand system. This resulted in a higher proportion of red peppers which commanded higher prices. There was also a higher yield of second-class fruit grown on the substrates, but the average fruit weight was lower than with the soil/sand system. Water consumption and fertilizer requirements were lower for plants grown in soil/sand compared with the substrate-grown plants. Water use efficiency was better in perlite than in rockwool.