Effects of biological and mineral fertilization on the growth, nutrition, and yield ofCapsicum chinenseunder greenhouse conditions

摘要

Habanero peppers (Capsicum chinenseJacq.) are cultivated in the American continent and consumed around the world for their flavor, aroma, and biofunctional compounds in addition to being used as a food colorant. Increasing the production and quality of peppers using biological and mineral fertilization represents a challenge for producers. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the application of microorganism consortia on the plant growth, nutrition, and fruit yield ofC.chinenseunder greenhouse conditions. Bonasol(R)(Azotobactersp.,Azospirillum brasilense,Pseudomonas fluorescens,Bacillus subtilis, andRhizophagus intraradices) and Lilasol(R)(Bacillus popilliae,Bacillus thuringiensis, andPurpureocillium lilacinum) consortia were added at two mineral fertilization levels (75% and 100%). The Bonasol(R)consortium increased the plant height and stem diameter ofC.chinenseplants by 16.7-18.7% and 20.1-25.2%, respectively, and the number of flowers per plant by 84.7%. Consequently, fruit yield expressed as t ha(-1)was enhanced by 32.4% and 46.1%, regarding to the mineral fertilization at 75% and 100%, respectively. Additionally, fruit quality was improved, as evidenced by heavier (17.8%) and longer (5.19%) fruits. Aerial (65.6%) and root (116.5%) biomass were also higher compared to non-inoculated plants. The microorganism consortia did not increase the N and P content inC. chinenseleaves, but the Lilasol(R)consortium did increase the foliar K content. In conclusion, the mixture of the plant growth-promoting and mycorrhizal fungus in the Bonasol(R)consortium increased the plant growth and production ofC. chinense.