Abstract

CHAMU-BARANDA, Juan Antonio et al. Response of sweet pepper to partial root drying in hydroponic and greenhouse. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2011, vol.2, n.1, pp.97-110. ISSN 2007-0934.

This study was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the effect of two levels of residual humidity on the substrate, using the technique of partially drying the root, on growth, yield, water relations and gas exchange for sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) Cannon F1. The experiment was carried out in 2009, in the Montecillo Campus of the Colegio de Postgraduados en Ciencias Agrícolas, Mexico. Treatments were distributed under a design completely at random, with four repetitions as follows: 1) SPR80-80, with a split root and residual humidity of the substrate in both containers ≥80%; 2) SPR80-30, with a split root and residual humidity of the substrate in one of the containers ≥80% and the other ≥30% with alternance cycles; and 3) control, with a complete root system, and a residual humidity of the substrate ≥80%. Fertilization was performed through drip irrigation, with Steiner solution (1984) at an osmotic potential of -0.046 MPa. During the experimental period, variables related to growth, yield, water relations, gas exchange and fruit quality were measured, undergoing variance analysis and the Tukey test at 5% probability. Results show that plants under PDR80-30 were 24% more water and fertilizer efficient than the control treatment, and increased soluble solids without altering the growth and of the plants in a significant manner.

Keywords : Capsicum annuum L.; gas exchange; split root system; water efficiency; water relations.