Resumen

CORTES-FLORES, Crispín et al. Iodine increases the growth and mineral concentration in sweet pepper seedlings. Agrociencia [online]. 2016, vol.50, n.6, pp.747-758. ISSN 2521-9766.

Iodine is a non-essential element for plants, despite inducing positive responses in their growth and metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of the use of iodine (as KI) via the leaves to promote growth of sweet pepper (Capsicum annum) seedlings. The hypothesis was that applying this element will increase the growth rate and the content of antioxidants in seedlings. A completely randomized experimental design was carried out with six treatments (0, 10, 15, 30, 45, 50 μM KI L-1) and three repetitions; the experimental unit was one tray with 50 cavities. Data were analyzed with an ANOVA and averages were compared with a Tukey test (p≤0.05). Four applications of KI were performed on the leaves: the first application when the first leaves appeared; the second one, 7 d later; and the third and fourth, in 14 d intervals. When taking samples, 10 seedlings were harvested for every treatment, in which their height was measured, along with the stem diameter, foliar area, and dry weight. Using these data, we calculated the growth indices: net assimilation rate, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, and specific foliar area. The antioxidant activity and concentration of iodine and other mineral elements were also measured. Results showed significant increases in height, stem diameter, and dry weight with the application of 10 and 15 μM of KI. Antioxidant activity and iodine concentration in seedlings was proportional to the concentration of KI applied, whereas the concentration of other elements responded positively only with 10 and 15 μM of KI.

Palabras llave : Seedlings; growth indices; sweet pepper; nurserybeds.