There are many problems in the field of agriculture to improve the sustainability of farmed products. Increasing the production costs are one of these problems. In order to investigate the effects of silicate under varying nitrogen and potassium fertilizer levels on perennial sweet pepper plants cultivated in a greenhouses for two consecutive years of (2018/2019 and 2019/2020) by maintaining a balance between vegetative and fruit growth. The experiments were conducted in four greenhouses; the area of each greenhouse was 240 m 2 . Each experiment included 12 treatments, three potassium silicate concentrations (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 g l -1 ) under four combined treatments of NK ( 25, 50, 100, 125% ) of the recommended dose. Nitrogen doses were 47.5, 71.25, 95.0 and 118.75 kg N fed-1 added via irrigation water while K doses were 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25 g as K2O doses, which was added by spraying on the leaves of sweet pepper plants (Marvel F1). The results showed that sweet pepper plants fertilized with NK fertilizers at 125 % with potassium silicate at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 g l -1 achieved the highest significant increases in mean values of total leaf area plant -1 compared to untreated plants in both seasons. In addition, increasing levels of NK fertilizers from 50 to 125% of the recommended dose led to increases in relative fruit yield. Furthermore, the results showed that the addition of 0.5 g l -1 of potassium silicate to sweet pepper plants led to a significant increase in the total yield and average fruit weight.

Two similar cold storage experiments were conducted to investigate the main and interaction effects of kaolin foliar application (Kao) and deficit irrigation (DI) at different physiological stages on quality attributes of green beans pods (Phaseolus vulgaris L) Paulista cv., during cold storage (7 ±1 °C). DI has been applied by skipping one irrigation at different physiological stages (DI-Vegetative growth, DI-Flowering and DI-Ripen) plus normal watering, as a comparison treatment. Kaolin clay (Kao-C) foliar spray has been applied with different concentrations (without kaolin, Kao-1= 12.5 g / L and Kao-2 = 25 g / L) weekly after the first irrigation till the ripening time (a total of five times). Skipping one irrigation either DI-Vegetative or DI-Vegetative combined with Kao-1 or Kao-2 had a noticeable positive effect on N, total soluble solids (TSS), and dry matter, in addition to reducing the percentage of weight loss after 14 days of cold storage. Based on the obtained results, Implementing one irrigation skip either during the vegetative growth stage or during the maturity and harvesting stage, in conjunction with kaolin treatment, to conserve about 25% of irrigation water, while preserving the quality characteristics of green bean pods. Deficit irrigation Kaolin foliar application Green beans Cold storage Water stress

Two field experiments were consecutively conducted during the fall seasons of 2018 and 2019 to examine the main and interactive effects of kaolin foliar application (Kao) and deficit irrigation (DI) at different physiological stages on physiological functions and pods quality of (phaseolus vulgaris L.). DI has been applied by skipping one irrigation at different physiological stages (DI-Vegetative growth, DI-Flowering and DI-Ripen) plus normal watering, as a comparison treatment. Kao-C foliar spray has been applied with different concentrations (without kaolin, Kao-1= 12.5 g / L and Kao-2 = 25 g / L) weekly after the first irrigation till the ripening time (a total of five times). The experimental layout was a Split-Plot System depending on Randomized Complete Blocks design with 3 replications. DI occupied the main plot and Kao foliar application allocated at the sub-plots. Kao foliar application enhanced drought stress tolerance in common bean plants by improving photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm and PI) and plant water status as evaluated by membrane stability index and relative water content. The results showed that skipping one irrigation either DI-vegetative or DI-ripen combined with foliar spraying of kaolin (Kao-1 or Kao-2) had a noticeable positive effect on leaves chemical contents (N, P, K, chlorophyll, carotenoids and TSS) and plant water status (relative water content (RWC) and membrane stability index (MSI)), as well as pods chemical contents (N, P, chlorophyll, carotenoids, TSS), and fruit firmness.Deficit irrigation kaolin foliar application green beans water stress physiological functions

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