Effects of cultural cycle and nutrient solution electrical conductivity on plant growth, yield and fruit quality of 'Friariello' pepper grown in hydroponics

Abstract

Amalfitano C., Del Vacchio L., Somma S., Cuciniello A., Caruso G. (2017) 'Friariello' pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was grown with nutrient film technique (NFT) in order to evaluate the effects of four nutritive solutions, at electrical conductivities (EC) of 3.5, 3.8, 4.1, 4.4 mS/cm, in two cultural cycles (wintersummer versus spring-autumn) on growth, yield and fruit quality. In the winter-summer cycle, fruit yield was significantly higher than in the spring-autumn one. The 3.8 mS/m EC resulted in the highest yield in the winter-summer crops, whereas the 4.1 mS/m EC was the most effective under the spring-autumn cycle. Water consumption was 34% higher in winter-summer than in spring-autumn season. The 3.8 mS/m EC caused the highest water consumption, whereas a 25% reduction was recorded under 4.4 mS/cm. The macronutrients absorption was the highest with 3.8-4.1 mS/cm EC and the lowest with 3.5 mS/cm. Fruits harvested in late summer and berries obtained under 4.4 mS/cm EC mostly showed the best quality. The fruit ascorbic acid and α-carotene content was higher in late summer than in late spring and all fruit antioxidants attained the highest values with 4.4 mS/cm EC.

Extension of Aquaponic Water Use for NFT Baby-Leaf Production: Mizuna and Rocket Salad

“…This result could be due to the different climatic conditions experienced by the plants during the 2nd growth cycle (more irradiance and higher air temperatures) that can greatly affect the nutrient uptake of the crop. This is in agreement with the findings reported in soilless culture by Urrestarazu et al [32] in two cucurbit crops and by Amalfitano et al [33] in "Friariello" pepper.…”

Tomato’s Green Gold: Bioeconomy Potential of Residual Tomato Leaf Biomass as a Novel Source for the Secondary Metabolite Rutin

“…Although the experiment with young tomato plants suggests that longer stress treatments would increase foliar rutin levels, stress treatments exceeding 3 weeks will not comply with farmers’ schedules. Instead, further inexpensive abiotic stresses, such as changes in growing temperature by passive cooling or warming due to increased/reduced ventilation, osmotic stress by application of salt 23 or desiccation of plants, or spraying of elicitors, should be evaluated. Here, special focus should be put on a fast stress response, to maximize induction while minimizing the period, during which the greenhouse must be operated.…”

“…18,20 Nitrogen deficiency is applicable in commercial production of greenhouses but has so far only been investigated to enhance the secondary metabolite content of fruits or medicinal plants. 21 Further abiotic stresses that could be applied to selectively trigger plant secondary metabolism include, e.g., drought, 8,22 osmotic stress by application of salt, 23 spraying of growth regulators, 24 and changes in growing temperature by passive cooling or warming due to increased/reduced ventilation. 25 Depending on the available greenhouse technology, active regulation of growing temperature and increased irradiation by growth lights are possible but associated with costs.…”

Production, Leaf Quality and Antioxidants of Perennial Wall Rocket as Affected by Crop Cycle and Mulching Type

“…When the produce is addressed to fresh market, the crop cycles of perennial wall rocket are carried out in sequence from autumn to spring or from spring to summer, the cultivation season showing significant effects on yield and quality performances of D. tenuifolia [5] as well as of other vegetable species [6][7][8]. The transplant is usually practiced on mulched ridges, as the soil cover allows for a reduction of crop duration, a better weed management and an improved produce quality.…”