Foliar fertilization with zinc in Capsicum baccatum L. var. pendulum under organic management

Zinc (Zn) is a trace element necessary for the development of the plants involved as protein constituent and related to enzymatic processes. Its deficiency can cause low yield and a poor-quality product. A trial was conducted in an organic ‘Escabeche’ pepper (Capsicum baccatum L. var. pendulum) field with an alkaline soil between March and October 2019. Four levels of Zn sprayed on the foliage (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 kg ha^‑1) were compared. Fruit number plant^‑1, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn content in leaves and fruits, yield and fruit quality were measured. A randomized block design with three replications was used. Zn foliar application was measured on five occasions, starting 20 days after transplanting and then every 15 days. A positive response was observed to Zn foliar application in yield and number of fruits getting the highest values with 0.5 kg of Zn ha^‑1 with an increase in 9.43 and 13.75%, respectively, in comparison to the control. Negative responses were observed in the other Zn treatments. Looking at the mineral concentration in the tissue, there were significant differences only with iron (Fe) in leaves, the highest concentration being observed using 1 kg Zn ha^‑1. As conclusion, levels greater than 0.5 kg Zn ha^‑1 produce plant toxicity in ‘Escabeche’ pepper under organic management.