THE EFFECTS OF SOME SUBSTRATES ON YIELD AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PEPPER UNDER GREENHOUSE CONDITIONS

Peppers (Capsicum annum L.) cvs. Sakata F1 E1988, F1 9240, F1 E9383A were grown under greenhouse conditions to determine the effect of growing medium on yield and quality, and the chemical composition of leaves in 1991–1992. Soil, perlite, peat, sand and pumice were used as growing medium. Plants were grown in bag culture system with full strength nutrient solution including all macro and micro nutrient elements. Irrigation and fertilization were carried out in accordance with the Grace-Sierra Company suggestions, taking the physiological stages of plants and seasons into account. Data of yield, fruit weight, ascorbic acid values, total soluble solid, and composition of leaf were determined. Leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg content were significantly influenced by cultivars and growing media. Total soluble solid (4.52 %) was the highest in peat medium in F1 E1988 fruits. The highest total yield 1228 g/plant occured in F1 E1988 cultivar grown in peat medium whereas the lowest yield (437 g/plant) was obtained in F1 9240 plants grown in pumice.