THE EFFECTS OF SOME SUBSTRATES AND FOLIAR FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PEPPERS UNDER GREENHOUSE CONDITIONS

Peppers (Capsicum annum L.) cvs. Sakata F1 E1988, F1 9240 and F1 E9383A were grown in soil, peat and pumice substrates under greenhouse conditions in 1991–1992. Nutri-leaf (0.6%), Polarosate (0.07%) and Nitrozyme (0.2%) were used as foliar fertilizers. Plants were grown in bag cultural system. The first foliar fertilizers were sprayed when the seedlings were 50 days old. The second and third treatments were given after intervals of a month. The plants were grown on full strength nutrient solution, including all macro and micro nutrient elements. Data were determined on leaf composition, fruit chemical characteristics and yield. The foliar fertilizers and media used have affected plant growth and yield. Nitrogen, P, K, Ca Mg and Fe content of leaves were determined and they were significantly influenced by substrates and foliar fertilizers. The highest vitamin C content (43.4 mg/100 ml) was obtained in fruits of F1 E9383A plants treated with Nutri-leaf in peat. The content of total soluble solid was higher in E1988 fruits than other cultivars. The highest total yield (1447 g/plant) occured in E1988 plants treated with Nutri-leaf and grown in peat, whereas the lowest yield (421 g/plant) was obtained with control plants of E9383A grown in pumice.