The influence of organic and chemical fertilization on new sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars obtained in Romania

During the past years, the production and demands for organic sweet peppers have increased.
Two cultivars of sweet peppers, ‘Cantemir’ and ‘Regal’, have been approved at Vegetable Research Development Station Buzau, Romania and the present study aim is to evaluate the behavior of the cultivars in four fertilization schemes: two variants with organic fertilizers (O1, O2), one variant with chemical fertilizers (Ch3) and one control variant, untreated (C). The aim of this study is to find the most efficient fertilization scheme and also to test the suitability of the cultivars in the organic and conventional fertilizing schemes.
During the vegetation period, biometric and phenological observations were made, dynamic growth was tracked and physicochemical analyses were performed on fresh fruit.
As a result of evaluation, it was found that the yield on the ‘Regal’ cultivar was not influenced by the fertilization scheme, while in the ‘Cantemir’ cultivar, the used fertilizers had different response.
Regarding dynamic growth, plant height and bush diameter was measured, the ‘Regal’ cultivar registering increasing values, managing to set flowers and fruits even in hot days of August; during this time, the ‘Cantemir’ cultivar had a period of stagnation.
The dry matter content was higher in the control variant; on the other hand, the content in soluble substances was higher on the variants with chemical treatments.
The content in lycopene recorded the highest values ​​for variant O2, 0.55 mg 100 mL^-1 at ‘Regal’ cultivar and 0.41 mg 100 mL^-1 at ‘Cantemir’ cultivar.
Nonetheless, the β-carotene content responded differently to the cultivars: the ‘Regal’ cultivar recorded the value of 0.77 mg 100 mL^-1 in O1 variant, while the ‘Cantemir’ cultivar had a value of 0.91 mg 100 mL^-1 in O2 variant.
Following the research, it can be concluded that the cultivars can be successfully grown both in conventional and organic farming system.

IV International Symposium on Horticulture in Europe – SHE2021

E. Barcanu, O.L. Agapie, I. Gherase, B.E. Tănase, G. Negosanu, C. Vinatoru, M. Drăghici

conventional farming, ecological, ascorbic acid, lycopene, carotene

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1327.30