Effect of Irrigation Amount in Rockwool and Cocopeat Substrates on Growth and Fruiting of Sweet Pepper During Fruiting Period

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of irrigation amount in rockwool (Dry master, Grodan Co.) and cocopeat (chip : dust = 50 : 50 included fiber) substrates on growth and fruiting of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L. 'Cupra') during fruiting period. The irrigation amount during fruiting period (4 weeks after rooting) was managed by 150-75 mL/plant/time in rockwool and cocopeat slabs. The lesser irrigation amount during fruiting period resulted in lower water content in both slabs. Water content in stab remained higher at cocopeat than at rockwool. Sixty five percent water content in the slab was maintained by 112 mL/plant/time irrigation in cocopeat and 150 mL/plant/time irrigation in rockwool. The lesser irrigation amount during fruiting period caused the higher EC in root zone. EC change in the slab was dependent on the amount of irrigation. The EC change in slabs was more stable at cocopeat with 3.0-5.0 ds/m than in rockwool with 3.0-8.0 ds/m. The growth and fruit size were better and bigger at cocopeat slab than at rockwool. Lower irrigation amount in both slabs during fruiting period reduced the plant growth, fruit size, pericarp thickness and fruit weight but increased the soluble solid contents of fruits. The less irrigation amount during fruiting period appeared to reduce fruit set at rockwool but to increase fiuit set at cocopeat. The fruit productivity of cocopeat slab was higher at 75-112 mL/plant/time irrigation amount than at 150 mL/plant/time.