Abstract
Local varieties represent a heritage for plant biodiversity and, thanks to their resilience, are characterized by a better adaptation and rusticity to environmental variables. This work reports the morphological and physiological responses of a local ecotype of sweet pepper grown in Southern Italy, i.e., Altino, to N and light supplied at optimal and sub-optimal levels. In 2017, two open-field experiments were set up, comparing increasing N rates (0, 100 and 200 kg N ha−1, 0_N, 100_N and 200_N, respectively) and different percentages of shading and/or manipulations of the transmitted solar radiation, obtained through photoselective nets (red net, RN; black net, BN; unshaded Control). The unfertilized plants reduced growth (by 32% on average, at 83 days after transplanting, DAT), especially in terms of number of leaves, leaf area and effectiveness (chlorophyll content) of photosynthetic apparatus; no differences were recorded among fertilization treatments. On the other hand, the shading avoidance mechanisms resulted in higher biomass partitioned to leaves at the expense of sink organs, the building of more expanse (higher total leaf area) and thinner (higher specific leaf area and lower leaf-cuticular waxes) photosynthetic apparatus, and in a greater concentration of leaf pigments. The effects on yield and fruit quality of Altino ecotype deserve to be further explored.
Highlights
Capsicum annuum L. is one of the most cultivated and economically important vegetable species worldwide, being widespread on an area that exceeds 1.5 million hectares, including both spicy and sweet peppers [1,2,3]
The Altino ecotype is a typical niche of the horticultural product of the Abruzzo region (Southern Italy), and it is included in the traditional list of local products; fruits are harvested at maturity and left to air-dry to obtain a powder to be used in many typical culinary dishes
The application of two photoselective nets sharply affected both the amount and quality of the radiation transmitted to the canopy with respect to Control
Summary
Capsicum annuum L. is one of the most cultivated and economically important vegetable species worldwide, being widespread on an area that exceeds 1.5 million hectares, including both spicy and sweet peppers [1,2,3]. The latter is mainly cultivated in the Mediterranean Basin where Italy represents one of the most important countries in the world, especially in south Regions [3].
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