EFFECT OF FOLIAR AND SOIL APPLICATION OF SOME RESIDUALS OF SUGAR CANE PRODUCTS (MOLASSES AND VINASSES) WITH MINERAL FERTILIZER LEVELS ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF SWEET PEPPER

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of some residuals of sugar cane products i.e., molasses and vinasses on the vegetative growth, yield and quality of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cv. CaliforniaWonder in the Experimental Farm of Kaha research Station, Qalubia Governorateduring two summer seasons of 2017 and 2018 years were studied. The experiment was set up using split- plot design with three replicates where the fertilization rates with three percents (50%, 75% and 100%) from the recommended mineral fertilization of sweet pepper were assigned in the main plots, while the foliar and the soil application of molasses and vinasses with two rates (4% and 6% as foliar spray) and applied to soil with two rates (60 and 120 L/ fed.) were distributed in the sub plots. The results of this study indicate that, the highest rates from recommended mineral fertilization 75 % and 100% compared with 50% showed significant increase on the vegetative growthcharacters, yield and its component as well as fruit quality. Concerning to the influence of the treatments of foliar spray or soil application of molasses and vinasses recorded significant differences increases on the vegetative growth characters i. e.; plant length, stem diameter, number of branches and leaves / plant, leaf area/plant and dry weight of plantas well as fruit characters and fruit yield with best quality in both growing seasons.The best treatments were the highest rates from molasses or vinasses (6% as foliar spray) or obtained from using (120 L/ fed. as soil application) compared with the other treatments. Regarding to the interactions between mineral fertilization levels and foliar spray or soil application of molasses and vinasses. The same data clear significant effect of the previous treatment on all vegetative growth parameters and fruits yield with best quality of sweet pepper plants. The superior values were observed with 75 % and100 % of the recommended mineral fertilization with adding molasses or vinasses either soil application at the rates of 60 or 120 L/fed or foliar spray at rate of 6% comparing to mineral fertilizer alone. Generally it can said that, addition of some residuals of sugar cane products i. e., molasses or vinasses improved the vegetative growth and fruits yield with best quality of sweet pepper plants compared with the control (mineral fertilization only) and save 25% from the fertilizer recommendation and recognized the highest benefit cost ratio.