Responses of roots and leaves in nine varieties of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to water saturated rhizosphere

Abstract

Water saturated rhizosphere (WSR) can be caused by partial submergence of growing substrate such as in floating culture system (FCS). This WSR directly influence metabolism and development in root and leaves. This study focused to assess responses of root and leaves of nine Indonesian varieties of chili peppers exposed to two levels of WSR conditions, i.e. 1/3 WSR (W1) and fully WSR (W2). These WSR treatments were compared to untreated control plant (C0). The results showed that WSR treatments decreased leaf parameters such as number of existing leaves at end of treatments, SPAD value, total leaf area (TLA), specific leaf dry weight (SLDW), and relative turgidity (RT). Effect on root parameters included decrease of root length (RL) and ratio of root dry weight (RDW). However, 1/3 WSR treatment exhibited higher values of both root and leaf parameters than those of control plants in some varieties. There were comparable patterns of RLER in the 1/3 WSR treated plants (W1) and untreated control (C). Based on results of this study, it is recommendable to allow up to 1/3 lower part of growing substrate to be submerged in floating culture system of chili pepper