Pepper Seeds Research Articles

Improvement of morphophysiological parameters of pepper after the seed pre-sowing treatment with zinc nanoparticles

Advanced nanotechnologies allow synthesizing nanoparticles (NPs) with given physical and chemical properties providing an opportunity to study the effects and mechanisms of NPs influence on plants in order to improve their productivity. In this study, Zn NPs introduced in the polymer coating were used as a preparation for pepper seeds pre-sowing treatment. It was found that Zn NPs in concentrations of 10–5% and 10–6% in polymers accelerated plant growth and led to a significant increase in the number of leaves and buds, root mass volume being increased by an average of 10–30% compared to the control. After seed treatment with 10–6% Zn NPs the increase of proline content in plant leaves grew by 58% (p ≤ 0.05), protein content by 20% (p ≤ 0.05); treatment of seeds with Zn HPs at 10–5% concentration led to sugar content enlargement by 36% (p ≤ 0.05), chlorophyll by 52% (p ≤ 0.05) as compared with control.

Development of anti-corrosion, structural, and optoelectronic potential of Capsicum annuum-Doped AA6063 alloy for marine applications

The study explores the potential of incorporating pepper waste as a reinforcement material in aluminium AA6063 composites, with focussing on the morphological, mechanical, electrochemical, and optoelectric properties. Pepper wastes, including stalks and seeds, were carbonised, pulverized, and sieved to yield 75 μm particulates. These were mixed with molten AA6063 alloy via stir casting, with the pepper content ranging from 0% to 25% by weight. The composites were characterised using hardness testing, electrochemical evaluation, optoelectrical analysis, and morphological analysis. Hardness tests revealed that the 25% pepper-reinforced sample exhibited the highest hardness value of 37 HRB, a 31.7% increase over the control sample. Electrochemical evaluations showed significant improvements in corrosion resistance, with the corrosion potential (Ecorr) of the 25% pepper-reinforced sample reducing to −0.59 V and the corrosion rate decreasing to 7.69 mm/yr. Optoelectrical testing indicated enhanced conductivity in samples with higher pepper content, with the 25% reinforcement achieving a conductivity of 0.1979 (Ωm)⁻1. Morphological tests, such as SEM and XRD, revealed the uniform distribution of pepper particles and the occurrence of several phases that contribute to the composite's improved properties.

THE EFFECT OF LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZER OF ALOE VERA (Aloe vera L.) AND COFFEE GROUNDS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF CAYENNE PEPPER PLANTS (Capsicum frutescens L.)

This research aims to determine the effect of liquid organic fertilizer from aloe vera (Aloe vera L.) and coffee grounds on the growth and yield of cayenne pepper plants (Capsicum frutescens L.). The type of research used by researchers is experimental research with a Randomized Group Factorial Design (RGFD). The samples used were 75 cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) seeds of the Bara variety. The observation parameters used in this research were plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), and plant fresh weight (grams). The results of data analysis showed that there was no effect of liquid organic fertiIizer from aloe vera (Aloe vera L.) and coffee grounds on the growth and yield of cayenne pepper plants (Capsicum frutescens L.). In the plant height parameter is smaller than , namely 1,070 < 1,85 at the age of 14 DAP, 0,978 < 1,85 at the age of 28 DAP, 1,747 < 1,85 at the age of 42 DAP, 1,373 < 1,85 at the age of 56 DAP, 1,238 < 1,85 at age 70 DAP, and 1,096 < 1,85 at age 84 DAP. In the number of leaves parameter is smaller than 0,738 < 1,85 at the age of 14 DAP, 1,059 < 1,85 at the age of 28 DAP, 0,981 < 1,85 at the age of 42 DAP, 0,833 < 1,85 at the age of 56 DAP, 0,154 < 1,85 at age 70 DAP, and 0,798 < 1,85 at age 84 DAP. In the fresh fruit weight parameter, is smaller than for 84 DAP, namely 0,798 < 1,85.

Purification, Structural Characterization, and Anticandidal Activity of a Chitin-Binding Peptide with High Similarity to Hevein and Endochitinase Isolated from Pepper Seeds.

With the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, microbial agents have become a serious global threat, affecting human health and various plants. Therefore, new therapeutic alternatives, such as chitin-binding proteins, are necessary. Chitin is an essential component of the fungal cell wall, and chitin-binding proteins exhibit antifungal activity. In the present study, chitin-binding peptides isolated from Capsicum chinense seeds were characterized and evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial effect against the growth of Candida and Fusarium fungi. Proteins were extracted from the seeds and subsequently the chitin-binding proteins were separated by chitin affinity chromatography. After chromatography, two fractions, Cc-F1 (not retained on the column) and Cc-F2 (retained on the column), were obtained. Electrophoresis revealed major protein bands between 6.5 and 26.6kDa for Cc-F1 and only a ~ 6.5kDa protein band for Cc-F2, which was subsequently subjected to mass spectrometry. The protein showed similarity with hevein-like and endochitinase and was then named Cc-Hev. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD054607. Next, we predicted the three-dimensional structure of the peptides and performed a peptide docking with (NAG)3. Subsequently, growth inhibition assays were performed to evaluate the ability of the peptides to inhibit microorganism growth. Cc-Hev inhibited the growth of C. albicans (up to 75% inhibition) and C. tropicalis (100% inhibition) and induced a 65% decrease in cell viability for C. albicans and 100% for C. tropicalis. Based on these results, new techniques to combat fungal diseases could be developed through biotechnological applications; therefore, further studies are needed.

Nanopriming with Zinc–Molybdenum in Jalapeño Pepper on Imbibition, Germination, and Early Growth

The jalapeño pepper is a vegetable of great economic importance worldwide. However, low germination efficiency, weak seedlings, and a high mortality rate during transplant compromise the viability and sustainability of the crop. An innovative solution is the nanopriming technique, an emerging and novel technology, which involves the imbibition of seeds for a specific period using mineral nanoparticles. The addition of micronutrients such as zinc and molybdenum has been used in seed germination and early seedling development due to their crucial roles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using zinc–molybdenum nanopriming in jalapeño pepper on germination and early growth. The results showed that applying nanopriming (124–10 mg L−1 of zinc–molybdenum) promotes the effectiveness on the imbibition and germination of jalapeño pepper seeds, resulting in heavier seeds with a better initial absorption. This method not only improves germination rates and seedling vigor, but also points towards more sustainable and efficient agriculture. Building on these findings, the zinc–molybdenum nanopriming method could potentially transform jalapeño pepper cultivation by enhancing seed quality and resilience. Nanopriming could help increase crop yields and minimize reliance on chemical inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, which might reduce production costs and environmental impact.

Evaluation of Mineral Contents and Antioxidant Ability of Black Pepper Seed Oil by Soxhlet and Cold Pressing

Evaluation of Mineral Contents and Antioxidant Ability of Black Pepper Seed Oil by Soxhlet and Cold Pressing

Development of a CRISPR/SHERLOCK-Based Method for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Selected Pospiviroids.

Pospiviroids infect a wide range of plant species, and many pospiviroids can be transmitted to potato and tomato. Pospiviroids continue to be a major production constraint as well as of quarantine concern for the movement of germplasm, and are regulated in several countries/regions. The USDA APHIS issued a federal order requiring all imported tomato and pepper seeds be certified free of six pospiviroids of quarantine significance. The six pospiviroids of quarantine interest include CLVd, PCFVd, PSTVd, TASVd, TCDVd, TPMVd. Currently, those six viroids are detected by real-time RT-PCR. CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing has been increasingly used for virus detection in the past five years. We used a rapid Cas13-based Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter unLOCKing (SHERLOCK) platform for pospiviroid detection, determined the limits of detection and specificity of CRISPR-Cas13a assays. This platform combines recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with CRISPR and CRISPR-associated (CRISPR-Cas) RNA-guided endoribonuclease that is rapid and does not require expensive equipment, and can be adapted for on-site detection.

Drying kinetics and water adsorption properties of jalapeño pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum L.): A study aiming at their recovery and integral exploitation

Drying kinetics (DK) and water adsorption isotherms (WAI) of Jalapeño pepper seeds (JPS) were evaluated and modeled at different temperatures. The proximate composition, flavonoid content (FC), and total phenolic compounds (TPC) of JPS were determined. Furthermore, JPS oil was extracted and characterized. Five mathematical models were tested to describe the JPS drying kinetics at five temperatures (40–80 °C) as well as the effective diffusion coefficient (Deff) and activation energy (Ea) were calculated. The WAI of the JPS was determined at nine temperatures (8–72 °C) and five mathematical models were fitted to JPS adsorption data. Thermodynamic properties were also estimated. The JPS presented TPC (30.9 mg GAE/g), FC (17.4 mg catechin equivalents/g), fibers (54.8 g/100 d.b.), lipids (22.2 g/100 d.b.), and proteins (15.5 g/100 d.b.). The study on drying kinetics pointed out that the Weibull model best fitted to drying kinetics data, Deff increased directly to temperature, and the Ea = 30.302 kJ/mol. The GAB model presented good accuracy in describing the WAIs that were classified as BET Type II. The net isosteric heat of adsorption and differential entropy decreased with increasing EMC. Enthalpy-entropy compensation theory was corroborated and characterized the adsorption of JPS as enthalpy-driven and spontaneous.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Monks Pepper Seeds on some Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Humans

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Monks Pepper Seeds on some Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Humans

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) effect on germination and morphological parameters in alfalfa, tomato, and pepper

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are used in different processes, derived from this their presence in wastewater is common, concentrating in residual sludge. These residues are used as agricultural soil improvers, being a source of crop exposure. In this study, the effect of TiO2-NPs (450, 900, and 1800 mg L-1) on the germination of alfalfa, tomato, and pepper seeds was evaluated. The germination parameters were not different (p > 0.05) except for, the seed vigor index in alfalfa and pepper, and the mean germination time in tomato. The germination index was below 80% in 450 mg L-1 in tomato, which showed moderate phytotoxicity. Morphological modifications with differences (p < 0.05) were found in the three crops, mainly in the root. In tomatoes, the length of the main root, root hairs, and the width of the root tip were reduced but increased the width of the main root, piliferous zone, and the length of root hairs were. For alfalfa, root length and number of secondary roots augment. However, the stem, root tip width, and root villi were reduced. Finally, for pepper, the length, and width of the root and the piliferous zone were modified. Additionally, a concerning trend has been observed in the length of root hairs. TiO2-NPs affected germination and morphology in alfalfa, tomato and pepper seeds differently. Tomato was most negatively affected, with reduced root length and width. Alfalfa showed mixed effects, with positive impacts on some parameters but negatives on others. Pepper seeds responded positively overall, with improved germination and root length, despite some impacts on root morphology.

Aplikasi Berbagai Komposisi Bahan Baku Organik Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescens L.)

Fertilizer is a nutrient that is the main need for plants. One of the organic materials that is widely used as organic fertilizer is chicken manure which can have an influence on the availability of nutrients and improve the structure of soil which is very deficient in organic nutrients and can also fertilize plants. One of the dry leaves that has the potential to be used as organic fertilizer is ketapang leaves, which have a C-Organic nutrient content of 60.32%; N-Total 0.55 % ; P-Total 0.14 % ; K-Total 0.20%. In addition, the nutrient content of chicken feces is N 1%; P 0.80% ; K 0.40% and water content 55%. The wood powder content consists of chemical components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and extractive substances. This research method uses a completely randomized design, consisting of 5 treatments of various raw material compositions of chicken manure, dry ketapang leaves and wood dust. The ratio of the use of organic fertilizer and soil is 50: 50. This research aims to determine the height growth and number of leaves for cayenne pepper based on from various raw material compositions of chicken manure, ketapang leaves and wood dust. This research consisted of 5 treatments of various raw material compositions of chicken manure, dry ketapang leaves and sawdust. The ratio of organic fertilizer and soil was 50: 50. The results from observing plant height were that P1 was 6 cm high and the highest number of leaves on P2 was 7 pieces. However, the addition of organic fertilizer with various compositions does not have much effect on the growth of cayenne pepper seeds.

Effect of NPK fertilizer (16-16-16) concentration on the production and quality of cayenne pepper seeds (Capsicum frutescens L.) Bonita and Loblita varieties

One way to increase the production and quality of cayenne pepper seeds is by proper fertilization. The purpose of this study was to obtain the best concentration of NPK (16-16-16) fertilizer for the production and quality seeds of Bonita and Loblita varieties. This study used a nested design with a basic design of randomized group design consisting of 4 levels of NPK (16-16-16) fertilizer concentrations (0 g/l (control), 5 g/l, 10 g/l, and 20 g/l) and 2 varieties of cayenne pepper (Bonita and Loblita) using 3 replications. The concentration of 5 g/l NPK fertilizer (16-16-16) on the Bonita variety gave the best results on germination (85,33%), seed growth speed (24,73%/ethmal), and seed growth uniformity (84,33%). While in the Loblita variety, the concentration of NPK fertilizer (16-16-16) 10 g/l gives the best results on germination (83%), seed growth speed (11,31%/ethmal), and seed growth uniformity (64,33%).

Virtual parameter calibration of pod pepper seeds based on discrete element simulation

In order to achieve numerical optimization of the pod pepper seed sowing device, the contact parameters of pod pepper seeds were calibrated, with the angle of repose used as the response value. A set of discrete element method (DEM) models of pod pepper seeds was developed to simulate the formation of seed repose angles using reverse engineering reconstruction techniques. An eight-factor, three-level response surface experiment based on the Box-Behnken central combination test method was performed to study the effects of various factors on the angle of repose of seeds. The angle of repose obtained from physical experiments with a value of 27.56° was taken as the target value. The optimal combination of parameters is obtained as follows: seed Poisson's ratio of 0.22, seed shear modulus of 15.47 MPa, seed-to-seed static friction coefficient of 0.25, seed-to-seed rolling friction coefficient of 0.67, seed-to-seed collision recovery coefficient of 0.64, seed-to-steel-plate static friction coefficient of 0.55, seed-to-steel-plate rolling friction coefficient of 0.45, and seed-to-steel plate collision recovery coefficient of 0.34. A two-sample t-test of the angle of repose obtained by the cylinder lifting method and the pumping plate method against the target value yielded P > 0.05, indicating the reliability of the simulation experiments.

Novel coumarins from green sweet bell pepper seeds: Their isolation, characterization, oxidative stress-mitigating, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties

In an attempt to develop a potent, eco-friendly, and selective technique for isolating natural coumarins, this study introduced a novel extraction technique called kinetic thermomagnetic. It involved the application of four different variables: temperature, time interval, magnetic, and rotation speed. Phytochemical analysis was performed on the eighty one crude chloroform extracts of green sweet bell pepper seeds collected, identifying the presence of many botanical categories. Nine extracts were found to have the same two extraction variables—a 90-minute extraction period and a 55 °C extraction temperature—and to have the coumarin chemical class. Two of these extracts with coumarin were selected so that their coumarin contents could be chemically isolated and chromatographically purified. The molecular frameworks of four novel phytocoumarins have been discovered and differentiated by the analysis of their mass, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FTIR spectra. These phytocoumarins were found to have anticancer properties against eight malignant populations by MTT probing and to mitigate oxidative stress in human SH-SY5Y populations. Likewise, three and two related enzymes were used to specify the anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic capabilities, respectively. Comparing the isolated phytocoumarins to a positive control, the results showed that they had outstanding oxidative stress-mitigating properties, ranging from 71.51 to 81.48 %. Additionally, they demonstrated excellent cytotoxicity (IC50 values of 46.76–81.45 μg/ml) against the test malignant populations. The isolates also demonstrated an intriguing selective anti-inflammatory action, making them worthy of consideration as dual COX-2/5-LOX antagonists. Ultimately, when they submitted to the test against two blood-controlling enzymes, they showed a moderate antidiabetic effect. The authors concluded that by adjusting its factors, the approach used is effective and adaptable for extraction. Furthermore, natural-B4 in particular and other isolated phytocoumarins in general offer naturally derived remedies for alleviating oxidative stress and its related pathologies.

Unveiling the Biomedical Applications of Novel Coumarins Isolated From Capsicum Annuum L. Seeds by a Multivariate Extraction Technique.

For the first time, kinetic thermomagnetic extraction is a novel approach presented in this work. It required the application of four distinct variables: rotation speed (50, 75, and 100 rpm), magnetic field (0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 T), time interval (30, 60, and 90 min), and temperature (45, 55, and 65 °C). Numerous phytochemical categories were detected in the 81 crude chloroform extracts of green sweet bell pepper seeds that were collected, according to phytochemical analysis. Nine extracts were discovered to be linked to the coumarin chemical class and to have the same two extraction parameters: a 90-minute extraction duration and a 55 °C extraction temperature. To enable their coumarin contents to be chemically separated and chromatographically purified, two of these extracts containing coumarin were chosen. Four new phytocoumarins have been identified and their molecular structures distinguished using FTIR spectra, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass analysis. By using MTT probing, it was discovered that these phytocoumarins exhibited anticancer activities against eight malignant populations and reduced oxidative stress in human SH-SY5Y populations. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties were determined using three and two associated enzymes, respectively. The results demonstrated that the extracted phytocoumarins have exceptional oxidative stress-mitigating characteristics, ranging from 71.51 to 81.48 %, when compared to a positive control. Furthermore, they showed excellent cytotoxicity against the test malignant populations (IC50 values of 46.76-81.45 μg/ml). The isolates need to be taken into account as dual COX-2/5-LOX antagonists because they also showed a fascinating selective anti-inflammatory effect. The phytocoumarins under investigation have selectivity indices that are higher than those of the standards used, suggesting that they may have the ability to selectively block the COX2 enzyme that induces harmful inflammation. Compared to the standards, the phytocoumarins have a higher ability to block the catalytic activity of 5-LOX. This observation suggests that the phytocoumarins are powerful 5-LOX agents. Finally, they had a modest antidiabetic impact when tested against two blood-controlling enzymes. The authors came to the conclusion that the technique adopted is flexible and successful for extraction after modifying its components. Moreover, isolated phytocoumarins in general and natural-B1 in particular provide naturally derived solutions for oxidative stress and its associated diseases.

Cayenne Pepper Seed Partnership Sustainability Strategy (Case Study of "You Seed" Company Jember East Java)

Jember is one of the Cayenne pepper-producing districts in East Java. It is among the top 10 cayenne pepper producers in East Java and has the potential to contribute raw materials for cayenne pepper seeds. One of the superior seed-producing companies in Jember Regency is PT. Benih Unggul Sejati or You Seed Company. The company partners with cayenne pepper farmers in Jember to get raw seed materials. The higher demand for seeds is a problem, namely the farmers' lack of raw seed materials in stock. Farmers often provide seeds from their cayenne pepper harvest in quantities below the target set by the company. The sampling method uses a total sampling of 28 respondents. The data collection method uses observation, interview, and literature study methods. The research methods used are descriptive and quantitative. The results of the study are the sustainability strategy of the partnership that exists between the company PT. Benih Unggul Sejati and cayenne pepper seed farmers, namely the company strengthening emotional relationships with partner farmers through increasing the frequency of visits to partner farmers' land; the company provides capital loan assistance of up to 50% of the total cost of cayenne pepper farming expenses to partner farmers; utilizing waring technology in the cayenne pepper cultivation process; expanding the sales market for cayenne pepper seeds both nationally and internationally and cooperating with fellow IPBH member companies.

Molecular characterization and host reaction to tomato mottle mosaic virus isolated from sweet pepper seeds in Japan.

Many countries have identified tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) as a serious threat to tomato production. Here, we constructed and characterized infectious clones of ToMMV isolated from Japanese sweet pepper seeds. The genome of the Japanese isolate is 6399 nucleotides in length and exhibits thehighest identity withpreviously characterized isolates. For example, it is 99.7% identical to that of the Mauritius isolate, which occurs worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete genome sequences revealed that the Japanese isolates clustered in the same clade as those from other countries. When homozygous tomato cultivars with tobamovirus resistance genes were inoculated with an infectious cDNA clone of ToMMV, the virus systemically infected tomato plants with symptoms typical of Tm-1-carrying tomato cultivars. In contrast, tomato cultivars carrying Tm-2 or Tm-22 showed symptoms only on the inoculated leaves. Furthermore, when commercial cultivars of Tm-22 heterozygous tomato were inoculated with ToMMV, systemic infections were observed in all cultivars, with infection frequencies ranging from 25 to 100%. Inoculation of heterozygous sweet pepper cultivars with tobamovirus resistance genes (L1, L3, and L4) with ToMMV resulted in an infection frequency of about 70%, but most of the infected L1, L3, and L4 cultivars were symptomless, and 10-20% showed symptoms of necrosis and yellowing. Tomato mosaic virus strain L11A, an attenuated virus, did not provide cross-protection against ToMMV and led to systemic infection with typical symptoms. These results suggest that ToMMV might cause extensive damage to existing tomato and sweet pepper cultivars commonly grown in Japan.

Capsicum annum L. Storability Vigor and Estimation of Its Genetic Parameters

One of the problems of horticultural seeds is the lack of quality of seeds. This experiment aims to evaluate the methods of rapidly pouring hybrid, non-hybrid, local, introduced cayenne pepper seeds and large quantities produced in 2014 and 2016. Non-hybrid seeds were 4 production genotypes in 2014 and 4 in 2016. The hybrid seeds used were 10 production genotypes in 2014 and 8 in 2016. The data analysis used is an analysis of the regression line's angle of inclination, which is the angle resulting from the comparison of the ordinate and abscissa. Based on the results of rapid pouring tests using 20% methanol for 0, 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-hour information, the storability of seeds produced in 2014 was better and higher than in 2016 Therefore, hybrid chili seeds and non-hybrid chili seeds have the same seed storability vigor, as well as between local vs introduced chili seed also large chili seed vs cayenne pepper.

Preliminary screening of plant essential oils from an oceanic climate zone (NW Spain) for the control of equine cyathostomins

Cyathostomins (Strongylida: Cyathostominae) are gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) that affect equines in many parts of the world. Due to anthelmintic resistance (AR), it is necessary to search for control alternatives. The objective of the study was to carry out a screening of 26 essential oils (EOs) from plants to determine in vitro their action on cyathostomins. Essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation from leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds of the selected species and used against the eggs of cyathostomins by means of the tests of egg hatching and larval motility inhibition. For each EO, different concentrations were prepared (250, 125, 62.5, 31.3, 15.6, 7.8, 3.9, 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 and 0.24 mg/mL). Oxfendazole at 2.5% mixed with closantel 5% was used as positive control, and PBS served as negative control. Cyathostomin eggs were obtained from feces of infected horses and infective larvae were recovered after coproculture. The in vitro test was carried out 36 h after the challenge with the EOs. The highest production of EOs was obtained from leaves of bay, eucalyptus, mallow, and basil, as well as from seeds of black pepper, coriander, cinnamon, anise, and peel of orange and cloves, cumin, and Lawson’s cypress. The oils extracted from laurel leaves, ground cinnamon, anise, cumin, and coriander seeds had a very high effect on cyathostomins eggs up to concentrations lower than 3.9 mg/mL. Therefore, in addition to the uses against other pathogens such as fungi and bacteria, some EOs might attain great importance as an alternative control strategy in the control of nematode eggs.

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY OF THE TECHNOLOGY OF HANDLING DIGESTATE OF DIFFERENT GENESIS

In the modern world, biogas technology is gaining momentum as an ecological alternative to the production of biofertilizer after anaerobic fermentation of various types of waste. Due to the large amount of organic, nutrient and biologically active substances, biogas digestates are often applied directly to the soil as an organic fertilizer to improve soil quality and increase yield. The purpose of the article is to determine the ecological safety of the digestate obtained after anaerobic fermentation of chicken litter and sewage sludge, as part of a biocomposite for soil purification from heavy metals. The methodological basis of this study are experiments on the phytotoxicity of digestate samples based on the results of the germination of pepper seeds in Petri dishes using aqueous solutions of untreated digestate and digestate treated with phosphogypsum. The expediency of choosing a phosphogypsum treatment method was due not only to the possibility of reducing the presence of pathogens in digestates, but also to obtain a biocomposite capable of adsorbing harmful elements from the soil and feeding it with necessary substances. Using the germination index, the level of phytotoxicity of digestate based on various organic wastes was assessed, the effectiveness of the use of digestate as a biological fertilizer was substantiated. It was determined that digestate based on sewage sludge became an ecologically safe substrate for the germination of pepper seeds. Digestate from chicken litter treated with phosphogypsum on the 20th day of anaerobic fermentation showed a phytotoxic effect on pepper seeds. Indicators of the germination index increased on the 30th day of anaerobic fermentation, which indicates a decrease in the toxicity of the material after the end of the anaerobic fermentation process. In general, a germination index higher than 50% was observed in all samples of untreated digestate and a greater number of samples of treated digestate for both substrates. The article provides recommendations for evaluating the maturity of digestate using the seed germination index as a quick indicator for determining the phytotoxicity of substrates and, accordingly, the level of environmental safety of the material for soil and plants.