Sweet Pepper Cultivars Research Articles

低温弱光对甜(辣)椒幼苗几种生理指标变化及相关性研究

研究低温弱光条件下不同甜辣椒品种各个生理指标的变化及相关性分析，探索甜(辣)椒耐低温弱光性的鉴定指标。以6个甜(辣)椒品种为参试材料，以茄门(不耐低温弱光对照，CK1)和湘研1号(耐低温弱光对照，CK2)为对照材料，在低温弱光条件下，研究了幼苗叶片7个生理指标的变化及其与植株冷害指数的相关性分析。处理14 d，21 d的叶片SOD、CAT活性与植株冷害指数均呈极显著负相关，处理21 d的叶片丙二醛含量和渗透率与植株冷害指数均呈极显著正相关，处理14 d的叶片可溶性蛋白、脯氨酸含量与植株冷害指数均呈极显著负相关，这6个指标可作为甜(辣)椒幼苗耐低温弱光性的鉴定指标。 To study the changes and correlations of various physiological indexes of different sweet pepper cultivars under low temperature and low light conditions, and explore the identification indexes of low temperature and low light resistance of sweet (pepper) pepper. In order to study of sweet (hot) pepper seedlings leaf change of seven physiological indexes and its correlation with chilling injury index. Six sweet (hot) peppers varieties (with Qiemen and Xiangyan one as control) were chosen to investigate on low temperature and weak light. On fourteen and twenty-one days, relations between SOD and CAT activity and chilling injury index was a significant negative correlation; On twenty-one days, Malondialdehyde content and permeability were significant positive correlation with plant chilling injury index; On fourteen days, between proline content and soluble protein content were significant negative correlation with plant chilling injury index. There indicators can be used as a sweet (hot) pepper positive indicator of low temperature and poor light stress.

Selection of rootstocks for better morphological characters and resistance to low-temperature stress in the sweet pepper cultivar ‘Hongxing No. 2’

To promote the stress resilience of sweet pepper crops (Capsicum annuum L.) and phase out the use of pesticides and other environmentally harmful materials, grafting has been used to integrate biotic or abiotic stress-resistance characteristics with sustainable crop production. This study aimed to determine the changes in the morphological characteristics, physiological features and low-temperature resistance of the sweet pepper cultivar ‘Hongxing No. 2’ grafted onto five rootstocks (‘No. 14’, ‘No. 15’, ‘No. 16’, ‘Jiaozhen108’, and ‘J4-908’) and itself. The morphological features of the aerial organs and roots of the different graft combinations were monitored, as were the activities of active oxygen-scavenging enzymes. Most morphological and physiological characteristics were significantly improved in the graft combination No. 2/Jiaozhen108, which indicated that Jiaozhen108 had a higher graft affinity with Hongxing No. 2 than the other rootstocks. No. 2/Jiaozhen108 also had a higher resistance to low temperatures. Therefore, the Jiaozhen108 rootstock is considered a quality candidate for grafting with the sweet pepper cultivar Hongxing No. 2, providing a theoretical basis for the screening and greenhouse production of low-temperature resistant stocks.

Effects of grafting combinations on the nutritional composition of pepper fruit

Introduction. Interest in grafting onto rootstocks resistant to soil-borne pathogens has risen since the phasing-out of methyl bromide, an efficient soil disinfectant. In this study, we have evaluated the putative effect of rootstock–scion combinations on pepper fruit nutritional quality in relation to grafting, an effect that is sometimes overlooked. Materials and methods. As the scions, we used two representative sweet pepper cultivars, ‘Almuden’ and ‘Coyote’, and as rootstocks ‘Foc’ and ‘Charlot’, both resistant to Phytophthora capsici and Meloidogyne incognita . Dry matter, soluble solids, proteins, phenolics, and vitamin C content, as well as eight minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, and Zn) were measured in fruits from non-grafted, self-grafted, and grafted plants. Results and discussion. Differences in the fruit composition were found, depending on the genotype, rootstock, or rootstock–scion combination. The main effects were as follows. Higher values of °Brix, phenolics, P, Mg, and Na were found in the fruit of ‘Coyote’ whereas the vitamin C and Fe levels were higher in ‘Almuden’ fruit. The dry matter, protein, and K concentrations were higher in the fruit from grafted plants with respect to the values from non-grafted plants, especially in the fruit from plants grafted onto ‘Charlot’ and ‘Foc’ rootstocks (increases of 11.8%, 17.6%, and 9.6%, respectively; when average values of the four combinations of these rootstocks). Fruit from ‘Almuden’ and ‘Coyote’ plants grafted onto the rootstock ‘Foc’ had lower °Brix values (about one degree less than the control) and lower values of phenolics were also obtained when used this rootstock (14.4% less than for the control). On the other hand, the P concentration was higher in the fruit of ‘Coyote’ grafted onto ‘Charlot’ (17.2% higher than for the control). This combination also exhibited the highest fruit K concentration (226.70 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight). Conclusion. From a nutritional point of view it is important to evaluate and select the best rootstock–scion combinations: in our assay, this was ‘Charlot’–‘Coyote’ the fruit of which showed the highest °Brix and K, P, and protein concentrations.

Comparison of anti-oxidant activities and fruit quality attributes in four sweet bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars grown in two soilless media

ABSTRACTThis work was carried out to study the effects of two soilless media consisting of 80:20 [volume/volume (v/v)] mixtures of mosspeat and perlite, or cocopeat and perlite, on fruit quality and anti-oxidant activities in four cultivars of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): ‘Traviata’ (green), ‘Inspratian’ (red), ‘Aracia’ (orange), and ‘Taranto’ (yellow). The results showed that the composition of the medium had a significant effect on the anti-oxidant composition and activities of the bell pepper fruit. Plants grown on 80:20 (v/v) mosspeat and perlite had significantly higher pericarp firmness, titratable acidity, total phenolic compound concentrations, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability, and the hydroxy free-radical (•OH) scavenging ability. Fruit on plants grown on 80:20 (v/v) cocopeat and perlite had significantly higher vitamin C concentrations. Among the four cultivars tested, ‘Inspratian’ (red) was superior in more factors including pericarp thickness, dry matter content, titratable acidity, total soluble solids content, total phenolic concentration, DPPH scavenging ability, and vitamin C concentration. There was a significant interaction between cultivar and soilless medium composition, indicating that the response of bell pepper cultivars varied in the different media. The results of the present study highlight the importance of comparing soilless media in terms of their effect on fruit crop quality and anti-oxidant activity.

Integration of perception capabilities in gripper design using graspability maps

Agricultural environments impose high demands on robotic grippers since the objects to be grasped (e.g., fruit) suffer from inherent uncertainties in size, shape, weight, and texture, are typically highly sensitive to excessive force, and tend to be partly or fully occluded. This paper presents a methodology for evaluating the influence of perception capabilities on grasping and on gripper design using graspability maps. Graspability maps are spatial representations of grasp quality grades from wrist poses (position and orientation) about an object and are generated using simulation. A new module was developed to enable the insertion of object pose errors for testing the effects of perception inaccuracies on grasping. The methodology was implemented for comparing two grippers (Fin-Ray and Lip-type) for harvesting two sweet-pepper cultivars. A 3D model of each gripper was constructed and suitable grasp quality measures were developed and validated in a physical environment. Task and gripper-specific grasp quality measures were developed for each implementation. Sensitivity analyses included varying pepper dimensions and perception inaccuracies. These were followed by analyses of the influence of gripper design parameters on grasp capabilities. Results indicate that the Lip-type gripper is less sensitive to inaccuracies in object orientation, while both grippers are similarly sensitive to inaccuracies in object position. Specific perception system demands and design recommendations are given for each gripper, and cultivar. The results illustrate the importance of integrating perception analysis in the gripper design phase and the utility of the graspability simulation tool for design analysis.

Assessment of functional compounds and antioxidant properties of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuumL.) under middle hill conditions of western Himalayas

Sweet pepper or capsicum is one of the most important vegetables. It is rich in nutrients beneficial to human health. The eight sweet pepper cultivars, viz., SP-701, SP-24, EC-579997, SP-7, SP-19, DARL-70, DARL-71 and capsicum violet were grown in middle hill conditions of western Himalayas at an altitude of 5500 feet above the sea level. The content of ascorbic acid, β Carotene, phenolics and antioxidant activity were analyzed at three ripening stages (green, intermediate and red). There was gradual increase in ascorbic acid content, β Carotene, phenolics and antioxidant activity from green, intermediate to red ripened stages. Among the genotypes, DARL 70 had highest amount of ascorbic acid content (mg/100 g), i.e., 278 (Green), 350 (Intermediate) and 454 (Red) followed by genotype DARL 71, i.e., 269 (Green), 315 (Intermediate) and 443 (Red). Genotype Violet Capsicum exhibited the highest β Carotene content i.e., 547.16 (Green), 612.30 (Intermediate) and 865.30 (Red). Maximum increase in phenol content from green, intermediate to red stage, i.e., 64.5, 116.2 and 172.3 respectively was found in the genotype Capsicum Violet. Capsicum Violet also showed highest antioxidant activity of 1.14 IC50 followed by SP 7 (1.28 IC50). Selection for high ascorbic acid, phenolics, β Carotene and high anti oxidant activity will result in cultivars with improved functional quality. These selected genotypes may be useful as parents in hybridization program to produce fruits with good nutritional quality and antioxidant rich hybrids and varieties.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Sweet Pepper Plants Grown Hydroponically

A 2-year study (2012–13 and 2013–14) was conducted to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulator’s (PGRs) on plant growth, yield, and quality of hydroponically grown sweet peppers. In 2012–13, sweet pepper plants were subjected to two levels of gibberellic acid (GA3) (10 and 15 mg·L−1), two levels of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (15 and 30 mg·L−1), and four combinations of NAA and GA3 (10 mg·L−1 GA3 + 15 mg·L−1 NAA, 10 mg·L−1 GA3 + 30 mg·L−1 NAA, 15 mg·L−1 GA3 + 15 mg·L−1 NAA, and 15 mg·L−1 GA3 + 30 mg·L−1 NAA) applied to plants at flower initiation in a non-temperature-controlled tunnel. This PGR application was repeated 60 days after transplanting (DAT). In 2013–14, in addition to previously mentioned treatments, two levels of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), at 30 and 45 mg·L−1, were applied at flower initiation followed by three additional applications of the latter treatments at 20-day intervals in a temperature-controlled tunnel. Marketable and total yield were markedly reduced by application of 4-CPA at 30 and 45 mg·L−1. Plant height was increased by application of GA3, and GA3 in combination with NAA, compared with application of 4-CPA, 30 mg·L−1 NAA, and the control. Results also showed that application of GA3 at 10 and 15 mg·L−1 or in combination with NAA increased plant fresh and dry mass as well; however, this had no beneficial effect on the yield of sweet pepper fruit. The application methods and concentrations of various PGRs needs further investigation under different growing conditions on sweet pepper cultivars.

Effect of plant density on yield and quality of different cultivars of sweet pepper

An experiment was conducted on effect of plant density on yield and quality of different cultivars of sweet pepper at Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad during the year 2009-2010. The experiment was laid out in 3×5 Factorial Randomized Block Design having 15 treatments and 3 replications. The treatment T 8 (variety Lucky star-165 with spacing 60×45cm) was found to be superior and statically significant over other treatment combinations, which recorded highest plant height (34.50cm), plant spread (60.66cm), number of leaves/plant (137.00), number branches/plant (9.57), time of flower bud initiation (52.41 day after transplanting), number of flower buds/plant (74.66), number of flowers/plant (51.20), number of fruits/plant (4.25), fruit length (4.91 cm), fruit yield (916.33g/plant), fruit yield (33.93t/ha), vitamin-C (130mg/100g) and T.S.S (17.26 %).

ФИТОПАТОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА ГЕРМОПЛАЗМЫ ВИДА CAPSICUM ANNUUM L. (ПЕРЕЦ СЛАДКИЙ И ЧИЛИ) ИЗ ГЕНОФОНДА ВСЕМИРНОГО ЦЕНТРА ОВОЩЕВОДСТВА (AVRDC) В УСЛОВИЯХ АРАРАТСКОЙ ДОЛИНЫ АРМЕНИИ

On an experimental basis of the Scientific Center of vegetable, melon and industrial crops (Republic of Armenia) 20 accessions of the world germplasm of Capsicum annuum L. (sweet pepper, chili) provided by the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC) have been studied. The accessions resistant to such diseases as verticillium wilt (Verticillium albo-atrum Reincke), bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum (= Pseudomonas solanacearum), tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), blossom end rot of fruit, and tip-burn have been selected. These genotypes of chili and sweet pepper are the promising initial material in breeding for resistance to common diseases. In collaboration with other breeders, five varieties of peppers were developed and released: sweet pepper cultivars Natalie, Emily, Miles, and chili cultivars Zita and Gita.

Endophytic bacteria fromCapsicum annuumvar.grossumcultivars and their inhibitory effects onListeria monocytogenes

Endophytic microorganisms living inside plant tissues might have numerous positive effects on the host plants. Endophytes can promote the growth and yield of the plant, help to remove contaminants from the tissues, and can suppress growth of pathogens; however, some enteric human pathogenic bacteria have also been isolated as endophytes. The aims of our study were the characterisation and identification of endophytic coliform bacteria isolated from different cultivars of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) using a selective (VRBL) agar medium, and determination of antagonistic interactions between these endophytes and Listeria monocytogenes. The bacterial isolates showed heterogeneity based on their phenotypic and genotypic properties. Results of identification by molecular biological methods also confirmed the presence of different genera/species. When the antagonistic effect of the isolated endophytic bacteria was tested it was found that one isolate — identified as Pseudomonas putida — showed s...

Non-destructive postharvest quality monitoring of different pear and sweet pepper cultivars

Postharvest quality changes of two pear and five sweet pepper varieties during cold storage (2±1 °C and 10±1 °C, respectively) and shelf-life (22±2 °C and 20±1 °C, respectively) by non-destructive optical methods (laser backscattering imaging, chlorophyll fluorescence analysis, surface colour measurement) and texture analysis methods (acoustic impulse-response technique, impact method) were determined and monitored. The rate of the change of ‘Conference’ pears’ Fv/Fm chlorophyll fluorescence parameter was lower than for ‘Bosc kobak’, referring to the cultivar characteristic and photosynthetically active chlorophyll content related maturity and colour change. Acoustic and impact stiffness decreased during shelf-life, referring clearly to temperature related textural change. Taking into account the seven different measuring wavelengths (650–1064 nm), laser scattering parameters showed significant and cultivar dependent changes versus time during cold storage and shelf-life. The used non-destructive methods were found to be suitable for objective sweet pepper quality determination. Cold storage combined shelf-life resulted in a relatively longer shelf-life, with a lower intensity and rate of quality decrease in time, based upon mass loss, stiffness, surface colour, and chlorophyll fluorescence changes. ‘Gigant’, ‘Carma’, and ‘Kárpia’ cultivars were found to be favourable, but ‘Kais’ and ‘Kun’ hot pepper samples were really sensitive to quality degradation.

Podridão apical e escaldadura em frutos de pimentão submetidos a estresse hídrico e doses de silício

As respostas da planta de pimentão submetida ao estresse hídrico são pouco conhecidas. A busca por indutores de resistência ao estresse hídrico (como a adubação silicatada) pode ser uma importante medida para reduzir os efeitos negativos desse estresse abiótico. Dessa forma, o objetivo desse estudo foi testar a hipótese de que a adubação silicatada aplicada via foliar pode atenuar a incidência de anomalias causadas pelo estresse hídrico na qualidade dos frutos de pimentão. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido na área experimental de olericultura do Instituto Federal Goiano, câmpus Urutaí-GO. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com parcela subdividida no espaço, em esquema fatorial 3x4, sendo três doses de silício (0,0, 4,3, 8,6 kg ha-1) na forma de silicato de potássio (K2SiO3) e quatro tensões de água no solo de aproximadamente -15, -25, -35 e -45 kPa, totalizando 12 tratamentos, com quatro repetições. Os níveis de água no solo para a produção do pimentão, cultivar híbrido Magali-R, variaram desde a suficiente oferta de água até o déficit hídrico e, também, valores intermediários. Vinte e uma aplicações foliares de silicato de potássio foram efetuadas semanalmente ao longo do experimento. O aumento da tensão de água no solo e a ausência do silicato de potássio estiveram correlacionados com a incidência da podridão apical nos frutos. Nenhum dos dois fatores estudados influenciou a incidência de escaldadura nos frutos de pimentão. No total foram 129 frutos de pimentão com podridão apical e 70 com escaldadura, representando 2,14% e 1,16% do total de frutos colhidos.

OVERCOMING OF UNILATERAL INCOMPATIBILITY OF SWEET PEPPER CV. BELOSNEZHKA AND KARLIK BY COLD STRESS OF POLLEN

The article describes a technique for overcoming the unilateral cross- incompatibility of of sweet pepper cultivars Belosnezhka and Karlik ( Capsicum annuum L.) by pre- coating the stigma of the parental plants by own frozen pollen (fertile, but lost fertilizing capacity) in order to initiate the necessary changes in the tissues of the pistil that ensures germination of pollen tubes of foreign pollen , successful fertilization and hybrid seeds formation.

Susceptibility of Eight sweet Pepper cultivars to infestation with Tetranychus urticae, Aphis gossypii and Thrips tabaci

Field experiments were conducted to estimate the susceptibility of eight sweet pepper cultivars, i.e. Bella yellow, Bella red, Jumbo yellow and Roxy red at Giza governorate and Carmen yellow, Toranto yellow, Inspition red and Blocky red at Behera governorate to infestation with Tetranychus urticae Koch, Thrips tabaci Lind and Aphis gosspii Glover. Their population fluctuations during the two successive seasons, (2008/9) and (2009/10) at Giza and Behera gorvrnorte, revealed that Roxy red cultivar was the most highly susceptible to T. urticae infestation recording averages of 131.5 and 162.4 mite moving stages/leaf, while Jumbo yellow cultivar was the most highly susceptible to aphis and thrips recording averages of 161.15 and 114.39 Aphis gossypii and 75.78 and 92.00 Thrips tabaci L. during the two successive seasons respectively at Giza governorate.

Phenolic compounds as defence response of pepper fruits to Colletotrichum coccodes

Qualitative and quantitative changes of individual and total phenolics induced by Colletotrichum coccodes fungal infection have been studied in two susceptible sweet pepper cultivars ‘Soroksari’ and ‘Bagoly’, and the role of soluble phenolic compounds in plant's defence mechanism has been evaluated. Three distinct parts were analysed on pepper fruit: healthy tissue, anthracnose lesion, and bordering tissue, and individual phenolic compounds have been identified with the use of HPLC-MS system. In pepper fruit pericarp 21 phenolic compounds have been determined; the prevalent apigenin, quercetin and luteolin glycosides, chlorogenic acid and one chrysoeriol glucoside. C. coccodes infection increased the accumulation of chlorogenic acid, chrysoeriol glucoside, quercetin and luteolin glycosides in infected bordering tissue of both analysed pepper cultivars compared to healthy pepper tissue or symptomatic spot. Total apigenin derivatives did not show a significant increase in bordering tissue compared to the healthy pepper fruit in contrast to other groups of phenolics. This suggests a lesser role of apigenin glycosides in pepper plant defence against the Colletotrichum fungus. Intense phenolic synthesis was characteristic for the bordering zone between the healthy and infected plant tissue resulting in higher total phenolic content which might hinder the fungus to spread from the infected cells into the healthy tissue.

Effect of growing conditions at greenhouse on vitamin E content in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits

The studies on effect of growing conditions on vitamin E content in fruits of two cultivars of sweet pepper (Bendigo F<sub>1</sub> and Lamuyo F<sub>1</sub>) were carried out. The influence of growing substrate type (sphagnum peat or rockwool, Flormin, Poland), season of fruits harvesting (Summer or Autumn) and dosages of mineral Iiquid nutrition were investigated. It was found that fruits of sweet pepper grown in rockwool contained more vitamin E than those from sphagnum peat substrate (ring culture), during Summer harvesting„ ln Autumn differences appeared too. but most of them were not statistically proved. The sweet pepper fruits harvested at Summer contained more vitamin E than fruits from Autumn. There were not significant differences among vitamin E level in fruits of the plants cultivated in rockwool at different dosages of fertilizers.

Effect of sweet pepper cultivation on the content of phytotoxic phenolic compounds in substrates

The aim of the conducted study was to determine to what extent the cultivation of sweet pepper lowers the phytotoxicity of a substrate. The examined material was a highly phytotoxic substrate due to repeated cucumber growing on it. This substrate was a mixture of pine and beech bark, low peat and sawdust. Five sweet pepper cultivars: Amador, Bell Boy, Culinar, Poznańska Słodka and WSE 2/82 were planted. During vegetation of the sweet pepper phytotoxicity and phenolics levels were determined in the substrate. It was found that cultivation of sweet pepper had a significant effect on lowering phytotoxicity and phenolics content in the substrate. Among the five tested cultivars, the highest detoxicating ability was exhibited by Amador, Culinar and WSE 2/82 while the Poznańska Słodka did not show such abilities.

Stress treatments and in vitro culture conditions influence microspore embryogenesis and growth of callus from anther walls of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Production of doubled haploids (DHs) is a convenient tool to obtain pure lines for breeding purposes. Until now, the easiest and most useful approach to obtain pepper DHs is via anther culture. However, this method has an associated possibility of producing calli from anther wall tissues that would be coexisting in the anther locule with embryos derived from microspores. Using two established protocols for anther culture, Dumas de Vaulx et al. (Agronomie 2:983–988, 1981) and Supena et al. (Sci Hort 107:226–232, 2006a; Plant Cell Rep 25:1–10, 2006b) callus and embryo development was assessed in four sweet pepper cultivars. For all genotypes tested, the protocol of Dumas de Vaulx et al. (Agronomie 2:983–988, 1981) promoted both embryo development and callus growth, whereas the protocol of Supena et al. (Sci Hort 107:226–232, 2006a; Plant Cell Rep 25:1–10, 2006b) produced no callus but only embryos. However, differences in embryo production were observed among these genotypes. In parallel, anthers were exposed to a 35 °C inductive heat shock for 4, 8, 12 and 16 days, prior to culture at 25 °C. The duration of the heat shock had significant effects in embryo production, but also in callus generation. Callus generation increased with prolonged exposures to 35 °C. Embryo and callus origin was analyzed by flow cytometry, light microscopy and molecular markers. Tests conducted demonstrated a gametophytic origin for all of the embryos tested, and a sporophytic origin for all of the calli. Together, our results reveal that culture conditions have a significant influence on the presence of calli derived from anther walls, which could be minimized by reducing heat shock exposure and/or using a shed-microspore approach.

Produção de Pimentão Cultivado em Ambiente Protegido e Submetido a Diferentes Lâminas de Irrigação

Irrigation is the only form to supply water to the plants grown in protected environment and an appropriate irrigation management is essential to the success of the enterprise. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation depths on growth and development of two sweet pepper cultivars grown in protected environment. The experiment was conducted in an experimental area of the Engineering Departament of the Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras/MG. Pepper (Capsicum annuum L., cv. Konan R and cv. Magali R) was drip irrigated, in a two days interval, with four different depths. Irrigation control was carried out through the small class A tank and the water depths applied were equivalent to: 0.5; 0.75; 1.0 and 1.25 times the crop evapotranspiration (ET). Each irrigation treatment was applied to three plants rows, each one containing 10 plants. Only 8 plants located at the central row of each treatment were used for measurement. The evaluated parameters were: the plant height, stem diameter, plant production, fruit length and diameter. The plant production and plant height of both cultivars was significantly influenced by irrigation. Cultivar Konan R was more productive than the cultivar Magali R, but the fruit length and diameter of cultivar Magali R were higher than cultivar Konan R.

Quality characteristics and content of mineral compounds in fruit of some cultivars of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

The study was carried out in 2005–2007. The aim of the experiment was to estimate the quality and mineral compound content in sweet pepper fruits. The experimental material consisted of seven F 1 hybrids grown in the open field: ISI 56511 F 1 , ISI 56503 F 1 , Axel F 1 , Akron F 1 , Roei F 1 , Elfo F 1 and Polonez F 1 (control cultivar). The fruits were harvested many times. They were collected when green and fully grown. After the harvest, the fruit quality including its mean weight, length, diameter, pericarp weight and pericarp thickness, was evaluated. In 2006-2007, the content of macro– and microelements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and nitrates was determined in the dry weight of the yield. The results were statistically evaluated by the analysis of variance. Significance of the differences was tested by Tukey’s test at p = 0.05. The biometrical traits of fruits were characteristic for each cultivar. The highest content of dry weight was found for cultivar ISI 56511 F1 (11.2% higher than the mean amount determined for all of the cultivars and 39.8% higher than the lowest dry matter content assessed in fruits of cultivar Roei F 1 ). The sweet pepper cultivars tested in the experiment differed significantly in the content of macro- and microelements. The highest content of nitrogen was determined in fruits of cultivar Polonez F1. Fruits produced by cultivars Elfo F1, ISI 56503 F1 and Roei F1 in comparison with the other cultivars were characterized by a significantly higher content of iron. The highest content of nitrates was assessed in cultivar ISI 56503 F 1 fruit.