Summary
This controlled cultivation trial evaluated how substrate type (peat versus a peat/wood fibre/green compost mixture) and depolymerized chitosan drenching affected physiological, morphological and biochemical traits in two bell pepper cultivars. Results demonstrated cultivar-specific responses: 'Oda' showed improved CO2 assimilation, fruit fresh weight and antioxidant activity in the mixed substrate with chitosan, whilst 'Marta Polka' achieved highest yields (471.23 g plant−1) in peat with chitosan. The findings suggest that peat alternatives incorporating wood fibre and compost can enhance pepper quality whilst reducing reliance on peat.
Regional applicability
This research was conducted in Poland and employed containerised cultivation under controlled conditions, making it directly relevant to UK horticultural practice, particularly protected cropping systems. The findings on peat alternatives are particularly applicable to UK growers facing restrictions on peat use in commercial horticulture, though cultivar response may differ slightly with UK varieties and growing conditions.
Key measures
Total fruit weight fresh (g plant−1), net CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP assays), total free amino acid content, photosynthetic water-use efficiency
Outcomes reported
The study measured physiological parameters (net CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance), fruit yield and fresh weight, and biochemical traits (antioxidant activity, amino acid content) in two bell pepper cultivars grown under different substrate and chitosan treatment combinations. Results showed cultivar-specific responses to substrate composition and depolymerized chitosan application.
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