Summary
This field experiment evaluated how grafting and foliar nano zinc oxide application influence the nutritional composition of bell pepper. Grafting alone improved mineral and phytochemical content by 1–35%, whilst 30 mg L−1 ZnO nanoparticles produced larger gains, with increases of up to 45% in iron and 42% in manganese. The findings suggest that combining grafting and nano ZnO could serve as agronomic tools to enhance both nutrient density and organoleptic quality in commercial pepper cultivation.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Mexico (institutional affiliations indicate the Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro). The findings are potentially applicable to United Kingdom protected cultivation (glasshouse/polytunnel pepper production), though UK growing conditions, cultivars, and soil conditions differ from those in Mexico. Transferability of nano ZnO effects requires validation under UK climate and management practices; the grafting strategy is well-established in UK horticulture but cultivar choice and rootstock compatibility differ.
Key measures
Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, copper, total antioxidants, ascorbic acid, total phenols, glutathione, total proteins, fruit firmness, total soluble solids
Outcomes reported
The study measured the effects of grafting and foliar zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NPs) application on mineral content, antioxidants, ascorbic acid, phenols, glutathione, proteins, fruit firmness, and soluble solids in bell pepper fruit. Both interventions significantly enhanced nutritional composition, with grafting increasing most minerals by 11–35% and ZnO NPs at 30 mg L−1 producing increases of 12–45% across measured parameters.
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