Summary
This greenhouse study investigated how potassium nitrate fertilisation levels and temperature conditions influence both elemental composition and blossom-end rot occurrence in paprika fruits. Elevated KNO3 concentrations and higher temperatures (30°C versus 25°C) increased BER incidence and reduced fruit weight, whilst multi-element analysis revealed that calcium deficiency may not be the sole cause of BER; boron and several other elements showed significant correlations with disorder incidence, suggesting a more complex aetiology involving cell wall structural integrity.
Regional applicability
Although conducted in Japan, these findings are relevant to United Kingdom protected horticulture (glasshouse paprika production), particularly regarding irrigation fertiliser management and temperature control strategies to reduce BER. The mechanistic insights on multi-element involvement could inform UK horticultural practice, though absolute recommendations would require validation in UK growing conditions.
Key measures
Total fresh weight of ripe paprika fruits; blossom-end rot incidence (percentage or proportion affected); concentrations of 11 mineral elements in fruit pericarp (calcium, boron, and others); treatment conditions: KNO3 concentrations (0, 27.9, and 74.4 mM) and temperatures (25°C and 30°C)
Outcomes reported
The study measured fruit fresh weight, blossom-end rot (BER) incidence, and elemental composition (11 mineral elements) in paprika pericarps across different potassium nitrate concentrations and temperature regimes. Results demonstrated that elevated KNO3 and temperature increased BER incidence and altered mineral element profiles, suggesting multi-element involvement beyond calcium deficiency alone.
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