Crosstalk of sucrose, potassium, and magnesium on growth, yield, and carbohydrate partitioning in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under poor light conditions

Summary

This hydroponic pot experiment evaluated interactions between foliar sucrose spray (0–0.5% w/v) and mineral nutrition (magnesium nitrate, potassium nitrate, or combined) on bell pepper growth and yield under poor light conditions. The combined treatment of 0.5% sucrose with both magnesium and potassium nitrate produced the greatest improvements in fruit yield (44% higher than control), vitamin C content (47.71% higher), and soluble carbohydrate accumulation in fruit. The findings suggest that coordinated mineral and carbohydrate supplementation can substantially enhance both productivity and nutritional quality in bell pepper.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted under controlled hydroponic conditions with artificially poor light, making direct application to United Kingdom field conditions uncertain. However, the findings may inform protected cropping practices (glasshouse or polytunnel horticulture) common in the UK, particularly where light availability is limited; transferability would require validation in local growing environments and seasons.

Key measures

Fruit yield per plant, fruit vitamin C concentration, leaf and fruit soluble carbohydrate content, leaf potassium and magnesium concentrations, biomass parameters

Outcomes reported

The study measured morpho-physiological characteristics, yield parameters, carbohydrate partitioning, vitamin C content, and mineral concentrations in bell pepper plants grown hydroponically under poor light. Combined sucrose and mineral treatments significantly increased fruit yield (44% above control) and fruit vitamin C (47.71% above control).

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