Effect of Reused Rockwool Slabs on the Performance of ‘Daras F1’ Hot Pepper Under Glasshouse Conditions

Summary

This glasshouse trial investigated whether reusing two-year-old rockwool slabs could maintain or improve the production of 'Daras F1' hot pepper whilst reducing quality defects. Reused slabs achieved equivalent total yield (15.26 kg m⁻²) to new slabs but substantially reduced anthocyanin discoloration in fruits (9% vs 13%), possibly owing to the higher buffer capacity of aged substrate mitigating salt-induced osmotic stress. The findings suggest substrate reuse could enhance both sustainability and fruit quality in commercial soilless pepper cultivation.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in Hungary and is directly applicable to protected horticulture in the United Kingdom, particularly where commercial glasshouse pepper production uses rockwool systems. The technical findings on substrate reuse and quality outcomes would transfer to UK conditions, though adoption depends on cost economics and existing waste management protocols for horticultural substrates.

Key measures

Total yield (kg m⁻²); proportion of fruits with anthocyanin discoloration (%)

Outcomes reported

The study compared total yield and fruit quality (specifically anthocyanin discoloration disorder) in hot pepper grown on new versus two-year-old reused rockwool slabs under commercial glasshouse conditions. Total yield was equivalent between treatments, but the incidence of anthocyanin discoloration—a major quality defect in this pepper variety—was significantly lower in fruits grown on reused slabs.

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