Effect of Different Nutrient Solutions and Multiple Bio-Stimulant Dosages on Yield and Growth of Capsicum Annuum in Soilless System

Edouard Youssef Tabet; Lynn Samia; Suzy Rouphael; Chadi Hosri; Elie Awad; Dalida Darazy

doi:10.30560/as.v7n1p9

Edouard Youssef Tabet Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Plant Production, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh, Lebanon
Lynn Samia Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Production, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh, Lebanon
Suzy Rouphael Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Production, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh, Lebanon
Chadi Hosri Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Production, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh, Lebanon
Elie Awad Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Basic Sciences, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh, Lebanon
Dalida Darazy Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh, Lebanon

Keywords: Capsicum annuum, hydroponics, nutrient solutions, bio-stimulants, soilless agriculture

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of two nutrient solutions (F1 and F2) and varying dosages of the plant bio-stimulant Atomes F.D.Inc. Bio Sciences PHP®, (D1 = 50 mL, D2 = 100 mL, D3 = 150 mL, and D0 = control) on the growth and yield of Capsicum annuum in a hydroponic system. The results demonstrate that F2 significantly enhanced overall plant growth and yield compared to F1, with notable increases in fruit count (25±10 vs. 24±9), average fruit width (8.31±1.02 cm vs. 8.03±1.00 cm), average fruit length (11.79±1.19 cm vs. 11.55±0.89 cm), and total yield weight (2.85±0.89 kg vs. 2.68±0.91 kg). Plants treated with D3 exhibited the highest yield, with a total fruit weight of 3.90 kg, compared to 1.69 kg in the control group (D0). D3-treated plants also produced an average of 37 fruits, while D0 produced only 13. Conversely, D0-treated plants resulted in larger individual fruit sizes, with an average fruit width of 8.98 cm and a length of 13.20 cm, compared to 7.89 cm and 10.91 cm in D3-treated plants. These findings underscore the importance of precise nutrient management and bio-stimulant applications in optimizing hydroponic bell pepper production. Future research should focus on long-term economic feasibility and large-scale implementation strategies.

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