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

Bell pepper has received high demand due to its high nutritional value and contained antioxidant compounds. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of sucrose and some minerals on morpho-physiological characteristics, yield parameters, and carbohydrate partitioning in the bell pepper. The pot experiment was outlined hydroponically in a factorial format based on a completely randomized design. The first factor, sucrose, was sprayed in two concentrations (0 and 0.5% w/v) and the second factor, mineral nutrition, consisted of four levels (control, magnesium nitrate 0.5% w/v, potassium nitrate 0.5% w/v, magnesium nitrate 0.25% w/v + potassium nitrate 0.25% w/v). Results indicated that sucrose 5 + combined magnesium & potassium nitrate was superior in all of the biomass and yield parameters. In this combined treatment, fruit yield per plant and fruit vitamin C increased up to 44.03% and 47.71% in comparison with control. The highest leaf-soluble carbohydrate was recorded in plants treated with sucrose 5 + combined magnesium & potassium nitrate which was not significantly different from other contained sucrose treatments. The highest fruit soluble carbohydrate was observed in sucrose 5 + combined magnesium & potassium nitrate treatment as well, but its difference was not significant from sucrose 5 + potassium nitrate. The highest leaf potassium concentration was seen in three treatments that combined sucrose and minerals. The treatment of combined magnesium & potassium nitrate contributed to more leaf magnesium concentration compared with other nutrient treatments. In total, sucrose spray alongside combined magnesium & potassium nitrate led to higher carbohydrate accumulation in fruit, causing yield increment and nutritional value enhancement in bell peppers.