The effect of conductivity on the yield and quality of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Sweet pepper plants were grown in a heated greenhouse during the summer using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). There were 5 distinct conductivities used in the experiment, namely: 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 mScm(-1). A 6(th) treatment at 10.0 ins cm(-1) substituted calcium for some of the potassium in an attempt to reduce blossom end rot (BER). There was a marked reduction in fruit growth with increasing conductivity, such that fruit yield at maturity was about 30% of the yield of plants growing in the low nutrient solution conductivity. BER increased with increased conductivity, and water consumption per plant was reduced. The inclusion of additional calcium in the nutrient solution reduced the incidence of BER. Fruit dry matter increased with increasing conductivity, but no significant effect of conductivity on brix was found.