Effect of irrigation level on plant growth, physiology and fruit yield and quality in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence drip irrigation level on plant growth, physiology, and fruit yield quality in bell pepper. Bell pepper (‘Aristotle’) grown plastic film mulch a sandy-loam soil spring 2017 2018 Tifton, GA. Four treatments with varying levels were applied: 33 %, 67 100 % 133 - rate crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Irrigation differentially affected physiology quality. Leaf water potential increased as increased. net photosynthesis (Pn), internal CO2 (Ci), electron transport (ETR), photosystem II efficiency (PSII), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration displayed positive quadratic relationship level. Plant height, stem diameter, leaf number per plant, shoot dry weight fresh also showed at ETc associated reduced status, gas exchange although marketable similar that both growing seasons. Fruit sunscald incidence decreased while blossom-end rot remained unaffected. After harvest, rates loss, skin permeance Elemental analyses indicated an increase mineral content Overall, present that, compared ETc, deficit had no impact despite reductions growth exchange. above did not result yield, thus irrigating beyond may be sustainable.