Changes in antioxidant content of tomato fruits in response to cultivar and nutrient solution composition

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cationic proportions (K/Ca/Mg) in the nutrient solution on fruit quality (quality attributes and antioxidant content) using a high-pigment, 'Lunarossa', tomato cultivar and a standard tomato cultivar ('Corfù') grown in soilless culture. Treatments were defined by a factorial combination of three nutrient solutions having different cationic proportions and two indeterminately growing round tomato cultivars. A high proportion of K in the nutrient solution increased the quality attributes (fruit dry matter, total soluble solids content) and the lycopene content of tomato fruit, whereas a high proportion of Ca improved tomato fruit yield and reduced the incidence of blossom-end rot (BER). The highest total antioxidant activity was observed in the treatment with a high proportion of Mg in the Lunarossa cultivar. The high-pigment hybrid has provided a higher antioxidant content (lycopene and alpha-tocopherol content) than the commercial hybrid, but it was more susceptible to BER and consequently less productive.     

Nutrient solution concentration on pepper grown in a soilless closed system: yield,fruit quality,water and nutrient efficiency

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to verify how the adoption of a reduced strength nutrient solution in a soilless closed system could influence the production and quality of pepper and improve the use efficiency of water and minerals. Two nutrient solutions characterized by the same ion ratio but macronutrient concentration equal to 100% or 60% were adopted. The total yield did not differ between the treatments; however the lower concentration of nutrients determined a significant reduction of incidence of unmarketable fruits (blossom-end rot) and thus a higher marketable production (+15%). Within the fruit quality characteristics the dry matter content and the titratable acidity were significantly higher adopting the full strength nutrient solution. Important differences were found when the agronomic water use efficiency was considered: the weight of marketable pepper produced per m³ of water input was about 32% higher using the reduced concentration treatment according to the lower volume of water released in the environment due to the lower renewal of recirculated nutrient solution. A similar pattern was observed for the use efficiency of the main nutrients. With reduced strength nutrient solution the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium released per ton of marketable tomatoes were respectively 83%, 80% and 81% lower than the control. The use of a reduced strength nutrient solution in soilless closed system for pepper cultivation did not influence the total yield and improved the use efficiency of water and minerals. Moreover, the environmental impact of the system was drastically reduced.     

树干注射铁肥对金丝小枣产量及品质的影响

叶片缺铁黄化是制约金丝小枣优质高产的重要生产问题。为改善金丝小枣果实品质及产量,采用树干注射方式在金丝小枣生育期补充树体铁素营养,以期研究注射铁肥对金丝小枣树体生长指标、产量及品质的影响。试验设置注射不含铁基础营养液、含0.2、0.3和0.4 g/L Fe-EDTA基础营养液4个处理。结果表明,树干注射不同浓度铁均能促进金丝小枣的生长,0.2 g/L Fe-EDTA处理显著促进了果实的生长发育,使横径、纵径、单果重、可溶性糖含量相对基液对照分别提高了6.6%、4.2%、6.2%和7.9%,0.3 g/L Fe-EDTA处理显著提高了一级枣果比例。因此,采用注射方式对金丝小枣补施铁肥是金丝小枣高产、优质、高效率生产的有效技术途径。     

Cobalt‐induced stress in tomato plants: Effect on yield,chlorophyll content,and nutrient evolution

An experiment developed in soilless culture was used to study the effect of several levels of cobalt (Co) (0, 5, 15, and 30 mg.L^‐1) on yield and nutrient evolution of the tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum M. cv. Ramy). The incidence of this pollutant in leaf chlorophyll contents was also studied. Increasing concentration of Co in nutrient solution reduced drastically yield in tomato plants. Total, a and b chlorophyll contents were affected by Co level in nutrient solution. A significant increase of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and copper (Cu) in the fruit in function of Co treatments were observed. Similar evolution in iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) fruit content affected by Co presence in higher treatment were obtained. No significant effect of Co presence on potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and zinc (Zn) fruit contents were observed. Cobalt absorption was very high, with values of Co in fruit around 250 μg Co g^‐1.     

Arsenic uptake,distribution, and accumulation in tomato plants: Effect of arsenite on plant growth and yield

The response of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill, cultivar Marmande) plants to different levels of arsenic (As) in nutrient solution was investigated—the processes of uptake, distribution and accumulation of As, and the effect of arsenite on yield and plant growth (plant height, diameter of stem, stem and root length, fresh and dry weight of root, stems, leaves, and fruit). The experiment was performed at three levels of As: 2, 5 and 10 mg/L [added as sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂)] in a nutrient solution, together with the corresponding control plants. Arsenic uptake depended on the As concentration in solution and As content in the roots increased as the time of treatment increased. The most important finding was the high toxicity of arsenite to roots. The concentration in stems, leaves, and fruit was correlated with the As level in the nutrient solution. Although the As level of 10 mg/L damaged the root membranes, resulting in a significant decrease in the upward transport of As. Arsenic exposure resulted in a drastic decrease in plant growth parameters (e.g., maximum decrease of 76.8% in leaf fresh weight) and in tomato fruit yield (maximum reduction of 79.6%). However, it is important to note that the As concentration in the fruits was not toxic or harmful for human consumption.     

Potassium fertilization enhances pepper fruit quality

The effect of potassium (K⁺) concentration on the nutritional quality and yield of pepper fruits was evaluated. Pepper plants were grown in a controlled-environment greenhouse under hydroponic conditions with different nutrient solutions obtained by modifying the Hoagland solution to achieve different K⁺ concentrations. Potassium nutrition affected fruit yield parameters more than vegetative biomass in pepper plants. The maximum fruit yield was obtained with 7 mM K⁺ in the nutrient solution. However, it is possible to improve the bioactive compounds of pepper fruits with a higher application of K⁺ without reducing yield. The increase of K⁺ in the nutrient solution improved pepper fruit quality by increasing fruit firmness, TSS content, soluble sugars and ascorbic acid concentration. Therefore, the fruit quality improvements obtained with adequate K⁺ nutrition resulted in nutritionally enriched fruits, which, at little or no extra cost, benefits the consumer.     

Effect of Ammonium: Nitrate Ratio on Yield,Calcium Concentration,and Photosynthesis Rate in Strawberry

The effect of ammonium:nitrate (NH₄:NO₃) ratio in nutrient solution on growth, photosynthesis (Pn), yield, and fruit quality attributes in hydroponically grown strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) cvs. ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Selva’ was evaluated. There were four nutrient solutions of differing NH₄:NO₃ ratios as follows: 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25. Plants grown in solution with 75% NH₄ had lower leaf fresh and dry weights and leaf area than those with 25% NH₄ in both cultivars. High ratios of NH₄ and NO₃ in the solution always reduced the yield. The yield was increased by 38% and 84% in ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Selva,’ respectively, when the plants were grown in the 25NH₄:75NO₃ solution compared with plants grown in a higher NH₄ ratio solution. The increased yield at the 25 NH₄:75NO₃ ratio was the result of the increase in fruit size, i.e., length and fresh weight of fruits. Plants grown in the 25NH₄:75NO₃ solution had the highest rate of Pn, while those grown in 75NH₄:25NO₃ solution had the lowest Pn rates in both cultivars. Increasing the NH₄ ratio in the solution from 0 to 75% significantly reduced the calcium (Ca) concentration and postharvest life of the fruits in both cultivars. Both higher leaf area and Pn rate appeared to be the reason for the increased yield and plant growth in the 25:75 ratios of nitrogen (N). The results indicate the preference of strawberry plant growth toward a greater nitrate N form in a hydroponic solution. Therefore, a combination of two forms of N in an appropriate ratio (25NH₄:75NO₃) appears to be beneficial to plant growth, yield, and quality of strawberry fruits.     

GROWTH,YIELD, AND ION RELATIONS OF STRAWBERRY IN RESPONSE TO IRRIGATION WITH CHLORIDE-DOMINATED WATERS

Strawberry is listed as the most salt sensitive fruit crop in comprehensive salt tolerance data bases. Recently, concerns have arisen regarding declining quality of irrigation waters available to coastal strawberry growers in southern and central California. Over time, the waters have become more saline, with increasing sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?). Due to the apparent extreme Cl^? sensitivity of strawberry, the rising Cl^? levels in the irrigation waters are of particular importance. In order to establish the specific ion causing yield reduction in strawberry, cultivars ‘Ventana’ and ‘Camarosa’ were grown in twenty-four outdoor sand tanks at the ARS-USDA U. S. Salinity Laboratory in Riverside, CA and irrigated with waters containing a complete nutrient solution plus Cl^? salts of calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), Na⁺, and potassium (K⁺). Six salinity treatments were imposed with electric conductivities (EC) = 0.835, 1.05, 1.28, 1.48, 1.71, and 2.24 dS m^?1, and were replicated four times. Fresh and dry weights of ‘Camarosa’ shoots and roots were significantly higher than those of ‘Ventana’ at all salinity levels. Marketable yield of ‘Camarosa’ fruit decreased from 770 to 360 g/plant as salinity increased and was lower at all salinity levels than the yield from the less vigorous ‘Ventana’ plants. ‘Ventana’ berry yield decreased from 925 to 705 g/plant as salinity increased from 0.835 to 2.24 dS m^?1. Relative yield of ‘Camarosa’ decreased 43% for each unit increase in salinity once irrigation water salinity exceeded 0.80 dS m^?1. Relative ‘Ventana’ yield was unaffected by irrigation water salinity up to 1.71 dS m^?1, and thereafter, for each additional unit increase in salinity, yield was reduced 61%. Both cultivars appeared to possess an exclusion mechanism whereby Na⁺ was sequestered in the roots, and Na⁺ transport to blade, petiole and fruit tissues was limited. Chloride content of the plant organs increased as salinity increased to 2.24 dS m^?1 and substrate Cl increased from 0.1 to13 mmol_cL^?1. Chloride was highest in the roots, followed by the leaves, petioles and fruit. Based on plant ion relations and relative fruit yield, we determined that, over the range of salinity levels studied, specific ion toxicity exists with respect to Cl^?, rather than to Na⁺ ions, and, further, that the salt tolerance threshold is lower for ‘Camarosa’ than for ‘Ventana’.     

基质栽培番茄营养液中氮、钾最佳浓度研究

【目的】合理的氮、钾养分供给是提高番茄生长及果实品质的重要措施,本文研究了滴灌营养液中不同的氮、钾养分供给水平对基质栽培番茄生长及果实品质的影响,为优化基质栽培番茄的营养液配方,确定最佳的氮、钾养分浓度,实现养分供给的精量化管理提供科学依据。【方法】以沙∶珍珠岩比例为1∶2配置栽培基质,用于温室中番茄栽培,以番茄‘A20’为试材,进行了水培试验。采用2因素 (氮、钾) 5水平响应面中心复合设计,滴灌营养液中氮浓度的基础值为244 mg/L,试验设计步长为120 mg/L;钾浓度的基础值为313 mg/L,试验设计步长为150 mg/L。调查了番茄叶片叶绿素含量、净光合速率、单株产量、果实可溶性糖含量、可滴定酸含量、糖酸比、维生素C含量和番茄红素含量。【结果】随着滴管液中氮浓度从74 mg/L增加到414 mg/L,番茄产量、叶片叶绿素含量、叶片净光合速率、果实可溶性糖含量、糖酸比、番茄红素含量和果实维生素C含量均呈先增后减的趋势。随着营养液中钾浓度从101 mg/L增加到525 mg/L,果实可溶性糖含量、糖酸比和维生素C含量持续增加,番茄产量、叶绿素含量、净光合速率、番茄红素含量均先增后减。此外,通过建立各指标与氮钾二因子的二次回归方程发现,氮素是叶绿素含量、净光合速率和单株产量的主要影响因子,钾素是果实可溶性糖、可滴定酸、糖酸比、维生素C和番茄红素含量的主要影响因子。氮、钾互作显著影响番茄产量和叶片叶绿素含量;充足的钾营养供给可以促进植株对氮素的吸收与同化,提高叶片叶绿素含量,利于产量提高;适量的氮素供应有利于钾素的吸收与利用,促进产量的进一步提高。采用主成分分析方法对8种配施方案下番茄产量和品质的综合性能进行评价,结果显示营养液中氮、钾浓度分别为N 378 mg/L、K 391 mg/L时为最优配方方案,且番茄叶片净光合速率达到最大值。【结论】在沙子和珍珠岩1∶2 (v∶v) 为基质的番茄无土栽培条件下,滴灌营养液中氮、钾浓度分别为N 378 mg/L和K 391 mg/L时,番茄产量和品质的综合性能达到最优,该方案可在生产实践中为基质栽培番茄营养液精确管理提供一定的借鉴意义。     

Arsenic species: effects on and accumulation by tomato plants.

The uptake of arsenic (As) species by Lycopersicum esculentum, growing under soilless culture conditions, was studied. A 4 x 3 x 2 factorial experiment was conducted with four As species (arsenite, arsenate, methylarsonate, and dimethylarsinate), three As concentrations (1, 2, and 5 mg L(-)(1)) and two tomato cultivars (Marmande and Muchamiel). The phytoavailability and phytotoxicity were primarily determined by the As species. The concentrations of As in plant increased significantly with increasing As concentration in solution. Both MA and DMA showed a higher upward translocation than arsenite and arsenate, and treatments with MA and DMA clearly reduced plant growth and fruit yield. The As concentration in tomatoes treated with arsenite or arsenate were within the range considered normal in food crops; however, the As concentration in tomatoes treated with MA and DMA were close to or even above the maximum limit. When tomato plants are exposed to high concentrations of As in nutrient solutions, they may uptake As to concentrations unacceptable for human food.     

基于产量品质及水肥利用率的袋培辣椒水肥耦合方案

为探究水肥耦合对袋培辣椒产量、果实品质、水分利用效率（Water Use Efficiency,WUE）和肥料利用率（Fertilizer Use Efficiency,FUE）的影响,构建袋培辣椒水肥精准化管理模式,该研究以‘博陇（37-94）Bolon RZ F1’辣椒为对象,设3种灌溉水平（基质相对含水量70%～75%（W1）、55%～60%（W2）和40%～45%（W3））、3个营养液浓度水平（设置150%（F1）、100%（F2）、80%（F3）标准山崎辣椒营养液浓度）和2个营养液供应量（正常供应、减量供应（每次辣椒采收前6 d营养液减量40%供应））三因素耦合,共18个处理,分析各因子及其耦合效应,建立综合评价辣椒产量、WUE、FUE及果实综合品质的多目标优化模型,并利用遗传算法多目标优化法对该模型进行寻优。结果表明：灌溉量和营养液浓度单因子及其耦合效应均对辣椒产量、WUE和FUE有显著性影响,产量、WUE和FUE均随灌溉量和营养液浓度的增加先增加后降低;利用Topsis法对各处理的果实品质进行综合评价,营养液减量供应可在维持产量和WUE较高的基础上,显著提高辣椒果实综合品质和FUE;营养液减量供应下W2F2处理的辣椒产量、WUE和FUE最高,营养液减量供应下W2F1处理果实综合品质最好。遗传算法多目标优化法寻优表明营养液减量供应结合W2F2处理效果最佳。该试验条件下,高产优质的袋培辣椒水肥耦合方案为：通过灌溉将基质相对含水量控制在55%～60%,施用100%浓度的标准山崎辣椒营养液,且每次辣椒采收前6 d营养液减量40%供应。该模式下的辣椒产量达到87 930.52 kg/hm2,果实品质综合评价贴合度达到0.742,WUE和FUE分别达到41.14 kg/m3和38.83%,此结果可为辣椒高产优质且水肥科学管理提供指导依据。     

不同营养液浓度对温室盆栽黄瓜产量与品质的影响

营养液浓度与供液方式会影响温室黄瓜的产量与品质。本文通过盆栽试验,以山崎黄瓜专用营养液配方标准浓度1S为基准,研究了负水头供水控水盆栽装置供液条件下 1/2S、3/4S、1S、1S 4种营养液浓度以及常规浇灌1S（CK）营养液浓度对温室盆栽基质栽培黄瓜产量与品质的影响。结果表明, 地上部干重和产量与营养液浓度成显著正相关关系; 1S处理产量与地上部干重显著大于1S (CK)处理,但营养液生产效率差异不显著; 黄瓜整体品质随生育进程而提高,采收初期果实品质整体指标各处理差异较大,1S处理的较高; 采收中期1S与1S处理的较高,而采收末期各处理整体品质差异较小,1/2S与1S（CK）处理的相对较高; 其中1S（CK）处理各采收时期果实硝酸盐含量明显高于1S处理,而其它各指标两者无显著差异。负水头供水控水盆栽装置供液方式与1S营养液浓度处理是一种较好的供液方式与供液浓度。同时,适当提高黄瓜生育前期与降低生育末期营养液浓度能提高黄瓜的整体品质。     

Effects of Heating Nutrient Solution on Water and Mineral Uptake and Early Yield of Two Cucurbits under Soilless Culture

Root temperature may affect the production of greenhouse vegetables under soilless culture. Four independent experiments were carried out over two consecutive crop cycles using two different substrates: rockwool and coconut coir waste. Three heating treatments were applied: non heating (T0), nutrient solution at 12–16°C (T1), and at 18–22°C (T2). The experiments were carried out in greenhouses in Almería (SE Spain) on cucumber and melon. Mean substrate and air temperature were not affected by the treatments. Under conditions of nutrient solution heating EC and percentage of drainage volume decreased, while water and mineral nutrient absorption increased. However, results showed great differences between both crops and substrates. A significant decrease in nitrate and phosphate emission from the substrates was also recorded, especially in rockwool substrate. Few effects were observed concerning yield and fruit quality parameters, but in rockwool-grown melon early yield was enhanced. It follows that nutrient solution heating is a low-cost and environmentally friendly method of increasing early melon yield.     

Different K:Ca ratios affected fruit color and quality of strawberry ‘Selva’ in soilless system

High quality fruit production is the cornerstone of marketability. Optimum plant performance depends on the balanced and timely availability of mineral nutrients. In addition to element concentrations, the ratio of nutrient elements in solution plays a determinative role in growth, productivity, quality, and nutrients uptake. In this experiment, the effects of different Potassium:Calcium (K:Ca) ratios (1.6, 1.4, 1.2, 1, 0.85, and 0.6) in nutrient solution were studied on quality attributes of strawberry ‘Selva’. The highest and lowest leaf number and leaf area were observed in K:Ca 1.4 and 1, respectively. The highest fruit pH, electrical conductivity, total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, vitamin C content, ellagic acid, and color were resulted in K:Ca (1.4) ratio. K:Ca (1.6) ratio produced the highest content of protein. Moreover, K:Ca (0.85) ratio was the most effective treatment on fruit firmness. The increased quality attributes were observed in high K:Ca ratios, hence low K:Ca ratio resulted in increased fruit firmness. In conclusion, nutrient solution containing K:Ca ratios between 1 and 1.6 were suitable for producing strawberry ‘Selva’. Taken together, K:Ca (1.4) was an appropriate ratio for producing strawberry ‘Selva’ in soilless culture with coconut fiber: perlite medium.     

低浓度营养液淋洗缓解基质栽培番茄根际养分富集的效果

为缓解基质栽培中根际养分富集对番茄植株造成的危害,以“硬粉8号”（Yingfen 8）番茄为试材,采用岩棉盆栽的方式,在人工气候室环境条件下,使用1/2浓度营养液对基质进行每天一次（C1）和每周一次（C2）淋洗以及不淋洗（CK）处理,通过对番茄根区养分及植株生长、产量等指标的测定,评价淋洗效果。结果表明：与灌溉液相比,各处理根际养分均出现了不同程度的富集,根区电导率（EC）值提高了31.26%～69.06%。低浓度营养液淋洗可以显著降低根区和回流液的EC值和离子浓度,整个生育期C1处理的根区溶液EC值比CK降低了22.36%,其中、Ca2+、K+和Mg2+浓度分别比CK降低48.51%、27.25%、25.54%和39.58%,C1处理回流液离子浓度变化趋势与根区溶液一致。此外,C1处理可以促进番茄株高和产量的增长,单株产量较CK提高了6.26%,其中第4、5穗果单果重分别增加17.02%、14.51%,单穗果产量分别增加13.42%、33.86%;C2处理根区溶液和回流液EC值及离子浓度均显著低于CK,但高于C1处理,其根区溶液EC降低了9.64%,而C2处理的平均单果重和产量与CK无显著差异。因此,低浓度营养液每天一次的淋洗方式可以更为有效地缓解基质栽培番茄生长中后期根区养分富集,研究结果可为基质栽培根区养分管理提供理论依据。     

Effects of nitrogen form,nighttime nutrient solution strength,and cultivar on greenhouse tomato production

Higher greenhouse tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yield is obtained by using 25% of NH₄‐N in solution compared to using NO₃‐N as the sole nitrogen (N) source. However, blossom‐end rot (BER) may occur in tomato fruit when NH₄‐N was present in nutrient solutions. High nutrient solution strengths improve tomato fruit quality, but can also increase BER. Two NH₄‐N concentrations in solution (0 and 25%), and two nighttime solution strengths (NSS) (1X and 4X Steiner solution strength applied at 7 p.m.) were used to grow five indeterminate type greenhouse tomato cultivars: Caruso, Jumbo, Match, Max, and Trust. A significant interaction occurred between NH₄‐N concentration and NSS factors: 0% NH₄‐N and high NSS increased marketable yield and fruit:whole plant ratio, and reduced BER. In contrast, a concentration of 25% NH₄‐N and high NSS reduced marketable yield and the fruit:whole plant ratio, and increased BER incidence. Max, Match, and Trust tomato cultivars produced high marketable yield and high dry weight of stem and leaves, but were susceptible to BER. Use of NH₄‐N in solution reduced vegetative growth, and high NSS increased stem and leaf dry weight of the tomato plants. Fruit firmness was greater for the Max cultivar, and was unaffected by NH₄‐N and NSS at the mature green, breaker, and red ripe fruit development stages. However, at the fully ripe stage, fruit firmness was higher with high NSS and with 25% NH₄‐N.     

不同类型基质对机插水稻秧苗生理特征及产量的影响

为解析基质的类型特征、秧苗生理特性、机插质量和产量间的内在联系,评价育秧基质的适用性与应用广泛性,该研究以营养土为对照,以2种代表性的基质类型(混合基质和轻型无土基质)为研究对象,研究了不同类型育秧基质对水稻秧苗生长特征、大田机插质量、生育期和产量形成的影响。结果表明,轻型无土基质和混合基质容重均显著低于对照,分别比对照低85.19%和74.07%(P0.05),通气孔隙、持水孔隙和养分含量显著高于对照(P0.05),育秧工序简单操作。轻型无土基质和混合基质所育秧苗地上部生长特征与根系生长特征显著优于对照处理(P0.05),根系盘结成块,漏插率分别比对照低4.17%和4.32%,达显著差异水平(P0.05)。轻型无土基质的伤秧率为3.07%,和对照无显著差异,但显著低于混合基质(P0.05)。轻型无土基质和混合基质水稻大田机插后,分蘖发生分别比对照处理早4和2 d,全生育期缩短2 d。轻型无土基质与混合基质处理的水稻库容量分别比对照高14.01%和10.67%;产量分别比对照高5.30%和6.14%,均显著高于对照处理(P0.05)。轻型无土基质与混合基质理化属性优于对照处理,培育秧苗与机插技术兼容性强,利于工厂化育秧基质的开发,其中轻型无土基质是由由作物秸秆加工而成的无土基质,更适宜于基质的生产与应用。     

Plant growth and fruit quality of two pepper cultivars under different potassium levels of nutrient solutions

Potassium (K) is a major nutrient element that has effects on growth, yield, and quality production of agricultural crops. In the present study, the effects of various K concentrations in a nutrient solution including 150, 235, 300, 400, or 500 mg K L^?1 were evaluated on two pepper cultivars; chili pepper (Capsicum annuum Avicolare) and bell pepper (California Wonder) under greenhouse conditions. Hoagland's formula was used for preparation of nutrient solutions. The vegetative growth parameters including plant height, leaf area, SPAD value, and shoot fresh weight were significantly increased by 300 mg L^?1 K in both cultivars. The highest yield and fruit quality parameters including fruit length/diameter ratio, fruit dry matter percentage, fruit vitamin C, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity in chili pepper and bell pepper were obtained under application of 300 and 400 mg K L^?1 in nutrient solution, respectively. In either cultivar there was increase in leaf K, nitrogen, and zinc concentrations, while in bell pepper calcium was reduced by higher K levels in the nutrient solution. The results indicate that for better growth and quality production of pepper, higher levels of K in nutrient solutions can be beneficial.     

Growth of a tomato crop at reduced nutrient concentrations as a strategy to limit eutrophication

In tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv Trust Fl), effects of various nutrient treatments on growth, fruit yield and quality, nutrient uptake and accumulation were studied in a hydroponic system. Reductions of macronutrient concentrations to 50% (0.5 × C) or 25% (0.25 × C) of the control (C) levels as well as cessation of replenishment of the feed solution for the last 16 days after 7 months growth at control levels, had no adverse effect on growth, fruit yield and fruit quality. However, reduction of macronutrient concentration to 10% of control (0.1 × C) reduced fruit yield by ‐30%. Steady‐state influx and net flux of NO₃ ^‐ into the roots of 4–6 week‐old seedlings had not acclimated and showed concentration dependence from 1.1 mM (0.1 × C) to 11 mM (C). Whereas, Pi and K⁺ fluxes were similar at 0.5 × C and C levels, at 0.1 × C they were significantly lower than the fluxes at higher concentrations, showing lack of acclimation at this concentration. This lack of flux acclimation may account for the adverse effects of low concentration (0.1 × C) on yield. The results have been discussed in the context of eutrophication and it is suggested that in a non‐recirculating hydroponic system, NO₃ ^‐, Pi, and K⁺ levels can be reduced to 25% of the concentrations currently being used in commercial greenhouses (C). In a recirculating system, the crop may be grown at control levels and used to deplete the feed solution for ～3 weeks prior to release of the solution to the drain.