Growth Analysis of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

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Abstract
A growth analysis was carried out with sweet pepper plants grown in a phytotron. Irradiance conditions were: 0.84 or 3.25 MJ m−2 in 8 h, 1.67 MJ m−2 in 16 h and 2.51 MJ m−2 in 24 h. Temperatures applied were 25 or 21 °C during the photoperiod in combination with 25, 21 and 17 or 21, 17 and 13 °C respectively during the nyctoperiod. Highest values for leaf area and total dry weight were found when applying 1.67 MJ m−2 in 16 h, followed by 3.25 MJ m−2 in 8 h, irrespective of the temperature regime. Continuous irradiance ultimately resulted in leaf drop. A reduction in the day temperature decreased leaf area and total dry weight. At a day temperature of 25 °C the dry weight increased with decreasing night temperature when applying 3.25 MJ m−2 in 8 h. At a day temperature of 21 °C leaf area and dry weight were reduced when 17 or 13 °C were applied during a 16 h nyctoperiod. Values for relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, leaf area ratio and leaf weight ratio strongly decreased with advancing plant age. The effects of irradiance treatment on RGR and NAR were analogous to those on total dry weight while the reverse pattern was observed for the LAR. A decrease in day temperature decreased the RGR. The effects of night temperature exhibited strong interactions with day temperature and photoperiod. The influence of temperature on RGR was largely mediated through changes in the LAR. The latter parameter was highly correlated with the specific leaf weight.