The capsicum (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Lamuyo) foliar content of carbohydrates and pigments: Response to NK dosage

Capsicum plants were grown under controlled greenhouse conditions and diffe rent combinations of NK dosage were applied to the crop resulting in 12 tre atments. Leaf levels of pigments and nonstructural carbohydrates were analy sed and fruit yield was determined. The best yield results were obtained wi th a fertirrigation of N180K40. The effect of joint NK fertilization was mo st acutely observed on the leaf levels of chlorophyll a and carotenoids. In general, carbohydrates also showed the effects of NK interaction. The chlo rophyll a is a good indicator or at least the best indicator found in the p resent experiment of the effect of NK fertilization. Applying doses of N an d K together favoured the processes of chlorophyll and carbohydrate synthes is. The use of the optimum fertilization formulae would reduce the economic and ecological impact caused by the application of high levels of N and K.