Bell pepper responses to root restriction

Abstract

Various container sizes were used to induce root restriction on ‘Jupiter’ bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). There was little or no effect of container size on plant growth up to 23 days after transplanting (DAT). By 45 DAT, leaf area and plant dry weight was diminished proportional to container volume. Root‐to‐shoot ratio was constant among the various root restricting conditions over the course of the experiment. Also, there was no disproportional allocation of dry matter to stem or leaves in response to root restriction. Whole‐plant and leaf photosynthetic rate during fruit expansion (44 DAT) was positively correlated with container volume; although, the effect of root restriction was less on leaf photosynthetic rate. Chlorophyll analysis 45 DAT indicated significant leaf senescence due to root restriction. Flower production and fruit expansion began and declined earlier with increased restriction of roots. Harvest index 58 DAT was inversely proportional to container size suggesting an increased allocation of dry matter to fruit under root restricted conditions.