ROLE OF PROLINE ACCUMULATION ON FRUIT QUALITY OF PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) GROWN WITH A K-RICH COMPOST UNDER DROUGHT CONDITIONS

ABRILE, MARIANA; LOVATO, MARÍA E.; MA CARMEN ANTOLÍN; SUSANA GERVASIO; FIASCONARO, MARÍA L.; CARLOS ALBERTO MARTÍN

Córdoba

Congreso; XXXII Reunión Argentina de Fisiología Vegetal (RAFV) y XVI Congreso Latinoamericano de Fisiología Vegetal; 2018

Sociedad Argentina de Fisiolog{ia Vegetal

Water availability is the most critical factor to grownand development of plantsThe aim of this study was toinvestigate the effect of soil amendment of a K-rich carrotcompost on pepper physiology and fruit qualityunder drought. Furthermore, an attempted to determinethe influence of these combined factors on yield andquality pepper fruits. Carrot compost (ZC) was obtainedby composting from carrot wastes and not presentedphytotoxic substances that prevented germination andgrown of pepper seedlings. When the vegetative stagecorresponding to start of flowering was reached, halfof the plants were subjected to drought conditions (moderatewater stress). Results showed that the concentrationof minerals, free proline, total phenols and maincarotenoids in pepper fruits were significantly modifiedby water level and/or substrate type. Under drought,ZC35 (35% of ZC) treatment increased concentrationsof minerals (mainly K) and phenols but decreased bcaroteneand lycopene levels. Moreover, significant relationshipsbetween K content, phenolic compoundsand free proline were highlighted. Overall, data suggestthat the use of a K-rich carrot compost for growing pepperunder drought could selectively modify plant metabolicactivities that are involved in the accumulationof carotenoids and phenolic compounds and thus, infruit quality.