YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY RESPONSE OF SWEET PEPPER GENOTYPES GROWN UNDER SOILLESS CULTIVATION

Total yield, physical, and phytochemical characterization of three yellow and five red-colored sweet pepper genotypes were analyzed under fully controlled environmental and irrigation conditions under soilless culture. Results showed both greater fruit firmness and pericarp thickness in the red-colored genotypes than in the yellow ones. However, no significant differences between these two colors were found for total yield, shape index and dry matter percentage. Additionally, peroxidase activity, total protein and total phenolic compounds were not modified according with the color of the genotype. With respect to the genotypes studied, 'Cierva', 'A67', 'Traviatta', 'Cabezo' and 'Limona' showed the highest yields in the "extra" fruit category whilst 'Disco' and 'Zar' showed the lowest. Additionally, 'Cierva' and 'Cabezo' showed higher protein concentration and peroxidase activity than any other genotype. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.