Effects of different growing media on seedling quality and nutrient contents in pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var longum cv. Super Umut F1)

This study was carried out in the research greenhouse at the Seed Research and Development Center of Akdeniz University in Antalya and used Super Umut F-1 (Capsicum annum L. var longum) pepper variety as plant material. Turf, clinoptilolite, perlite and various mixtures of these materials were used as growing media in this study which was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of zeolite (clinoptilolite) on the seedling quality and plant nutrient contents of pepper. According to the results, especially 60% turf + 40% clinoptilolite, 50% turf + 25% clinoptilolite + 25% perlite or 80% turf + 20% clinoptilolite mixtures are recommended in respect of germination ratio, seedling height, stem diameter, leaf number and fresh weight per plant as well as the efficient use of water and plant nutrient elements taken up from media.