Effect of Nutrient Solution and Pruning on Plant Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Hot Pepper Grown in an NFT System

In order to compare the effect of three nutrient solution replacement methods in an NFT system and pruning on hot pepper, a factorial experiment was conducted. Factors included nutrient solution replacement method (complete nutrient replacement, partial nutrient replacement according to EC, and partial nutrient replacement according to plant requirements) and pruning (pruning and non-pruning). Results showed that the highest vegetative growth was recorded in plants fed by complete replacement of nutrient solution, while plant fed based on EC showed the lowest vegetative growth and nutrients concentration. Leaf Chlorophyll a (Chl a) and Total Chlorophyll (TChl) decreased in plants fed according to EC control and plant requirements compared to complete replacement of nutrient solution. All these traits were higher in non-pruned plants than in pruned plants. Fruit yield decreased in plants fed based on nutrient solution EC and plant requirements, and pruning treatment decreased these traits, but the highest single fruit weight belonged to pruned plants fed based on plant requirements. The highest fruit carotenoid content, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), and vitamin C were recorded in plants fed according to nutrient solution EC, and these traits were higher in the pruned plants compared to non-pruned ones. The results also showed that pruning caused a reduction in plant growth and fruit number, therefore, it is not recommended for hot pepper cv. Sentela.