Growth of ornamental yellow pepper seedlings in different environments and substrates

Protected environment and substrate, as well as interaction between both, influence the formation of pepper seedlings and promote adequate plant growth. The present study evaluated different types of protected environments and substrate compositions in the initial growth of “Guaraci Cumari do Pará” pepper (Capsicum chinense) seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 4 x 5 factorial scheme (4 protected environments x 5 substrate compositions). Agricultural screenhouse with black polyethylene screens of 18% and 30% of shading and agricultural greenhouses with polyethylene screens of 35% and 42-50% shading under the plastic film was used. Inside the environments, substrates 100% Carolina Soil® + 0% vermiculite, 80% Carolina Soil® + 20% vermiculite, 60% Carolina Soil® + 40% vermiculite; 40% Carolina Soil® + 60% vermiculite and 20% Carolina Soil® + 80% vermiculite were tested. The environment that provided higher growth for all substrates was with 35% shading, increasing seedling's quality by 2.9 times. In the 30% shading environment, a better performance of the substrate (80% Carolina Soil® + 20% Vermiculite) was observed, while in the 35% shading environment, a better performance of the commercial substrate (100% Carolina Soil®) was observed, with greater plant height, steam diameter, number of leaves, dry mass, however, the 35% shading environment increased 2.4 times the quality of seedlings with the commercial substrat, regarding 40% Carolina Soil® + 60% vermiculite. In seedling quality, the best substrate was commercial substrat, was 95% superior to 40% Carolina Soil® + 60% vermiculite, in the average of the environments.