Effects of five biostimulants to six small size pepper (Capsicum annuum spp.) varieties used for pickling, grown in field conditions and in greenhouse pots

Abstract

The present study investigates the effects of five commercially available biostimulants on six small-fruited varieties of Capsicum annuum spp. grown for pickling purposes, both in the open field and under greenhouse conditions. Given the increasing interest in sustainable agricultural inputs that improve crop yield without negative environmental impacts, biostimulants have emerged as promising agents in modern horticulture. This research aims to evaluate the effect of these biostimulants on two agronomically and commercially critical traits: fruit weight and texture. The experimental design was implemented at the Perrotis College (American Farm School) facilities in both the field and a glasshouse and included a factorial combination of biostimulant treatments and pepper varieties, each with appropriate breeding and control. Statistical analyses of fruit weight and texture data were performed using JMP® software, using analysis of variance and comparison of means techniques. The results showed that several biostimulants produced statistically significant improvements in fruit weight and texture compared to the controls. Notably, BIOS 2 and BIOS 4 demonstrated the most consistent and superior performance across multiple cultivars, while the efficacy of other formulations varied depending on environmental conditions and genotype-specific responses. Biostimulant BIOS 3, in particular, showed promising results on fruit texture, especially in plants grown in greenhouses in pots. The findings support the strategic use of biostimulants as effective inputs to enhance the quality and marketability of pepper cultivars for pickling. The variability observed between different varieties and growing environments suggests that tailored application of biostimulants, depending on genotype and context, can optimize outcomes. This knowledge contributes to the broader goal of integrating biostimulants into sustainable crop production systems, aligning agronomic innovation with environmental responsibility.