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Effects of selected biostimulants on qualitative and quantitative parameters of nine cultivars of the genus Capsicum spp.

  • Marcel Golian EMAIL logo , Ivana Mezeyová , Alena Andrejiová , Alžbeta Hegedűsová , Samuel Adamec , Jana Štefániková and Július Árvay
Published/Copyright: March 21, 2024
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Open Agriculture
From the journal Open Agriculture Volume 9 Issue 1

Abstract

Despite the growing popularity of biostimulants among farmers, a major problem remains with their variable effects on individual species and varieties of cultivated crops. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose a suitable product for the given growing conditions while simultaneously considering species and varietal variability in crop cultivation. The goal of this study is to highlight different reactions of plants to the applied preparations within the monitored representatives of the Capsicum genus, with an emphasis on intervarietal variability. The experiments with two monitored and one control variants occurred during the growing seasons of 2020 and 2022 in Slovakia’s southwest region, characterized by a European continental climate with warm and dry summers. Seven varieties of Capsicum annuum and two varieties of Capsicum chinense were chosen based on actual growers’ preferences: “Žitava,” “Szegedi 80,” “Karkulka,” “Hodoníska sladká,” “Habanero Orange,” “Habanero Chocolate,” “Kristián,” “Damián” and “Kurtovska kápia.” In the present study, we observed the effects of selected commercial biostimulants – the combination of Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus in the first variant and the biostimulant Humix® Universal in the second variant – on bell pepper fruits. We evaluated three productivity parameters: fresh fruit weight per variety, weight of one fruit and number of bell pepper fruits per plant. From the qualitative parameters, we evaluated the content of ascorbic acid, capsaicin, carotenoids, and the American Spice Trade Association color value. The monitored biostimulants had variable effects in all pepper varieties, while some of them statistically significantly increased and others significantly decreased the monitored parameters. In conclusion, we state that the application of verified biostimulants did not have a uniform effect on the observed varieties of the Capsicum genus. Therefore, based on our results, we cannot generalize the effect of a specific biostimulant on a specific crop genus or species.

Keywords: Capsicum ; pepper; chili; biostimulant; vegetable; yield

1 Introduction

Biostimulants are organic or inorganic products that are frequently used in modern agriculture. The aim is to reduce the costs associated with fertilization, improve growth and crop yield, enhance product quality, and increase tolerance to abiotic stress [1]. Chemical fertilizers have been studied for almost 200 years, and it is unlikely that chemical fertilizers could be improved. One approach to increasing crop productivity is the development of environmentally friendly organic products that are known as biostimulants, which stimulate plant growth by enhancing the efficiency of chemical fertilizers [2]. In their study, Ricci et al. [3] emphasized that because biostimulants impact so many different variables in the field, their effectiveness cannot be fixed at a specific level. Moreover, the effects of biostimulants from controlled laboratory conditions may not fully represent their value. The effects of biostimulants can be summarized in three groups: (i) plant growth promoters/inhibitors, (ii) stress relievers, and (iii) combined action.

Growers’ demand for products of superior quality has contributed to the rising need for biostimulants. By increasing photosynthetic activity, stress tolerance, and nutrient uptake through a wide range of mechanisms of action, the use of biostimulants can be considered an effective approach for producing high yields of nutritionally valuable vegetables with less environmental impact [2,4]. Traditional pepper varieties are suitable candidates to be grown in these environmentally friendly ways [5].

Capsicum annuum L., a crop from the Solanaceae family, is well-known for its delicious flavor and aroma. Currently, five species are domesticated: C. annum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, and C. pubescens [6]. Many of the Mexican chilies, along with bell peppers, paprikas, and pimentos, are all part of C. annuum. Of all the cultivated species of the genus Capsicum, this one is currently the most common and economically significant [7]. It is a well-known fruit that has been cultivated and used as food and traditional medicine for millennia and is still widely available today [8]. Capsicum peppers are an excellent herbal remedy because they contain a variety of organic micronutrients with potential health benefits, including phytochemicals, capsaicin, essential oils, and essential oils [9–11]. According to reports, carotenoids and vitamin C have been identified as great sources of antioxidants in C. annuum. [12,13]. Capsaicinoids are the main phytochemicals found in hot peppers. Most spicy pepper types contain between 90 and 95% of their total capsaicinoids as either capsaicin or dihydrocapsaicin [14], which is also confirmed by the study of Zamljen et al. [15]. Pungent alkaloid chemicals known as capsaicinoids are endowed with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, analgesic, anti-microbial, and anti-carcinogenic activities [16–18]. The extractable color measurement of pepper may serve as a quality assessment for the food business as it provides an estimate of the total pigment content because the fruits of the Capsicum genus have also been utilized for natural food coloring [18]. Numerous carotenoids, such as capsanthin, capsorubin, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, phytofluene, and xanthophyll, as well as steroids, such as capsicoside, are present in C. annuum [19,20]. According to the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA), color is a crucial quality characteristic of paprika powder [21]. One of the criteria used to identify whether paprika is of high quality is the ASTA color value [22]. Currently, protected horticultural practices are used for most of the pepper production [23]. With the reduction of inputs in pepper production, the application of biostimulant holds potential and environmentally friendly innovation to satisfy the present demands of sustainable agriculture [24].

Currently, there is sufficient information for both researchers and practical farmers on the benefits of using biostimulants in crop production. However, sources dealing with the observation of the effect of a particular preparation on the specific varieties of a species are often lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study is to observe the effect of commercially available biostimulants on selected qualitative and quantitative parameters of nine cultivars of Capsicum spp.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Plant material and experimental design

The establishment of field small-plot trials was carried out according to the agronomic practices shown in Table 1. Nine different pepper varieties from two botanical species were included in the experiment. Selected verified varieties are commonly available on the grower’s market and are often used by farmers in the Central European region. The experiment was carried out in field conditions during two growing seasons, specifically in 2020 and 2022. The experimental plots were identically irrigated by Netafim Techline 1.6 LPH (Dripper Line) during the vegetation. Irrigation was applied based on rainfall during the growing season to maintain recommended soil moisture for peppers. The soil moisture level was monitored using the UNI-T UT333S device (Uni-Trend Technology (China) Co., Dongguan City, China). The stands were regularly weeded, hoed, and treated against mammalian and voracious pests. Before the experiment was set up, local soil analyses were done with the intention of monitoring nutrient levels. In accordance with the recommendations for producing the specified types of peppers, basic nutrients were applied in normative doses.

Table 1

Basic agronomic characteristics of the plots

Species and variety Type of pepper DS PD Spacing (cm) n NR Location (GPS coordinates) Particular conditions
Capsicum annuum “Žitava” Paprika 25.2.2022 17.5.2022 30 × 40 5 3 48°18′08.9″N 18°06′02.3″E FC
Capsicum annuum “Szegedi 80” Paprika 10.3.2020 4.6.2020 25 × 50 8 4 48°18′08.9″N 18°06′02.3″E FC
Capsicum annuum “Karkulka” Paprika 25.2.2022 17.5.2022 30 × 40 5 3 48°18′08.9″N 18°06′02.3″E FC
Capsicum annuum “Hodonínska sladká” Paprika 25.2.2022 17.5.2022 30 × 40 5 3 48°18′08.9″N 18°06′02.3″E FC
Capsicum chinense “Habanero Orange” Chili 2.2.2022 19.5.2022 40 × 50 5 3 48°18′08.9″N 18°06′02.3″E FC
Capsicum chinense “Habanero Chocolate” Chili 2.2.2022 19.5.2022 40 × 50 5 3 48°18′08.9″N 18°06′02.3″E FC
Capsicum annuum “Kristián” Chili 25.2.2022 18.5.2022 40 × 50 5 3 48°18′08.9″N 18°06′02.3″E FC
Capsicum annuum “Damián” Chili 25.2.2022 18.5.2022 40 × 50 5 3 48°18′08.9″N 18°06′02.3″E FC
Capsicum annuum “Kurtovska kápia” Bell pepper 1.3.2022 7.5.2022 30 × 50 8 3 48°18′07.2″N 18°06′01.7″E FT

Note: DS – date of sowing, PD – planting date, NR – number of repetitions, n – number of plants per repetition, NR – number of repetitions in the variant, N – Nord, E – east, FC – open field conditions, FT – foil tunnel.

2.2 Physicochemical properties of the soil

Our area of interest is Gleyic Fluvisol, which forms on alluvial, non-calcareous, and calcareous deposits. A high water table is characteristic of the soil formation process. It is a medium-humic soil with an average humus content of 2.2–2.8%. Granulometrically, it is heavy soil, greasy in wet conditions, dense in dry conditions to compaction, and tending to liquefaction in increased moisture and lumpiness in prolonged dryness. The results of the soil analysis are presented in Table 2.

Table 2

Results of soil analysis within the trial plots

pH Nan (mg kg−1) Content of nutrients in mg kg−1 (Mehlih III) – content of available nutrients Organic matter (%)
P K Mg S
Year 2020
6.77 8.2 127.5 290 392 1.25 2.80
Year 2022
6.89 191.0 148 480 5,750 275 4.29

2.3 Climatic conditions on the experimental site

Table 3 shows the average daily temperatures and total annual precipitation in the experimental years 2020 and 2022.

Table 3

Average daily temperatures and total rainfall in experimental sites

Month January February March April May June July August September October November December Average
Year 2020
Temperature (°C) −0.2 5.2 6.6 11.3 13.8 19.2 20.8 22.1 16.9 11.0 4.8 3.4 11.2
Rainfall (mm) 8 36 64 5 39 81 22 73 92 140 14 41 614
Year 2022
Temperature (°C) 1.0 3.6 4.6 8.5 15.8 20.7 21.5 21.9 13.9 11.5 5.5 1.3 10.8
Rainfall (mm) 6 35 4 13 13 88 60 60 7 28 9 67 388

2.4 Application variants

In the experiment, three application variants were dimensioned, while the first variant represents control without the application of observed preparations. The variants were created based on the recommendation of the distributor of three commercial products, while the specific variants are characterized in Table 4 and the schedule of application in Table 5. According to the distributor’s advice, a combination of products was applied in the EN variant.

Table 4

Variants of the trial and forms of application of the observed biostimulants

Variant First application Second application Third application
Soaking the root ball before planting (10 min) Foliar at the beginning of flowering (BBCH 601–603) Foliar when the first fruits appear (BBCH 701–703)
C Water Water Water
EN Energen Fulhum Plus 0.5 l ha−1 (0.5%) Energen Fruktus Plus 0.5 l ha−1 (0.5%) Energen Fruktus Plus 0.5 l ha−1 (0.5%)
HUM Humix® Univerzál 5 l ha−1 (1%) Humix® Univerzál 5 l ha−1 (1%) Humix® Univerzál 5 l ha−1 (1%)

Note: BBCH 601–603 – the first to the third flower is open. BBCH 701–703 – the first to the third fruit has reached its typical size and form. C – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer without biostimulants. EN – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulants (Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus). HUM – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulant Humix® Univerzál.

Table 5

Application terms

Species and variety Type of pepper 1AF 2AF 1AP 2AP 3AP
C. annuum “Žitava” Paprika 12.5.2022 27.6.2022 17.5.2022 20.6.2022 30.6.2022
C. annuum “Szegedi 80” Paprika 28.5.2020 16.6.2020 12.6.2020 26.6.2020 10.7.2020
C. annuum “Karkulka” Paprika 12.5.2022 27.6.2022 17.5.2022 20.6.2022 30.6.2022
C. annuum “Hodonínska sladká” Paprika 12.5.2022 27.6.2022 17.5.2022 20.6.2022 30.6.2022
C. chinense “Habanero Orange” Chili 12.5.2022 27.6.2022 17.5.2022 20.6.2022 30.6.2022
C. chinense “Habanero Chocolate” Chili 12.5.2022 27.6.2022 17.5.2022 20.6.2022 30.6.2022
C. annuum “Kristián” Chili 12.5.2022 27.6.2022 17.5.2022 20.6.2022 30.6.2022
C. annuum “Damián” Chili 12.5.2022 27.6.2022 17.5.2022 20.6.2022 30.6.2022
C. annuum “Kurtovska kápia” Bell pepper 22.4.2022 4.7.2022 7.5.2022 14.6.2022 4.7.2022

Note: 1AF – first application of LAD 27%, 2AF – second application of LAD 27%, 1AP – first application of preparations, 2AP – second application of preparations, 3AP – third application of preparations.

Energen Fulhum Plus (AV EKO-COLOR s.r.o., Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic) is an auxiliary plant preparation with at least 20% dry matter, combustible substances in dry matter at least 30%, humic substances (HS) and their salts at a concentration of at least 8%, and a pH between 8 and 10. Energen Fulhum Plus is a modified and processed aqueous solution of salt compounds obtained by the original decomposition of the technical lignosulfonate. It also contains algae extract (Ascophyllum nodosum), adaptogens, and other substances supporting the formation of the root system. The content of risk elements is below the limits, where the limit for Cd is 1.0, Pb is 10.0, Hg is 1.0, As is 10.0, and Cr is 50.0 mg dm−3. Its dominant effect is the promotion of the formation of a large volume of fine root hair while the efficiency of photosynthesis is improved. As a result, the resistance of plants to abiotic stress increases. In higher doses, it can regenerate soils. Energen Fulhum Plus has a wide range of uses and is designed to support the growth of field crops, forest crops, fruit production, and special crops during the entire vegetation period, starting with the support of root formation, leaf area growth, through the main growth period to flowering, and fruit growth [25].

Energen Fruktus Plus (AV EKO-COLOR s.r.o., Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic) is an auxiliary herbal preparation with a minimum of 20% dry matter, a minimum of 40% combustible substances in dry matter, HS, and their salts in a concentration of at least 8%, and pH between 8 and 10. Additionally, it contains seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) and other compounds that support growth, photosynthesis, yield formation, and the penetration of nutrients and active ingredients through cell membranes. These compounds also support yield formation by enhancing the flow of assimilates to seeds and fruits. Based on the valid legislation for the content of risk elements, the content of heavy metals is below the limits where the limit for Cd is 1.0, Pb is 10.0, Hg is 1.0, As is 10.0, and Cr is 50.0 mg·dm−3. Energen Fruktus Plus is intended for the period before and after the flowering of field crops: cereals, rape, mustard, poppy, corn, legumes, fruit trees, and vines. It is also intended for the dry season (end of June to July) for sugar beet, rapeseed, poppy, and mustard. It has a good impact on the growth of seeds and fruits and keeps photosynthesis functioning properly despite bad weather as it raises drought resistance [25].

Humix® Universal (AGROCULTUR BIO, Nitra, Slovakia) is a special liquid foliar and soil fertilizer containing HS from Leonardite, macroelements, and microelements intended for the nutrition of garden and field crops. Application to the leaf intensifies plant nutrition and supports the growth of the root system and the entire plant, which results in an increased and higher-quality harvest. Watering causes an increase in the content of microelements and the formation of humus, enabling the creation of an optimal soil structure. HS form min. 3.0% by weight, potassium (K2O) min. 2.5% by weight, and phosphorus (P2O5) min. 1.0% by weight. Unknown quantities of the elements Cu, Zn, Fe, Co, B, Mn, and Mo are also included in the fertilizer. The pH ranges from 9 to 10. Microelements are bound in chelated form. According to the manufacturer, applying Humix® Universal to the soil reduces symptoms of microelement deficiencies (Cu, Zn, Fe, Co, B, Mn, and Mo), raises the level of the mentioned microelements in the soil, and enhances the content of both organic and inorganic substances. The growth of soil bacteria and useful microorganisms is stimulated, the overall structure of the soil is improved, especially on heavier clay soils, the transformation of phosphorus and nitrogen in the soil into forms acceptable to plants is supported, the utilization of industrial fertilizers by plants is increased, and their accumulation in the soil and leaching into groundwater is reduced. The overall dose of industrial fertilizers is decreased when Humix® Universal and industrial fertilizers are applied together [26].

The information on applied fertilizers and preparations is provided in Table 5. During soil preparation, granulated farmyard manure (1.7% N, 0.8% P2O5, 1.8% K2O, 1.0% Ca, and 0.5% Mg) (AGRO CS HUNGARY, Salgótajrán, Hungary) was applied in the experiment in a dose of 3 t ha−1 and LAD 27% EC Fertilizer (27.0% N and 4.1% MgO) (Duslo, a.s.) was distributed in two doses during vegetation at a total dose of 120 kg ha−1. At planting, 60% of the LAD 27% dose was applied (72 kg ha−1), and subsequently, during vegetation, 40% of the LAD 27% dose (48 kg ha−1) was applied.

2.5 Harvest and processing

The plant was left with a set of all established fruits. The collection was repeated and was carried out in the form of sorting. Harvesting was done at the time of botanical maturity of the fruits when the fruits were fully ripe (Figure 1). Subsequently, the fruits were processed according to the variety of pepper and the associated technological process (Table 6).

Figure 1 Sorting of dry samples and realization of field trials. Source: Authors of the work, 2022.
Figure 1

Sorting of dry samples and realization of field trials. Source: Authors of the work, 2022.

Table 6

Harvest and processing of the biological material

Species and variety Type of pepper First harvest Second harvest Third harvest Fourth harvest Fifth harvest PHR (25°C) Drying
C. annuum “Žitava” Paprika 9.8.2022 22.9.2022 — — — 14 days 59°C
C. annuum “Szegedi 80” Paprika 1.9.2020 13.9.2020 1.10.2020 — — 14 days 59°C
C. annuum “Karkulka” Paprika 9.8.2022 22.9.2022 — — — 14 days 59°C
C. annuum “Hodonínska sladká” Paprika 9.8.2022 22.9.2022 — — — 14 days 59°C
C. chinense “Habanero Orange” Chili 7.9.2022 22.9.2022 20.10.2022 — — 14 days 59°C
C. chinense “Habanero Chocolate” Chili 7.9.2022 22.9.2022 20.10.2022 — — 14 days 59°C
C. annuum “Kristián” Chili 7.9.2022 22.9.2022 — — — 14 days 59°C
C. annuum “Damián” Chili 7.9.2022 22.9.2022 — — — 14 days 59°C
C. annuum “Kurtovska kápia” Bell pepper 2.8.2022 11.8.2022 25.8.2022 16.9.2022 20.10.2022 — —

Note: PHR – post-harvest ripening.

2.6 Quantitative parameters

After harvest, the weight of fresh fruit per plant, the weight of fresh pepper fruit, and the number of pepper fruits per plant were evaluated. Fruits were weighed on a Kern 440–53 N scale (Kern & Sohn, Albstadt, Germany). The drying of pepper fruits took place in a hot air dryer Mem-mert UF 110 Plus (Memmert, Schwabach, Germany) for selected qualitative measurements. Dry pepper fruits were subsequently ground in a shear mill Retsch SM 100 (Retsch, Haan, Germany) and stored in the dark until the time of their qualitative analyses.

2.7 Qualitative parameters

The selected quality parameters were evaluated for individual pepper varieties. Emphasis was placed on the importance of a specific quality parameter for a particular pepper variety and type with respect to post-harvest processing and the type of use in the food industry.

2.7.1 ASTA color index measurements

The extractable color of the pepper powder samples was determined using the method recommended by the ASTA [21]. After drying, 100 mg of the pepper powder sample was extracted with 100 mL of 100% acetone solution. The pigment extraction of red peppers was done overnight at room temperature in dark conditions for 16 h [6]. Next, the supernatant was filtered, and the absorbance of the clear sample (2 mL) was measured using a spectrophotometer Spectroquant® PHARO 300 (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) at a wavelength of 460 nm. The measurements were done in triplicate. The following formula was used to calculate the ASTA values:

ASTA value = Absorbance of acetone extracts × 16.4 × If/Sample weight (g).

“If” is a correction factor for the apparatus, calculated based on the absorbance of a standard solution of potassium dichromate, ammonium sulfate, and cobalt sulfate, while 16.4 is the extinction molar coefficient useful to convert color units into ASTA units [27].

2.7.2 Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin analysis by HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection)

The dried samples were extracted with 20 mL of 80% ethanol (v/v) at laboratory temperature for 2 h using a horizontal shaker Unimax 2010 (Heidolph Instruments, GmbH, Germany). The extract was filtered through Munktell No 390 paper (Munktell & Filtrak GmbH, Bärenstein, Germany) and stored in closed 50 mL PE tubes. Prior to HPLC analysis, the extract was filtered through the syringe filter QMax (0.22 μm, 25 mm, PVDF) (Frisenette ApS, Knebel, Denmark). All compounds were determined using an Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC (Agilent Technologies GmbH, Wäldbronn, Germany). All HPLC separations were performed on a Cortecs® reverse phase C18 column (150 mm × 3.5 mm × 2.7 μm) (Waters Inc., CA, USA). The mobile phase consisted of gradient acetonitrile (C) and 0.1% phosphoric acid in ddH2O (ultra-pure and sterile water) (D). The gradient elution was as follows: 0–5 min isocratic elution (10% C and 90% D), 5–10 min linear gradient elution (20% C and 80% D), and 10–20 min (30% C and 70% D). The initial flow rate was 0.6 mL/min, and the injection volume was 5 μL. The column thermostat was set up to 30°C, and the samples were kept at 6°C in the sampler manager. The detection wavelengths of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin were set up at 281 nm. Data were collected and processed using Agilent CDS software.

2.7.3 Vitamin C by HPLC-DAD

The samples (0.3 g of dry sample for all cases, except 3 g of the fresh sample for “Kurtovská kápia”) were extracted with 20 mL of 3% m-phosphoric acid (v/v) at laboratory temperature for 10 s using the homogenizer SilentCrusher M (Heidolph Instruments, GmbH, Germany) and protected from light. The extract was shock-cooled and filtered through the syringe filter QMax (0.45 μm, 13 mm, PVDF) (Frisenette ApS, Knebel, Denmark). Vitamin C was determined using an Agilent 1260 Infinity HPLC with DAD (Agilent Technologies GmbH, Wäldbronn, Germany). All HPLC separations were performed on a LiChrosorb® reverse phase C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 μm) (Merck KGaA., Darmstadt, Germany). The mobile phase consisted of 70% phosphoric acid (0.1% v/v) and 30% acetonitrile. The initial flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, and the injection volume was 5 μL. The column thermostat was set at 30°C, and the samples were kept at 6°C in the sampler manager. The total time of separation was 8 min. The detection wavelength of vitamin C was set at 246 nm. Data were collected and processed using Agilent OpenLab software for 3D LC systems.

2.7.4 Determination of total carotenoid content

To determine the total carotenoid concentration, the methodological procedures according to Hegedűsová et al. [28] were applied. All extractions were conducted in triplicate. About 1 g of biological material was homogenized with 20 mL of acetone at maximum speeds using the homogenizer Silent Crusher M (Heidolph Instruments GmbH & Co. KG, Schwabach, Germany) until total pulp discoloration was achieved. The acetone extract thus obtained was shaken with 20 mL of petroleum ether. After obtaining the petroleum ether extract, it was rinsed with distilled water, which removed any excess acetone present in the extract. The obtained petroleum ether extract was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and made up to the required volume with petroleum ether. The total carotenoid content was estimated by spectrophotometric measurement of absorbances of substances in petroleum ether extract in three repetitions on a spectrophotometer Spectroquant® PHARO 300 (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) at a wavelength of 450 nm. The obtained values were recalculated according to the formula provided by Biehler et al. [29].

2.8 Statistical analysis

Data were analyzed using Statgraphics Centurion XVII (Statgraphics Technologies, Inc., The Plains, VA, USA) software with the technique for analyzing the categorical factors effect – analysis of variance (ANOVA), the LSD (least significant difference) test within a 95% confidence interval (significance level α  =  0.05), and multiple variable analysis – Pearson product-moment correlations between each pair of variables.

3 Results

3.1 Quantitative parameters

3.1.1 Fresh fruit weight per variant

Yield potential was monitored for all varieties. The application of biostimulant preparations (excluding variant EN for the variety Žitava) increased fruit yield in all paprika varieties, as shown in Table 7 – specifically, variety Žitava variant HUM’s yield increased (+20.8%), “Szegedi 80” in variant EN (+2.6%) and variant HUM (+6.0%), “Karkulka” in variant EN (+38.8%) and variant HUM (+51.5%), and the variety “Hodonínska sweet” in variant EN (+4.5%) and variant HUM (+13.9%). However, only the increase in yield for the variety “Szegedi 80” in variant HUM was statistically significant. A reduction in yields after applying biostimulants was observed only in the variety Žitava in the EN variant (−2.3%), but it was not statistically significant.

Table 7

Fruit fresh weight per variant (t ha−1)

Species and variety Type of pepper pcs ha−1 C ± SD EN ± SD HUM ± SD
C. annuum “Žitava” Paprika 83,333 10.30 ± 3.21a 10.06 ± 1.43a 12.45 ± 1.64a
C. annuum “Szegedi 80” Paprika 80,000 26.05 ± 0.99a 26.73 ± 0.34ab 27.60 ± 0.84b
C. annuum “Karkulka” Paprika 83,333 1.03 ± 0.27a 1.43 ± 0.43a 1.56 ± 0.69a
C. annuum “Hodonínska sladká” Paprika 83,333 9.57 ± 2.83a 10.00 ± 3.76a 10.90 ± 1.34a
C. chinense “Habanero Orange” Chili 50,000 5.25 ± 0.90b 2.39 ± 1.14a 2.32 ± 1.03a
C. chinense “Habanero Chocolate” Chili 50,000 2.79 ± 0.68b 1.23 ± 0.39a 2.44 ± 0.18b
C. annuum “Kristián” Chili 50,000 3.63 ± 2.66a 4.49 ± 0.32a 5.26 ± 0.37a
C. annuum “Damián” Chili 50,000 3.01 ± 0.60a 2.23 ± 0.92a 2.07 ± 0.58a
C. annuum “Kurtovska kápia” Bell pepper 66,666 67.73 ± 6.63a 63.00 ± 9.46a 57.79 ± 7.25a

Note: pcs ha−1 – the number of fruits per 1 hectare, C – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer without biostimulants. EN – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulants (Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus). HUM – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulant Humix® Univerzál. Different letters listed with SD (standard deviation) values in the lines represent statistically significant differences between the observed varieties at p < 0.05 by LSD in ANOVA (Statgraphic XVII).

The results of an experiment on both cultivars of C. chinense variant EN showed a statistically significant reduction in yields compared to the control. Specifically, the variety “Habanero Orange” (−54.5%) and “Habanero Chocolate” (−55.9%) had a decrease in fruit yield. Similarly, in variant HUM, the variety “Habanero Orange” yield significantly decreased by 55.8%, and “Habanero Chocolate” decreased by 12.5%.

The findings for the chili varieties of the C. annuum species are contradictory. There was an increase in the yield for the “Kristián” variety after applying preparations in both variant EN (+23.7%) and variant HUM (+44.9%). On the contrary, for the “Damián” variety, there was a yield decline in both variant EN (−25.9%) and variant HUM (−31.2%).

Similarly, for the “Kurtovska kápia” variety, a decrease in yield per plant was observed (variant EN, −7.0% and variant HUM, −14.7%). However, it is worth noting that the results are not statistically significant, as indicated in Table 7.

3.1.2 Weight of one fruit

The weight of one fruit was evaluated in eight out of nine varieties, except “Szegedi 80,” which was not monitored in the 2020 experiment. The weight of one fruit is expressed as the total yield of fresh fruits in the repetition, divided by the number of fruits. In the case of paprika varieties, an increase in the weight of one fruit was observed in all observed variants. Notably, a statistically significant increase in fruit weight was observed in the Žitava variety in both HUM (+30.7%) and EN (+20.9%) variants. Positive, but not statistically significant, results were obtained for the Karkulka variety (variant EN +9.0% and variant HUM 12.2%) and the Hodonínska sladká variety (variant EN +2.9% and variant HUM 14.1%) (Table 8).

Table 8

Weight of one fruit (g/1 fruit)

Species and variety Type of pepper C ± SD EN ± SD HUM ± SD
C. annuum “Žitava” Paprika 19.2 ± 1.8a 23.3 ± 1.6b 25.1 ± 0.3b
C. annuum “Karkulka” Paprika 24.6 ± 1.6a 26.9 ± 2.3a 27.6 ± 4.2a
C. annuum “Hodonínska sladká” Paprika 21.0 ± 0.6a 21.6 ± 1.0a 24.0 ± 3.2a
C. chinense “Habanero Orange” Chili 13.5 ± 0.5a 11.6 ± 1.3a 10.8 ± 3.1a
C. chinense “Habanero Chocolate” Chili 10.6 ± 0.6b 8.9 ± 0.5a 8.9 ± 0.7a
C. annuum “Kristián” Chili 4.4 ± 0.6a 8.4 ± 4.9a 4.8 ± 0.6a
C. annuum “Damián” Chili 4.1 ± 0.1a 4.6 ± 2.2a 4.0 ± 0.8a
C. annuum “Kurtovska kápia” Bell pepper 103.5 ± 20.3a 96.2 ± 20.5a 100.0 ± 20.0a

Note: C – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer without biostimulants. EN – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulants (Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus). HUM – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulant Humix® Univerzál. Different letters listed with the SD values in the lines represent statistically significant differences between the observed varieties at p < 0.05 by LSD in ANOVA (Statgraphic XVII).

The fruit weight of C. chinense chili pepper decreased in both treated variants of both varieties. This trend was more pronounced in the Habanero Chocolate variety (variant EN, −16.1% and variant HUM, –16.0%) than the Habanero Orange variety. In the case of Habanero Orange, negative changes were not statistically significant (variant EN, −14.6%, and variant HUM, −19.9%) (Table 8).

The opposite and ambiguous results for the C. annuum species chili peppers were found. The EN variant had a more positive effect on the fruit weight parameter than HUM, with a significant increase in the Kristián variety (+88.4%) and a slight increase in the Damián variety (+12.9%). On the contrary, in the HUM variant, a slight increase in the fruit weight (+9.0%) was observed in the Kristián variety, but slightly negative changes were detected in the Damián variety (−1.5%).

Negative but statistically insignificant results were observed in the case of C. annuum Kurtovska kápia (variant EN −7.1% and variant HUM −3.3%), which was grown under a foil cover.

3.1.3 Number of pepper fruits per plant

Regarding the weight of one fruit, eight out of nine varieties were evaluated. Unfortunately, the ninth variety, “Szegedi 80,” cultivated in the initial experiment in 2020, was not evaluated for this parameter. The number of fruits per plant in paprika varied among the observed varieties. The “Karkulka” variety showed the best results, with an increase in the number of fruits by +50.7% in the EN variant and by +45.3% in the HUM variant. In the case of the “Žitava” pepper, the average number of fruits per plant decreased in both variants, with −22.6% in the EN variant and −6.7% in the HUM variant. The “Hodonínska sladká” variety showed a decrease of −2.3% in the EN variant and an increase of +9.9% in the HUM variant (Table 9).

Table 9

Average number of pepper fruits per plant

Species and variety Type of pepper C ± SD EN ± SD HUM ± SD
C. annuum “Žitava” Paprika 13.9 ± 4.0a 10.7 ± 1.3a 12.9 ± 1.7a
C. annuum “Karkulka” Paprika 5.0 ± 1.1a 7.5 ± 2.7a 7.3 ± 2.2a
C. annuum “Hodonínska sladká” Paprika 11.5 ± 2.9a 11.2 ± 4.5a 12.6 ± 2.1a
C. chinense “Habanero Orange” Chili 19.5 ± 3.1b 10.9 ± 4.7a 10.1 ± 4.3a
C. chinense “Habanero Chocolate” Chili 17.1 ± 3.9b 8.5 ± 2.4a 15.5 ± 2.9b
C. annuum “Kristián” Chili 32.9 ± 21.7a 36.5 ± 4.9a 31.5 ± 4.1a
C. annuum “Damián” Chili 23.2 ± 0.8a 22.9 ± 6.6a 18.9 ± 6.2a
C. annuum “Kurtovska kápia” Bell pepper 9.5 ± 3.2a 8.1 ± 2.1a 9.6 ± 1.9a

Note: C – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer without biostimulants. EN – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulants (Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus). HUM – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulant Humix® Univerzál. Different letters listed with the SD values in the lines represent statistically significant differences between the observed varieties at p < 0.05 by LSD in ANOVA (Statgraphic XVII).

In all observed Capsicum chinense varieties, the application of EN adversely affected the number of pepper fruits per plant. A statistically significant reduction in the number of fruits was observed for the “Habanero Orange” variety by −44.2% and for the “Habanero Chocolate” variety by −50.6%. The HUM variant also caused a statistically significant negative decrease in the number of fruits in the “Habanero Orange” variety by −48.3% and a statistically insignificant decrease of −9.3% in the “Habanero Chocolate” variety.

The results for the number of fruits per plant varied similarly to those for the weight of one fruit.

3.2 Qualitative parameters

3.2.1 ASTA color value

ASTA values were monitored for the type paprika, where this parameter is an important quality indicator. The experiment results show that applying biostimulants did not significantly affect the ASTA values in the Capsicum species. However, contradictory results were detected for different varieties of spice-type peppers and bell pepper types. An increase in the ASTA value was observed for the varieties “Žitava” (variant EN +23.0%), “Hodonínska sladká” (variant EN +6.6% and variant HUM +7.7%), and “Karkulka” (variant HUM +0.7%), while a decrease in the ASTA value was found for other variants. Specifically, the “Žitava” variety in the HUM variant showed a decrease of −9.4%, “Szegedi 80” showed a decrease of −13.3% (variant EN) and −11.7% (variant HUM), and “Karkulka” showed a decrease of −27.9% (variant EN) (Table 10).

Table 10

Average ASTA color value

Species and variety Type of pepper C ± SD EN ± SD HUM ± SD
C. annuum “Žitava” Paprika 129.0 ± 3.5a 158.6 ± 15.8b 116.9 ± 9.3a
C. annuum “Szegedi 80” Paprika 131.0 ± 0.9b 113.6 ± 1.7a 115.6 ± 1.2a
C. annuum “Karkulka” Paprika 200.6 ± 22.4b 144.6 ± 17.4a 201.9 ± 27.6b
C. annuum “Kurtovska kápia” Bell pepper 148.9 ± 7.9a 158.8 ± 23.5a 160.4 ± 22.3a

Note: C – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer without biostimulants. EN – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulants (Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus). HUM – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulant Humix® Univerzál. Different letters listed with the SD values in the lines represent statistically significant differences between the observed varieties at p < 0.05 by LSD in ANOVA (Statgraphic XVII).

3.2.2 Capsaicin content in fruits

The capsaicin content in peppers was monitored in a total of four varieties, belonging to two species of the Capsicum genus, which were characterized as chili. In the case of the monitored varieties of the Capsicum chinense species, no significant increase in the capsaicin content was observed. However, a reduction was observed in both the observed variants (variant EN, −4% and variant HUM, −0.4%) for the “Habanero Orange” variety. In the case of the “Habanero Chocolate” variety, the HUM variant showed a statistically significant decrease in the capsaicin content (−5.1%). However, the capsaicin content (+0.3%) was increased in the EN variant compared to the control (Table 11).

Table 11

Capsaicin content in fruits (expressed in mg kg−1 DW – dry weight)

Species and variety Type of pepper C ± SD EN ± SD HUM ± SD
C. chinense “Habanero Orange” Chili 12,813 ± 922a 12,301 ± 652a 12,760 ± 654a
C. chinense “Habanero Chocolate” Chili 21,636 ± 487b 21,698 ± 176b 20,533 ± 1,000a
C. annuum “Kristián” Chili 3,505 ± 106b 3,171 ± 281a 3,088 ± 174a
C. annuum “Damián” Chili 1,959 ± 101b 1,565 ± 220a 1,414 ± 204a

Note: C – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer without biostimulants. EN – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulants (Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus). HUM – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulant Humix® Univerzál. Different letters listed with the SD values in the lines represent statistically significant differences between the observed varieties at p < 0.05 by LSD in ANOVA (Statgraphic XVII).

Similarly, applying the observed biostimulants to C. annuum resulted in statistically significant differences. In the case of the “Kristián” variety, the control variant accumulated the highest value of capsaicin (variant EN, −9.5% and variant HUM, −11.9%). For the variety “Damián,” the EN variant showed decreased capsaicin content (−20.1%) and variant HUM (−27.8%).

According to these results, it can be concluded that the application of verified preparations did not stimulate the synthesis of capsaicin in pepper fruits. On the contrary, in some cases, it significantly reduced their content (Table 11).

3.2.3 Vitamin C content in pepper fruits

Among the varieties in the experiment, the C. annuum “Kurtovska kápia” is an important source of vitamin C when consumed fresh. In contrast, other varieties are mainly used as spices and further processed within technological processes. However, the “Szegedi 80” variety was included in the study to supplement the research.

The results show that the application of tested biostimulants increased the vitamin C content in the fruits of both monitored C. annuum varieties. The “Szegedi 80” variety showed a statistically significant increase in the vitamin C content for EN and HUM variants (+18.1 and+40.9%, respectively). The “Kurtovska kápia” variety also showed an increase in the vitamin C content, but it was not statistically significant for EN and HUM variants (+1.1 and+1.7%, respectively). The HUM variant had a more positive effect (Table 12).

Table 12

Vitamin C content in pepper fruits

Parameter Type C ± SD EN ± SD HUM ± SD
Vitamin C (mg 100 g −1  DW)
C. annuum “Szegedi 80” Paprika 220.4 ± 5.1a 260.3 ± 1.4b 310.6 ± 13.3c
Vitamin C (mg 100 g −1  FW)
C. annuum “Kurtovska kápia” Bell pepper 141.9 ± 0.4a 143.4 ± 4.3a 144.3 ± 0.4a

Note: C – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer without biostimulants. EN – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulants (Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus). HUM – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulant Humix® Univerzál. FW – fresh weight. Different letters listed with the SD values in the lines represent statistically significant differences between the observed varieties at p < 0.05 by LSD in ANOVA (Statgraphic XVII).

3.2.4 Content of total carotenoids in pepper fruits

The last monitored parameter was the total content of carotenoids. Since this parameter is important for consumers, we only evaluated the “Kurtovska kápia” variety for this parameter. This variety is the only one of the monitored varieties that is usually consumed in larger quantities and therefore can be a source of carotenoids.

The control variant had the lowest content of carotenoids in pepper fruits with a value of 252.7 mg kg−1 of fresh matter compared with tested biostimulants. Although the carotenoid content was not statistically significantly changed, the content of carotenoids in the fruits was increased by the application of both preparations. The HUM variant showed a higher increase (+25.1%) than the EN variant (+0.9%) (Table 13).

Table 13

Content of total carotenoids in pepper fruits (mg kg−1 FW)

Species and variety Type C ± SD EN ± SD HUM ± SD
C. annuum “Kurtovska kápia” Bell pepper 252.7 ± 26.9a 255.0 ± 50.7a 316.1 ± 58.7a

Note: C – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer without biostimulants. EN – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulants (Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus). HUM – variant with a full dose of N fertilizer and biostimulant Humix® Univerzál. FW – fresh weight. Different letters listed with the SD values in the lines represent statistically significant differences between the observed varieties at p < 0.05 by LSD in ANOVA (Statgraphic XVII).

4 Discussion

In this study, the monitored parameters on pepper (Capsicum annum L.) could be influenced by several factors with which HS, the main compound of used biostimulants, acts on plants. The beneficial effects of HS on plant growth have been related to an “indirect” action on the metabolism of soil microorganisms, the availability of soil nutrients (Fe, Zn, and Cu), and the soil physical structure [30], or to a direct effect on the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of several enzymes and molecular transporters in the plant root. These biological effects within the plant seem to be associated with both nutrient root uptake ability and the efficient use of the nutrient in plant leaves or fruits [31]. Products with seaweed extracts, such as Energen, have phytoelicitor activity as their components evoke defense responses in plants that contribute to resistance to several pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, and cold. This is often linked to the upregulation of important defense-related genes and pathways in the plant system, priming the plant defenses against future attacks. They also evoke phytohormonal responses due to their specific components and interaction with plant growth regulation. Treatment by seaweed extracts and products also causes significant changes in the microbiome components of soil and plants in support of sustainable plant growth [32]. Based on these observed effects, we assumed a potential increase in the yield and production of the observed bioactive substances.

4.1 Quantitative parameters

Our results support the claim that the effects of biostimulants can vary based on the plant species or varieties [33,34].

The used biostimulants contained significant amounts of humic compounds. Utilizing HS as biostimulants in horticultural crops is emerging as a key sustainable technology that might be integrated with other agricultural methods to increase crop productivity and efficiency while minimizing negative environmental effects [35]. They stimulate plant growth and physiology through increased nutrient absorption, hormonal action that promotes root growth and proliferation, and activation of antioxidant defense in response to a variety of abiotic stressors [36]. Many other authors have also confirmed various effects of HS applications for all monitored parameters. A significant increase in pepper fruit yield per plant and total yield after the application of the different doses of HS biostimulants to chili varieties was recorded by Jan et al. [31] and Pavani et al. [32]. The treatment with HS caused a significant increase in the pepper fruit length, fruit diameter, and fresh and dry weights of fruit as compared with stressed and unstressed plants in Akladious et al. [33]. The application of humic acids significantly increased all morphological and yield parameters in the pepper as well as the macronutrient content, according to El-Ghamry et al. [34]. The HS biostimulant application increased the yield and quality of paprika fruits with a 20% increase in the total yield [35]. Other studies report that pepper plants treated with the biostimulants Radifarm® and Megafol® showed higher antioxidant activity [37], the fruit yield increased by up to 55% and the incidence of unmarketable fruit affected by rot was reduced [4]. Similar results were obtained in another experiment with two pepper cultivars treated with biostimulants (Radifarm®, Megafol®, Viva® a Benefit®), where an exceptional effect of biostimulants on the pepper crop was observed in the hot summer season, when high temperatures in the greenhouse caused physiological stress in the plants [38]. At the same time, similar results of HS application on different fruits of the Solanaceae family are reported in many other scientific papers, such as Ahmad Rahi et al. [39], whose results confirmed that HS significantly improved the yield (7.4 and 7.17%, respectively), the total biomass, and the harvesting index of tomato. Abdellatif et al. [40] demonstrated that HA application increased the tomato fruit yield but had the least impact on the fruit number per plant.

The effects of other components with biostimulant effects, such as seaweed extracts, on pepper, have been described in several scientific papers. Seaweed extracts significantly increased the number and the size of the marketable paprika fruit as well as marketable yield, according to Arthur et al. [4], or improved the paprika plant growth parameters and increased the fruit number, according to Rajendran et al. [38]. The yield and composition of C. annuum chilies were also significantly improved [39]. They suggest that similar preparations’ effects may be independent of whether they are used in chili or paprika varieties.

HS and seaweed extracts can improve crop yields by affecting soil microbial diversity and activity and promoting plant growth traits of rhizospheric microbes [32,36]. Mainly, HS treatment significantly affects the microbial community diversity and composition, such as urease, sucrase, and phosphatase activities in the soil [41]. In addition, they support native beneficial microorganisms around the roots of plants [42]. Several studies have proven the positive effect of microbes on Capsicum plants. For example, Angulo-Castro et al. [43] and Majkowska-Gadomska [44] demonstrated that beneficial microorganisms could improve bell pepper plants’ yield, growth, and vigor.

The biostimulant impact of lignosulfonates (LSs) breakdown products is rarely used in research with Capsicum sp. or other Solanaceae species. LSs are by-products of the lignocellulosic biomass pulping process used in the pulp and paper industry. It is well recognized that this inexpensive, environmentally benign material can reduce or replace the usage of potentially (eco)toxic organic or inorganic compounds while also enhancing soil quality and fertilizer efficacy [45]. However, several research studies have shown that the application of lignosulfates improves the productivity and quality of farmed crops like barley [46] or corn [47].

Further examples of the effects of biostimulants on peppers include the positive influence on yield and fruit quality observed with biofertilizers [48], as well as the increased plant growth and yield with two different biostimulants reported by Ertani et al. [2]. However, biostimulants did not positively affect bell pepper yield [4]. The application did not affect marketable yield throughout the two crop-growing seasons but enhanced fruit quality, including fruit length, diameter, and color quality.

These results also support the significant diversity of the values of the effects of similar preparations applied to improve the yield parameters of the Capsicum sp. The discussion highlights the importance of considering plant species or varieties when applying biostimulants, as their effects vary. Suppose biostimulants do not positively affect the crop. In that case, the problem may lie in different dosages of biostimulants, distinct quality of the biostimulants used, different environmental conditions, or genetic properties of the plants. It is important to consider all these factors when evaluating the effect of biostimulants on plant growth and yield.

4.2 Qualitative parameters

Similar to yield parameters, the effects of the used biostimulants differed depending on the preparation used, the monitored variety, or the monitored parameter. Several scientific papers have reported on the effects of the biostimulants on the quality and antioxidant content of Capsicum fruits and supported our results. These studies describe that the effects of used HS or seaweed extract preparations on pepper fruits vary based on many factors.

An important aspect for establishing the red pepper’s commercial value is its ASTA color value [49]. The ASTA color value indicates the amount of red pigment found in peppers. It is highly reliable and used internationally to describe the quality of peppers. The US Flavor Trade Union standardizes the ASTA chromaticity ratings, which are normally below 100, with levels of 101–130 considered high and values of 161 or higher deemed extraordinary [6].

The ASTA values for paprika grow as the pepper matures [45]. Individual genotypes within a species may react differently to environmental conditions, and this could affect how much capsaicinoids are accumulated in pepper fruits [50]. By using biostimulants, we can boost the activity of these crucial enzymes in pepper plants to a whole new level and enhance the manufacture of capsaicinoids – the main identifiable metabolite in peppers – under stressful conditions [51]. Further research has demonstrated this; therefore, it may be supposed that this also relates to other pigments in pepper fruit.

Our findings are somewhat consistent with the findings of other authors. Our results suggest that the application of biostimulants does not have a significant impact on ASTA values for the Capsicum pepper species. Regarding ASTA values, it is stated that they increase depending on the maturity of the pepper and depending on the genotype and environmental conditions, where different genotypes may respond differently to specific environmental conditions. The problem may be that our study focuses on specific types of peppers, and there may be differences between the types we tested and those tested by other authors.

For example, HS have a positive effect on the pigment content in the red pepper for grinding in Berova et al. [48]. Treatments with humic acids caused significant increases in lycopene, β-carotene, anthocyanin, total phenols, and total flavonoid content as compared with control in Akladious et al. [34]. Application of HS resulted in the highest β-carotene content, lycopene, and carbohydrate contents. At the same time, the lowest values were recorded in the control in Aminifard et al. [52], which was later confirmed in a similar study with different HS biostimulants in Aminifard et al. [53]. Also, an increase in the chlorophyll content was observed by Pavani et al. [33] and El-Ghamry et al. [35].

The findings of other authors suggest that the application of biostimulants has a positive effect on the content of carotenoids and pigments in peppers. In contrast, our findings did not show statistically significant changes in carotenoid content, and only a minor increase was observed using HUM and EN biostimulants. However, it is important to note that various factors, such as genotypes, environmental conditions, and different tested pepper species, may cause these differences.

l-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a major antioxidant in plants. It significantly mitigates excessive cellular reactive oxygen species activities caused by several abiotic stresses [54]. Together with capsaicin, they are one of the most important and concentrated antioxidants in chili and Capsicum sp. [55].

The different contents of these antioxidants in our cultivated varieties of Capsicum sp. can be caused by many factors, such as the genetic potential of chosen varieties, reaction to used biostimulants, or stress factors. This also supports the claim by Mahmood et al. [56], who observed different chili and bell pepper responses, to drought stress at different reproductive stages. This may result from different pepper species’ relatively different drought coping mechanisms. Pepper plants compromise antioxidant production among yields under drought stress to overcome the drought stress. Another possible factor was noted by Liu et al. [57] when the content of capsaicin and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was substantially impaired by heat stress. Biostimulants such as HS or seaweed extracts can mitigate various abiotic stresses of plants at physicochemical, metabolic, and molecular levels [49].

Based on our results, the applied preparations stimulated the formation and accumulation of ascorbic acid in the pepper fruits, likely as a reaction to abiotic stress factors such as high temperatures during summer months. Akladious et al. [34] stated in their study that the treatments with humic acids caused significant increases in ascorbic acid content compared to the control. Also, seaweed extract significantly improved the amounts of profuse biological molecules like chlorophyll, ascorbic, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and total nutrients in Ashour et al. [58]. However, no significant differences in the concentrations of dry matter, total sugars, reducing sugars, or l-ascorbic acid in pepper fruit were found between treatments by Majkowska-Gadomska et al. [44], and in the scientific paper of Adamec et al. [59], vitamin C or total carotenoids content was not affected by HS.

Many other scientific studies have also confirmed the effects of HS on the antioxidant activity in pepper fruits. For example, HS improved the ascorbic acid concentration in fruits, as well as the capsaicin concentration in plants in Ertani et al. [2], Aminifard et al. [53], and Pavani et al. [33]. However, it is necessary to re-emphasize the fact that the effect of identical biostimulants can have different effects on different varieties of economic crops. Such a claim is also supported by the study by Zamljen et al. [60].

5 Conclusions

The research results indicate that applying biostimulant preparations positively affected the fruit yield and weight in most paprika varieties but decreased the fruit yield and weight in the chili varieties of the C. chinense species. The effect on the weight and yield of the C. annuum species chili varieties was mixed. In addition, the number of fruits per plant also varied among the observed varieties.

The application of biostimulants did not significantly affect the peppers’ ASTA values or capsaicin content but did increase the vitamin C content and total carotenoids in the fruits of both monitored C. annuum varieties. However, the HUM variant of biostimulant preparation positively affected the vitamin C content and total carotenoids in pepper fruits.

Overall, biostimulant preparations may improve the yield and quality of paprika and some chili pepper varieties. However, caution should be taken when applying them to chili varieties of the C. chinense species. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of biostimulant preparations on different varieties of Capsicum species.

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Acknowledgments

This publication was supported by “Interactive Classroom for Horticulture study program in the Context of Innovation of the Current Student’s Teaching Process, KEGA 004SPU-4/2022.”

  1. Funding information: This publication was supported by “Interactive Classroom for Horticulture study program in the Context of Innovation of the Current Student’s Teaching Process, KEGA 004SPU-4/2022.”

  2. Conflict of interest: The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

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Received: 2023-08-02
Revised: 2024-01-12
Accepted: 2024-01-30
Published Online: 2024-03-21

© 2024 the author(s), published by De Gruyter

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2022-0266
Keywords for this article
Capsicum; pepper; chili; biostimulant; vegetable; yield
Creative Commons
BY 4.0

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Regular Articles
  2. Supplementation of P-solubilizing purple nonsulfur bacteria, Rhodopseudomonas palustris improved soil fertility, P nutrient, growth, and yield of Cucumis melo L.
  3. Yield gap variation in rice cultivation in Indonesia
  4. Effects of co-inoculation of indole-3-acetic acid- and ammonia-producing bacteria on plant growth and nutrition, soil elements, and the relationships of soil microbiomes with soil physicochemical parameters
  5. Impact of mulching and planting time on spring-wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth: A combined field experiment and empirical modeling approach
  6. Morphological diversity, correlation studies, and multiple-traits selection for yield and yield components of local cowpea varieties
  7. Participatory on-farm evaluation of new orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties in Southern Ethiopia
  8. Yield performance and stability analysis of three cultivars of Gayo Arabica coffee across six different environments
  9. Biology of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on different types of plants feeds: Potency as a pest on various agricultural plants
  10. Antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. fruit in alloxan-induced Swiss albino diabetic mice
  11. Bioinformatics investigation of the effect of volatile and non-volatile compounds of rhizobacteria in inhibiting late embryogenesis abundant protein that induces drought tolerance
  12. Nicotinamide as a biostimulant improves soybean growth and yield
  13. Farmer’s willingness to accept the sustainable zoning-based organic farming development plan: A lesson from Sleman District, Indonesia
  14. Uncovering hidden determinants of millennial farmers’ intentions in running conservation agriculture: An application of the Norm Activation Model
  15. Mediating role of leadership and group capital between human capital component and sustainability of horticultural agribusiness institutions in Indonesia
  16. Biochar technology to increase cassava crop productivity: A study of sustainable agriculture on degraded land
  17. Effect of struvite on the growth of green beans on Mars and Moon regolith simulants
  18. UrbanAgriKG: A knowledge graph on urban agriculture and its embeddings
  19. Provision of loans and credit by cocoa buyers under non-price competition: Cocoa beans market in Ghana
  20. Effectiveness of micro-dosing of lime on selected chemical properties of soil in Banja District, North West, Ethiopia
  21. Effect of weather, nitrogen fertilizer, and biostimulators on the root size and yield components of Hordeum vulgare
  22. Effects of selected biostimulants on qualitative and quantitative parameters of nine cultivars of the genus Capsicum spp.
  23. Growth, yield, and secondary metabolite responses of three shallot cultivars at different watering intervals
  24. Design of drainage channel for effective use of land on fully mechanized sugarcane plantations: A case study at Bone Sugarcane Plantation
  25. Technical feasibility and economic benefit of combined shallot seedlings techniques in Indonesia
  26. Control of Meloidogyne javanica in banana by endophytic bacteria
  27. Comparison of important quality components of red-flesh kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) in different locations
  28. Efficiency of rice farming in flood-prone areas of East Java, Indonesia
  29. Comparative analysis of alpine agritourism in Trentino, Tyrol, and South Tyrol: Regional variations and prospects
  30. Detection of Fusarium spp. infection in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) during postharvest storage through visible–near-infrared and shortwave–near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy
  31. Forage yield, seed, and forage qualitative traits evaluation by determining the optimal forage harvesting stage in dual-purpose cultivation in safflower varieties (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
  32. The influence of tourism on the development of urban space: Comparison in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City
  33. Optimum intra-row spacing and clove size for the economical production of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia
  34. The role of organic rice farm income on farmer household welfare: Evidence from Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  35. Exploring innovative food in a developing country: Edible insects as a sustainable option
  36. Genotype by environment interaction and performance stability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars grown in Dawuro zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
  37. Factors influencing green, environmentally-friendly consumer behaviour
  38. Factors affecting coffee farmers’ access to financial institutions: The case of Bandung Regency, Indonesia
  39. Morphological and yield trait-based evaluation and selection of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes suitable for both summer and winter seasons
  40. Sustainability analysis and decision-making strategy for swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis carabauesis) conservation in Jambi Province, Indonesia
  41. Understanding factors affecting rice purchasing decisions in Indonesia: Does rice brand matter?
  42. An implementation of an extended theory of planned behavior to investigate consumer behavior on hygiene sanitation-certified livestock food products
  43. Information technology adoption in Indonesia’s small-scale dairy farms
  44. Draft genome of a biological control agent against Bipolaris sorokiniana, the causal phytopathogen of spot blotch in wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum): Bacillus inaquosorum TSO22
  45. Assessment of the recurrent mutagenesis efficacy of sesame crosses followed by isolation and evaluation of promising genetic resources for use in future breeding programs
  46. Fostering cocoa industry resilience: A collaborative approach to managing farm gate price fluctuations in West Sulawesi, Indonesia
  47. Field investigation of component failures for selected farm machinery used in small rice farming operations
  48. Near-infrared technology in agriculture: Rapid, simultaneous, and non-destructive determination of inner quality parameters on intact coffee beans
  49. The synergistic application of sucrose and various LED light exposures to enhance the in vitro growth of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni)
  50. Weather index-based agricultural insurance for flower farmers: Willingness to pay, sales, and profitability perspectives
  51. Meta-analysis of dietary Bacillus spp. on serum biochemical and antioxidant status and egg quality of laying hens
  52. Biochemical characterization of trypsin from Indonesian skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) viscera
  53. Determination of C-factor for conventional cultivation and soil conservation technique used in hop gardens
  54. Empowering farmers: Unveiling the economic impacts of contract farming on red chilli farmers’ income in Magelang District, Indonesia
  55. Evaluating salt tolerance in fodder crops: A field experiment in the dry land
  56. Labor productivity of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) farmers in Central Java Province, Indonesia
  57. Cropping systems and production assessment in southern Myanmar: Informing strategic interventions
  58. The effect of biostimulants and red mud on the growth and yield of shallots in post-unlicensed gold mining soil
  59. Effects of dietary Adansonia digitata L. (baobab) seed meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  60. Analysis and structural characterization of the vid-pisco market
  61. Pseudomonas fluorescens SP007s enhances defense responses against the soybean bacterial pustule caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines
  62. A brief investigation on the prospective of co-composted biochar as a fertilizer for Zucchini plants cultivated in arid sandy soil
  63. Supply chain efficiency of red chilies in the production center of Sleman Indonesia based on performance measurement system
  64. Investment development path for developed economies: Is agriculture different?
  65. Power relations among actors in laying hen business in Indonesia: A MACTOR analysis
  66. High-throughput digital imaging and detection of morpho-physiological traits in tomato plants under drought
  67. Converting compression ignition engine to dual-fuel (diesel + CNG) engine and experimentally investigating its performance and emissions
  68. Structuration, risk management, and institutional dynamics in resolving palm oil conflicts
  69. Spacing strategies for enhancing drought resilience and yield in maize agriculture
  70. Composition and quality of winter annual agrestal and ruderal herbages of two different land-use types
  71. Investigating Spodoptera spp. diversity, percentage of attack, and control strategies in the West Java, Indonesia, corn cultivation
  72. Yield stability of biofertilizer treatments to soybean in the rainy season based on the GGE biplot
  73. Evaluating agricultural yield and economic implications of varied irrigation depths on maize yield in semi-arid environments, at Birfarm, Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia
  74. Chemometrics for mapping the spatial nitrate distribution on the leaf lamina of fenugreek grown under varying nitrogenous fertilizer doses
  75. Pomegranate peel ethanolic extract: A promising natural antioxidant, antimicrobial agent, and novel approach to mitigate rancidity in used edible oils
  76. Transformative learning and engagement with organic farming: Lessons learned from Indonesia
  77. Tourism in rural areas as a broader concept: Some insights from the Portuguese reality
  78. Assessment enhancing drought tolerance in henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) ecotypes through sodium nitroprusside foliar application
  79. Edible insects: A survey about perceptions regarding possible beneficial health effects and safety concerns among adult citizens from Portugal and Romania
  80. Phenological stages analysis in peach trees using electronic nose
  81. Harvest date and salicylic acid impact on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) properties under different humidity conditions
  82. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. petal biomass: A green source of nanoparticles of multifarious potential
  83. Use of different vegetation indices for the evaluation of the kinetics of the cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) growth based on multispectral images by UAV
  84. First evidence of microplastic pollution in mangrove sediments and its ingestion by coral reef fish: Case study in Biawak Island, Indonesia
  85. Physical and textural properties and sensory acceptability of wheat bread partially incorporated with unripe non-commercial banana cultivars
  86. Cereibacter sphaeroides ST16 and ST26 were used to solubilize insoluble P forms to improve P uptake, growth, and yield of rice in acidic and extreme saline soil
  87. Avocado peel by-product in cattle diets and supplementation with oregano oil and effects on production, carcass, and meat quality
  88. Optimizing inorganic blended fertilizer application for the maximum grain yield and profitability of bread wheat and food barley in Dawuro Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
  89. The acceptance of social media as a channel of communication and livestock information for sheep farmers
  90. Adaptation of rice farmers to aging in Thailand
  91. Combined use of improved maize hybrids and nitrogen application increases grain yield of maize, under natural Striga hermonthica infestation
  92. From aquatic to terrestrial: An examination of plant diversity and ecological shifts
  93. Statistical modelling of a tractor tractive performance during ploughing operation on a tropical Alfisol
  94. Participation in artisanal diamond mining and food security: A case study of Kasai Oriental in DR Congo
  95. Assessment and multi-scenario simulation of ecosystem service values in Southwest China’s mountainous and hilly region
  96. Analysis of agricultural emissions and economic growth in Europe in search of ecological balance
  97. Bacillus thuringiensis strains with high insecticidal activity against insect larvae of the orders Coleoptera and Lepidoptera
  98. Technical efficiency of sugarcane farming in East Java, Indonesia: A bootstrap data envelopment analysis
  99. Comparison between mycobiota diversity and fungi and mycotoxin contamination of maize and wheat
  100. Evaluation of cultivation technology package and corn variety based on agronomy characters and leaf green indices
  101. Exploring the association between the consumption of beverages, fast foods, sweets, fats, and oils and the risk of gastric and pancreatic cancers: Findings from case–control study
  102. Phytochemical composition and insecticidal activity of Acokanthera oblongifolia (Hochst.) Benth & Hook.f. ex B.D.Jacks. extract on life span and biological aspects of Spodoptera littoralis (Biosd.)
  103. Land use management solutions in response to climate change: Case study in the central coastal areas of Vietnam
  104. Evaluation of coffee pulp as a feed ingredient for ruminants: A meta-analysis
  105. Interannual variations of normalized difference vegetation index and potential evapotranspiration and their relationship in the Baghdad area
  106. Harnessing synthetic microbial communities with nitrogen-fixing activity to promote rice growth
  107. Agronomic and economic benefits of rice–sweetpotato rotation in lowland rice cropping systems in Uganda
  108. Response of potato tuber as an effect of the N-fertilizer and paclobutrazol application in medium altitude
  109. Bridging the gap: The role of geographic proximity in enhancing seed sustainability in Bandung District
  110. Evaluation of Abrams curve in agricultural sector using the NARDL approach
  111. Challenges and opportunities for young farmers in the implementation of the Rural Development Program 2014–2020 of the Republic of Croatia
  112. Yield stability of ten common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes at different sowing dates in Lubumbashi, South-East of DR Congo
  113. Effects of encapsulation and combining probiotics with different nitrate forms on methane emission and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics
  114. Phytochemical analysis of Bienertia sinuspersici extract and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
  115. Evaluation of relative drought tolerance of grapevines by leaf fluorescence parameters
  116. Yield assessment of new streak-resistant topcross maize hybrids in Benin
  117. Improvement of cocoa powder properties through ultrasonic- and microwave-assisted alkalization
  118. Potential of ecoenzymes made from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) leaf and pulp waste as bioinsecticides for Periplaneta americana
  119. Analysis of farm performance to realize the sustainability of organic cabbage vegetable farming in Getasan Semarang, Indonesia
  120. Revealing the influences of organic amendment-derived dissolved organic matter on growth and nutrient accumulation in lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa L.)
  121. Identification of viruses infecting sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) in Benin
  122. Assessing the soil physical and chemical properties of long-term pomelo orchard based on tree growth
  123. Investigating access and use of digital tools for agriculture among rural farmers: A case study of Nkomazi Municipality, South Africa
  124. Does sex influence the impact of dietary vitD3 and UVB light on performance parameters and welfare indicators of broilers?
  125. Design of intelligent sprayer control for an autonomous farming drone using a multiclass support vector machine
  126. Deciphering salt-responsive NB-ARC genes in rice transcriptomic data: A bioinformatics approach with gene expression validation
  127. Review Articles
  128. Impact of nematode infestation in livestock production and the role of natural feed additives – A review
  129. Role of dietary fats in reproductive, health, and nutritional benefits in farm animals: A review
  130. Climate change and adaptive strategies on viticulture (Vitis spp.)
  131. The false tiger of almond, Monosteira unicostata (Hemiptera: Tingidae): Biology, ecology, and control methods
  132. A systematic review on potential analogy of phytobiomass and soil carbon evaluation methods: Ethiopia insights
  133. A review of storage temperature and relative humidity effects on shelf life and quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit and implications for nutrition insecurity in Ethiopia
  134. Green extraction of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) phytochemicals: Prospective strategies and roadblocks
  135. Potential influence of nitrogen fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of carrot (Dacus carota L.) in Ethiopia: Systematic review
  136. Corn silk: A promising source of antimicrobial compounds for health and wellness
  137. State and contours of research on roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in Africa
  138. The potential of phosphorus-solubilizing purple nonsulfur bacteria in agriculture: Present and future perspectives
  139. Minor millets: Processing techniques and their nutritional and health benefits
  140. Meta-analysis of reproductive performance of improved dairy cattle under Ethiopian environmental conditions
  141. Review on enhancing the efficiency of fertilizer utilization: Strategies for optimal nutrient management
  142. The nutritional, phytochemical composition, and utilisation of different parts of maize: A comparative analysis
  143. Motivations for farmers’ participation in agri-environmental scheme in the EU, literature review
  144. Evolution of climate-smart agriculture research: A science mapping exploration and network analysis
  145. Short Communications
  146. Music enrichment improves the behavior and leukocyte profile of dairy cattle
  147. Effect of pruning height and organic fertilization on the morphological and productive characteristics of Moringa oleifera Lam. in the Peruvian dry tropics
  148. Corrigendum
  149. Corrigendum to “Bioinformatics investigation of the effect of volatile and non-volatile compounds of rhizobacteria in inhibiting late embryogenesis abundant protein that induces drought tolerance”
  150. Corrigendum to “Composition and quality of winter annual agrestal and ruderal herbages of two different land-use types”
  151. Special issue: Smart Agriculture System for Sustainable Development: Methods and Practices
  152. Construction of a sustainable model to predict the moisture content of porang powder (Amorphophallus oncophyllus) based on pointed-scan visible near-infrared spectroscopy
  153. FruitVision: A deep learning based automatic fruit grading system
  154. Energy harvesting and ANFIS modeling of a PVDF/GO-ZNO piezoelectric nanogenerator on a UAV
  155. Effects of stress hormones on digestibility and performance in cattle: A review
  156. Special Issue of The 4th International Conference on Food Science and Engineering (ICFSE) 2022 - Part II
  157. Assessment of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid profiles and ratio of omega-6/omega-3 of white eggs produced by laying hens fed diets enriched with omega-3 rich vegetable oil
  158. Special Issue on FCEM - International Web Conference on Food Choice & Eating Motivation - Part II
  159. Special Issue on FCEM – International Web Conference on Food Choice & Eating Motivation: Message from the editor
  160. Fruit and vegetable consumption: Study involving Portuguese and French consumers
  161. Knowledge about consumption of milk: Study involving consumers from two European Countries – France and Portugal
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