Genetic Variation Among Different Cultivars of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Calcium Uptake and Utilization

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted under laboratory condition using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to evaluate the effect of three calcium levels (0, 20, and 40 ppm) on growth and calcium utilization efficiency in three sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars: California Wonder, Quadrato Rosso, Quadrate Gallo. Results showed significant differences among calcium levels, cultivars, and their interaction for shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root- to- shoot ratio, and calcium utilization efficiency. The highest mean calcium utilization efficiency was obtained at 0 ppm (145.2 g2mg -1), followed by 20 ppm (86.66 g2mg-1) and 40 ppm (68.63 g2mg-1). Regarding cultivars, Quadrate Gallo recorded the highest mean efficiency, followed by California Wonder and, Quadrato Rosso. The interaction revealed that Quadrate Gallo at 0 ppm exhibited the highest efficiency (165.3 g2mg-1). Cultivars were classified based on their calcium utilization efficiency, where Quadrate Gallo was more efficient compared to other cultivars and could be regarded as a high calcium utilization efficiency cultivar.