Leaf physiological variation and nutrient contents of pepper ( <i>Capsicum annuum</i> L.) inbred lines as affected by different rootstock genotypes

ABSTRACT We aimed to investigate the rootstock effects on plant growth performance and root nutrient contents and uptake of pepper inbred line (IL) based on the physiological and morphological response mechanisms. Four IL were grafted with two rootstocks, and ungrafted scions were used as control plants. As a result, among grafted and control plants substantial ( p &lt; 0.001) variances were found in morphological, physiological parameters and K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn composition. Significantly a higher leaf area, rootstock and scion diameter, shoot fresh and dry biomasses was found in IL ‘ERÜ 1227’ grafted with ‘Scarface’, significantly higher Ca and Mn composition were found in ‘21H‐1‐2’ grafted with ‘Scarface’; however, significantly higher root fresh‐dry biomasses and Zn composition was recorded in ‘ERÜ 1227’ grafted onto ‘46 KB F1’ rootstock. ‘Scarface’ rootstock performed better than the ‘46 KB F1’ rootstock; thus, it is advised as the best rootstock genotype with wide scion compatibility. As conclusion, vigorous rootstocks which could be illustrated beside an effective nutrient uptake, perform key functions in the enhancement of plant growth performance and root nutrient contents.