Efecto de fertilizantes ecológicos en el tiempo fisiológico y la producción de chile habanero

Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers through ecological alternatives can be favorable for the habanero pepper crop (Capsicum chinense Jacq.), which can alter the growth degree days (GDD) accumulated in the different phenological stages. The research was carried out with the objective of evaluating Steiner nutrient solution at 37.5% (SS37.5) in combination with 3, 4.5 and 6 mL L-1 of Pez Terra® (PT) plus Purpureocillium lilacinum (Pl) in the accumulation of GDD by phenological stage, growth and production of habanero pepper. The experimentation was carried out in a greenhouse with a completely randomized design, 15 repetitions and a control (75% Steiner solution without PT and Pl). For the fruiting phase, the control accumulated 1511.73 GDD, values equal to those obtained with SS37.5 + 3 mL L-1 PT + Pl (1521.39) and SS37.5 + 4.5 mL L-1 PT + Pl (1533.50). With the SS37.5 + 4.5 mL L-1 PT + Pl treatment, leaf area (18.47%), phosphorus content in leaves (24.87%), SPAD readings (10.23%) and fruit production (15.19%) increased, in relation to the control. Plants treated with Pl showed colonization in the rhizosphere with values of 4 to 17%. The results showed that the greatest accumulation of GDD was obtained in the fruiting stage and synthetic fertilization was reduced by 50% in the production of habanero pepper with the combined use of PT and Pl.