Capsicum chinense Jacq. Response to Pyrolysis-Derived Amendments and Sustainable Fertilizers in Containerized Greenhouse Systems
The controlled-environment cultivation of Capsicum chinense Jacq. is a high-value but input-sensitive system, where optimizing fertilization management practices (FMPs) is essential for maximizing yield and fruit quality. We tested the hypothesis that targeted FMPs—biochar, wood vinegar, and Cropmax—enhance vegetative growth, pigment accumulation, and reproductive performance in three genotypes (‘Carolina Reaper’, ‘Trinidad Scorpion’, and ‘Habanero Chocolate’) under containerized greenhouse conditions. Across biometric, pigment, and yield metrics, biochar–Cropmax combinations produced the strongest responses, increasing plant height by up to 22%, leaf number by 51%, and chlorophyll content index by 36% over controls. Yield gains were substantial: ‘Trinidad Scorpion’ reached 301.79 g plant−1 (+46%), ‘Habanero Chocolate’ 142.58 g (+32%), and ‘Carolina Reaper’ showed marked improvement in mean fruit mass (5.58 g). Biochar also elevated dry matter content to 10.31% and soluble solids to 8.35 °Brix. These results demonstrate that integrating biochar-based FMPs can significantly intensify C. chinense greenhouse production while aligning with sustainable horticultural objectives.
Authors
- Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3316-168X)
- Mariana Calara (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0989-5846)
- Ioan Sebastian Brumă (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0549-5474)
- Petre Brezeanu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3198-4116)
- Claudia Bălăiță (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4730-1682)
- C. Brezeanu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3352-3081)
Institutions
- AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center (TW)
- Romanian Academy (RO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Agronomy
- Published
- 2025-09-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092125
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Growth and nutrition in plants
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.75
Funders
- European Commission