Effect of Nitrobenzene on Postharvest Quality of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Under Green House Condition

Abstract

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is grown extensively throughout the world. Poor fruit-set as well as loss of reproductive structures due to moisture stress is one of the major barriers to tropical adaptation of bell pepper. Hence, the objective of the present study was to examine the effect of nitrobenzene (flowering stimulant and yield booster) on postharvest quality of bell pepper yield. The study was conducted at a farmer poly tunnel located in Pilimathalawa (WU1), Sri Lanka. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomize Design (CRD) with four treatments randomized in three replicates. The treatments were T₁ – Control (with out Nitrobenzene), T₂ – Nitrobenzene 15%, T₃ – Nitrobenzene 20%, T₄ – Nitrobenzene 25%. Plants were established in drip-fertigated bags in the Poly tunnel and standard crop management practices were applied through out the study.  Nitrobenzene was sprayed to the seedlings 40, 55, 80 and 105 days after planting.  Albert solution, 6: 30: 30 fertilizer mixture 20: 20 fertilizer mixture and Ca(NO₃)₂ were used as recommended fertilizers. Measurements were taken on shelf-life in room temperature, shelf-life in refrigerator, weight loss in room temperature and weight loss in refrigerator. The data obtained were tabulated and analyzed subjected to the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) was performed to compare the differences among treatment means at p=0.05. The highest shelf-life and lowest weight loss were observed in T4, i.e. 25% Nitrobenzene applied treatment. On the other hand the lowest shelf-life as well as highest weight loss were recorded from T3 (20% nitrobenzene), T2 (15% nitrobenzene) and T1 (control of the experiment).  Among different treatments tested, 25% nitrobenzene applied plants showed superior results in contrast to other nitrobenzene levels with yield quality as well as postharvest performances under greenhouse condition.