Effect of Silicon at different concentrations added to the soil in a cultivation of “Habanero” hot pepper, in outdoor conditions

Abstract

The “Habanero” hot pepper cultivation represents an alternative option for the agricultural diversification in the location of Tierra Blanca, Ver., where the economy has focused around the plantation of sugar cane. Therefore, it is transcendent to design methodologies that may optimize production. Under conditions currently in growing plants it is obtained no more than 5 tons/ ha, because of the variability of rainfall and the increasing factors that promote the presence of viruses and fungi, that affect plant development and consequently outcome levels. In this work fertigation system, was implemented and additional to the basic package of nutrients, silicon component was incorporated and evaluated at different concentrations added to the soil in a cultivation of “Habanero” hot pepper (Kukulcan), in outdoor conditions, on the Experimental Field of the Technological Institute of Tierra Blanca, located at 18° 26’ North latitude and 96° 20’ West longitude. It was established an experimental area of 2450 m^2, with 1736 plants of density, three concentrations of silicon were applied, 200, 400 and 600g per plant, each treatment consisted of 434 plants. The variables studied were stem diameter, plant height, and the quantity of flowers and fruits per plant. It was found that the presence of silicon induces vegetative development, and improved the crop by obtaining a higher number of fruit per plant. No significant differences were observed between the concentrations of silicon used.