Efeito do estresse hídrico sobre características da cultura do pimentão (Capsicum annuum L.).

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was carried out in Paraíba State, Northeastem Brasil, in order to study the effects of water stress on Capsicum annuum, L. planta of the "ali big" cultivar. Plants were cultivated in pots under four leveis of soil water availability (SWA): 100; 85; 70 and 55%. These treatments were arranged in a randomized block experimental design, with three replications. Plant material was collected at 61; 82; 96 and 118 days after sowing, which corresponded to the foBowing stages of development: earry flowering; Ml flowering; full fruiting and full maturity. Plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, root and shoot dry weight, water relative content and some production components were measured. Higher productivity and number of fruits per plant were observe d under the two higher leveis of SWA. Better water use efficiency and higher fruit dry weight were obtained with 85% SAW, but vegetative growth was greater with 100% SAW. Roofshoot ratio increased with decreasing SWA. This theatmenl also showed the maximum decrease in the relative water content of plants. The greatest effects of SWA on plant development were observed at 61 and 96 days after sowing. There was no significant relationship between water relative content in leaves and SWA, thongh crop water use decreased with in SWA.