Determination of performances for zinc (Zn) efficiency in different pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) types

Zinc deficiency is widespread problem in soil and plant. Although, zinc efficiency of different plant species were determined; zinc efficiency of pepper was not determined using large scale varieties. Total 75 pure lines (15 pure lines of each pepper types) from bell, charleston, capia, sivri and hot pepper were grown at two Zn levels (0 and 5 mg kg-1) during 65 days. Zinc efficiency level was calculated by dividing dry matter yield measured 0 mg kg-1 Zn by that found for 5 mg kg-1 Zn. Zinc application increased considerably dry matter yield of pepper plants. Dry matter increase was 452 % higher than control. Zinc efficiency of tested pure lines ranked between 7.1 % and 48.1 %; average zinc efficiency of all lines was 18.1 %. Only bell pepper types showed higher Zn efficiency level from the average with 24.4 %. Zn efficiency of charliston, capia, sivri and hot pepper were 17.7 %, 17.5 %, 16.7 %, 13.1 %, respectively. There was not a significant relationship between shoot Zn concentration and Zn efficiency whereas there was a significant relationship between shoot Zn content (total amount Zn per plant) and Zn efficiency. It is found that dry matter yield of stem canopy at 0 mg kg-1 Zn (R2=0.986***) and symptom degree of pure lines (R2=0.744***) are important parameters at resistance to Zn deficiency for pepper types. Results showed that pepper is very susceptible for zinc deficiency. This indicates that Zn fertilization is necessary for pepper growing area.