The effect of grafted seedlings on plant growth, yield and fruit quality of peppers (capsicum annuum L. var. longum CVS "asi F1" and "görkem F1") grown under cover

In Turkey, the use of grafted seedlings especially of the families Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae is spreading as an effect of diseases and damage from abiotic stress factors and the soil. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the effects of the use of grafted seedlings and different rootstocks on the vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality of peppers (Capsicum annuum L. var. longum). It was performed under plastic tunnels during the growing periods of Autumn 2014 and Autumn 2015. The commercial pepper varieties "Asi F1" and "Görkem F1" were used as scion in the study, while three different rootstocks, "Scarface F1", "DR341PX F1" and "Robusto F1" were used, as well as the varieties themselves. Plant length, stem thickness, fresh and dry weight of plants, LAI value, total yield, number of fruits, fruit dimensions and fruit dry weight were determined. It was found these values increased compared with the control group plants with DR341PX F1 and Robusto F1 rootstocks, on the other hand rootstock Scarface F1 decreased these values. The use of grafted seedlings had no significant effects on fruit characteristics (dry fruit weight, EC, pH and TA values of fruit juice, total soluble solids and vitamin C content). It was determined that DR341PX F1 and Robusto F1 were identified as suitable rootstocks for the Asi F1 variety, on the other hand DR341PX F1 was suitable rootstock for the Gorkem F1 variety