Influence of biostimulants and media compositions on growth and yield of Capsicum annuum L. under drought stress conditions

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Agricultural Faculty, University of Jambi, Indonesia, from April through to September 2019. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biostimulants and media compositions on the growth and yield of chili pepper during restricted soil water content. The study was arranged in a split plot design with 3 replicates (groups). Different types of biostimulants (Citorin®, Hantu®, and a control) were designated as main plot, whereas media compositions (2:2:1, 2:1:1, 1:2:1 and 1:1:2) made of soil+trichocompost+rice husk charcoal were employed as sub plot. At the time of transplanting, soil water content was set to approximately 75% of field capacity to create stress conditions. The results showed that the proper choice of biostimulant and medium composition could increase nutrient status, total sugar and chlorophyll contents, and reduce proline level in plants grown under restricted water availability. Citorin® application on chili plants grown on organic media (soil+trichocompost+rice husk charcoal) with ratio of 2:1:1 could be recommended to support plant growth and production under drought stress conditions.