Cumulative Applications of Paclobutrazol with Leaf Nitrogen in Biquinho Pepper

Abstract

The use of growth regulators as an example, paclobutrazol, active in the biosynthesis of gibberellin, is a technique that can be used to inhibit longitudinal growth modifying the morphophysiological characteristics of plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the cumulative application of paclobutrazol with the presence or absence of leaf nitrogen (N) in Biquinho pepper (Capsicum chinense). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse under a randomized block design, in a 2 x 3 factorial with five replications. The first main factor with two levels (Factor I) consisted of the application of 50 mg L-1 of paclobutrazol growth regulator with presence and absence of nitrogen. The second main factor (Factor II) composed by three levels was the cumulative applications at 9, 18 and 26 days after transplanting of seedlings (DAT). The association of leaf N with paclobutrazol provided an increase in plant biomass when applied two and three times while the largest biomasses were observed with the single and isolated application of paclobutrazol. Cumulative applications of paclobutrazol prevented the production of C. chinense fruits, however there was a better root growth. The application of paclobutrazol alone and in association with leaf nitrogen provides an increase in the levels of chlorophyll of C. chinense.