Potential of C-Phycocyanin Extract and Fertilizers combination for Enhancing Fruit Quality and Cultivation Efficiency in Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Abstract
To optimize hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) productivity and quality under high-temperature conditions in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, field trials were conducted during the 2022 and 2023 summer seasons. The experiment investigated the interactive effects of two cultivars (Belal and Omega), four NPK fertilization rates (Control, 75%, 50%, and 25% of the recommended dose) combined with a triple bio-fertilizer complex (Nitrobein, Phosphorein, and Potassiumag), and foliar application of C-phycocyanin (0 vs. 1000 ppm) using a split-split plot design.
Belal produced a significantly higher fruit yield per feddan (8.54 and 7.45 tons in the first and second seasons, respectively) than Omega (6.25 and 5.56 tons), driven by a higher fruit set per plant despite smaller average fruit weight. Conversely, Omega exhibited superior individual fruit mass, peaking at 14.67 g under 50% NPK mixed with bio-fertilizers. Among nutrient management regimes, applying 50% recommended NPK combined with bio-fertilizers optimized fruit weight, root expansion (up to 20.25 cm), and overall vegetative growth, whereas increasing NPK to 75% caused a decline in vegetative metrics. Foliar sprays of C-phycocyanin significantly elevated average fruit weight (up to 9.75 g) and total yield (up to 8.15 tons/feddan) across seasons by functioning as a bio-elicitor that enhances metabolic activity.
The three-way interaction revealed that integrating the Belal cultivar with 50% mineral NPK, bio-fertilizers, and C-phycocyanin foliar spray achieved the highest overall productivity (10.80 and 10.10 tons/feddan in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively). Furthermore, Belal under 25% NPK with bio-fertilizers and phycocyanin recorded the highest fruit nitrogen accumulation (2.738%). These results demonstrate that combining C-phycocyanin foliar treatment with bio-fertilizers allows for a 50% reduction in mineral NPK inputs while maximizing yield, improving fruit quality attributes, and enhancing cultivation efficiency in hot pepper.