Mathematical growth model for organically grown pepper transplants

Abstract

This study was conducted in a temperature-controlled greenhouse, with six partitions, during different growing periods in the year (seeds sown on 29 September for 1st period; 2 December for 2nd period; 18 March for 3rd period and 6 July for 4th period). Immediately after sowing, shading material with 50% shading capacity was used in 1, 2 and 3 layers in each period to create different light intensities. A control treatment without shading nets was also created. Pepper (Capsicum annum L. cv Yalova Carliston) was used as the plant material. Transplant height, stem diameter, leaf area, total dry weight, leaf stomatal conductivity and leaf chlorophyll contents were measured as quality parameters for the transplants. Significant differences were observed in the quality parameters related to the growing periods, shading treatments and growing period x shading interactions. A mathematical model was developed to estimate the number of days required to produce ready transplants, by using the variation values created in the different growing periods and shading treatments.