Growth and Yield of Capsicum annuum (Bell Pepper) as Affected by Application Rates and Splits of Albert’s Fertilizer Under Protected Cultivation in the Low Country Wet Zone of Sri Lanka

A research study was performed to assess the impact of rates and split applications of Albert’s fertilizer on the growth and yield of bell pepper under protected cultivation in the low-country wet zone of Sri Lanka. Bell pepper variety Polarized was cultivated in open-top grow bags filled with cocopeat as potting media. There were three levels of fertilization rates (R1-1.0 g/plant/day, R2-1.5 g/plant/day, and R3-2.0 g/plant/day) and 3 split applications (S1- 1 split/plant/day, S2-2 splits/plant/day, and S3-3 splits/plant/day). Two-factor factorial completely randomized design with nine treatment combinations and four replicates was used (2.0 g/plant/day fertilizer rate applied one split - R3S1 was the control). Treatments were administered daily. Plant height and the number of leaves/plants were assessed at two-week intervals, and leaf area was measured at monthly intervals as growth parameters. At harvest, fresh weight of fruits, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, and days to first flowering were assessed as yield parameters. The interaction effect of fertilization rate and split application had a significant impact on bell pepper growth and yield. The significantly higher plant height (157.1±3.2 cm), number of leaves per plant (115.1±1.7/plant), leaf area (86.8±1.4 cm²), number of fruits (11.3±0.5/plant), fruit length (8.3±0.2 cm) and fresh total fruit weight/plant (2.14±3.51 kg) were recorded from 1.5 g/plant/day as three split applications of Albert’s fertilizer compared to other treatment combinations. Accordingly, the study demonstrated that in the low-country wet zone of Sri Lanka, bell pepper growth and yield are improved by 1.5 g/plant/day as three split applications of Albert's fertilizer under protected cultivations.