GROWTH RESPONSE, YIELD AND MINERAL NUTRIENT RELATIONS OF Capsicum frutescens L. EXPOSED TO SIMULATED ACID RAIN

Abstract

Studies on the effect of simulated acid raid rain (pH 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and control pH 5.6) on the growth, yield and mineral nutrient relations of Capsicum frutescens (chilli pepper) was carried out. Simulated acid rain (SAR) prepared by adding sulphuric acid and nitric acid in the ratio 3:1 to distilled water to get the desired pH, was sprayed to the plants. The experimental result indicated that under the stress of simulated acid rain, growth parameters which include plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of the test plant and stem girth decreased with decreasing pH values. Leaf area and fruit production were also affected. Nutrient analysis of the leaves shows a decline in macro nutrients such as Na, P, K and Ca with increasing acidity levels. Simulated acid rain induced morphological changes including chlorosis, necrotic lesions which were noticed on leaf surfaces.