Morpho-Physiological and Yield Response of Capsicum frutescensL and Capsicum annuumL to Nickel (II) Chloride Stress in Loamy and Sandy Soils
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/Keywords:
Nickel Toxicity, Soil Texture, C. Frutescens, C. Annuum, Species Specific, Metal ToleranceAbstract
Nickel (II) Chloride (NiCl2) contamination threatens pepper production by impairing growth metabolism. Yet information on species responses in different soils is limited. This study evaluated the vegetative growth, yield, biomass, and morphological responses of Capsicum frutescens (C. frutescens) and Capsicum annuum (C. annuum) exposed to NiCl₂ in loamy and sandy soils. A completely randomized design comprising 72 pots with six replicates was used. After direct sowing failed under NiCl₂, 20-day-old nursery seedlings were transplanted and treated with cumulative applications of 0, 100, or 250 ppm NiCl₂. Data collected up to 3 months after planting (MAP) were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (P ≤ 0.05). At 3 MAP, loamy soil consistently outperformed sandy soil. C. frutescens attained the greatest plant height (45.73 cm) at 100 ppm in loamy soil, whereas C. annuum declined with increasing Ni concentration. Control C. frutescens produced the highest leaves (75.25), branches (9.00), flowers (29.17), fruits (26.17), chlorophyll (4.96), shoot fresh weight (20.83 g), and root fresh weight (6.99 g). Sandy soil markedly reduced growth, with maximum plant heights of 18.37 cm (C. frutescens) and 6.30 cm (C. annuum). Reduced chlorophyll, biomass, and yield under NiCl2 stress were attributed to disrupted nutrient uptake, and inhibited photosynthesis. Morphological observations confirmed vigorous growth of C. frutescens in loamy soil but chlorosis and stunting of C. annuum, especially in sandy soil. In general, loamy soil reduced nickel toxicity, while C. frutescens exhibited greater tolerance than C. annuum.
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