Effect of growing media on growth and development of sweet paper (Capsicum annum L.) seedlings

Abstract: This study was carried out at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) formerly Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA) under an 80% net shade to investigate the effect of growing media comprising cocopeat, hygromix and germination mix on growth and development of sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) seedlings. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design (CRD) with each treatment (growing medium) replicated four times. Growth parameters measured were; seedling emergence, plant height, leaf number and area, and seedling biomasses (both fresh and dry). Seedling emergence from hygromix and germination mix was significantly (P<0.05) higher than cocopeat in the first 15 days whereas a non-significant (P?0.05) treatment response was observed from day 16 to 20 across treatments. Plant height, leaf number and area, and seedling biomasses were significantly (P<0.01) higher in hygromix and germination mix as compared to cocopeat with hygromix revealing superior performance than germination mix. Hygromix and germination mix can be used to propagate sweet pepper because they enhanced seedling emergence, growth and development. Seedlings emerged in cocopeat, but the seedlings remained stunted suggesting that the medium needs further investigation on how it can sustain seedling growth and development.