Abstract

This research aimed at evaluating four cultivars of Capsicum annuum L. with different nutrient sources to ascertain the nutrient source that would improve the soil characteristic and promote the accumulation of carotenoids and flavonoids in peppers. Four nutrient sources: poultry manure, pig manure, goat manure, and nitrogen: phosphorus: potassium (NPK) were used for the study. The experiment was conducted as a 4 × 5 Factorial in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) at the Botanical Garden of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The soils characteristic features were analyzed by standard methods. The fruits biochemical content was quantified with the aid of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography at the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria. The α-carotene level (333.48±0.27 mg/L) was the highest in “Nsukka yellow pepper” fruits grown on soil mixed with goat manure while β-carotene (45.56±0.29 mg/L) was the highest when grown on soil mixed with poultry manure. “Tatase” cv. planted on soil mixed with poultry manure expressed the highest fruit capsanthin level while lutein was highly expressed when grown on soil mixed with goat manure. In conclusion, growing “Nsukka yellow pepper” with goat manure could increase the production of α-carotene, while poultry manure will increase the production of β-carotene.

Key words: Biochemical, inorganic fertilizer, micronutrient deficiency, organic manure, pepper.