อิทธิพลของค่าการนำไฟฟ้าของสารละลายธาตุอาหารต่อการเจริญเติบโตและลักษณะทางสรีรวิทยาของพริก (Capsicum frutescens L.) ภายใต้ระบบการปลูกแบบไฮโดรโปนิกส์

Neeyawan Chooklin; Suchawadee Bowchauy; Uraiwan Tongkaemkaew

doi:10.55164/jtai.v4i1.1697

Authors

Neeyawan Chooklin
Suchawadee Bowchauy
Uraiwan Tongkaemkaew Agricultural Science Program, Faculty of Technology and Community Development, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Campus, 93210, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55164/jtai.v4i1.1697

Keywords:

Chili, Photosynthesis, Hydroponics, Plant Physiology

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nutrient solution electrical conductivity (EC) on the growth and physiological responses of Chai Buri White Chili (Capsicum frutescens L.) grown under a Deep Water Culture (DWC) hydroponic system. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four EC levels (1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 mS/cm), four replications, and conducted over a period of 7 weeks. The results showed that EC significantly influenced plant growth. The EC level of 2.0 mS/cm promoted the highest leaf number, leaf area, and biomass accumulation, while 1.0 mS/cm resulted in moderate growth. In contrast, higher EC levels (4.0 and 6.0 mS/cm) markedly reduced plant growth, with complete plant mortality observed at 6.0 mS/cm by day 32. In terms of physiological responses, plants grown at 2.0 mS/cm exhibited the highest net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (E). Meanwhile, plants at 4.0 mS/cm showed the highest SPAD chlorophyll index, along with an increase in intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci), indicating metabolic limitations under stress. At 6.0 mS/cm, all physiological parameters, including photosynthetic pigments, were significantly reduced. In conclusion, the EC level of 2.0 mS/cm was the optimal value for hydroponic cultivation of Chai Buri White Chili, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, plant growth, and biomass accumulation. In contrast, excessively high EC levels induced salinity stress, impairing physiological processes and reducing overall plant productivity.

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