Influence of trace elements on the productivity of sweet peppers in soil and climatic conditions of the South of Russia

The results of studies of the scientifically substantiated use of microelements in sweet pepper crops as an important factor in increasing the yield of vegetable crops and improving product quality are presented. The purpose of our research was to substantiate the impact of the use of microelements in the technology of cultivation of sweet pepper on the growth and development of plants, the productivity and quality of this crop. The experimental part of the work was carried out in 2014-2019 in the subzone of light chestnut soils of the Volgograd region. Experiments on the study of microelements were carried out by pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar feeding of plants. Chemically pure compounds of manganese sulphate, zinc sulphate, copper sulphate, ammonium molybdate, and boric acid were used as trace elements. The use of microelements in the conditions of the dry steppe zone of the Lower Volga region is an important agricultural technique that accelerates the growth, development, increase in yield and improves the quality of pepper fruits. It is recommended to carry out pre-sowing treatment of seeds with solutions of boric acid (0.29 g a.i. / 1 l of water), copper sulfate (0.20 g a.i. / 1 l of water) and manganese sulfate (0.16 g a.i../1 liter of water) (the ratio of seed weight to solution is 1:2), as a way to increase the viability of seeds, accelerate the yield and improve the quality of seedlings. In order to increase the yield and improve the quality during the budding period of peppers, it is necessary to carry out foliar top dressing, first of all, with solutions of boric acid (0.29 g a.i. / 1 l of water), ammonium molybdate (0.10 g a.i. / 1 l water), water consumption 1 l/10 m². Due to high efficiency, simplicity and availability, pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar feeding of plants with microelements will be widely used in vegetable growing.