Genotypic differences and physiological characteristics of calcium uptake and accumulation of pepper(Capsicum frutescens)

The genotypic differences of calcium uptake and accumulation of 16 pepper species and the physiological characteristics caused by the differences were studied through experiments of cultivation in arenaceous quartz. The results showed that the differences of calcium content in the pepper fruits were significant among the species when supplied with different levels of calcium. The 16 species were divided into 3 genotypes: 1) tolerant genotype (When supplied with low level of calcium, the calcium content in the pepper fruit decreased 10%. When supplied with high level of calcium, the calcium content in the pepper fruit decreased >10%). 3) genotype with potentiality to increase calcium content (The calcium content in the pepper fruit increased >10% with the increase of calcium supply). Comparison and discussion were made on the differences between typical species of the 3 genotypes in morphological characteristic of roots, transpiration rate of leaves and catlase activity. It was made clear that pepper's nutrients uptake, adaptability, transpiration rate, self-protection and rehabilitation of biomembrane were closely correlated with calcium nutrition genotype.