EFFECT OF FERTILIZING WITH BIOSOLID ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR AND INCIDENCE OF PESTS IN CROPS OF CHILE X'CATIK (Capsicum annuum L.)

Background. The use of biosolids in agriculture allows to supply essential nutrients for the plant development. Objective. To evaluate the effect of supplying swine biosolids on the physio-agronomic characteristics and incidence of pests in X'catik pepper. Methodology. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions and set in a randomized block experimental design with four replicates. Three different levels of biosolids were evaluated (500, 750 and 1000 g plant-1) and the control (no supply of biosolid). Results. Plants treated with 750 g de biosólido had the highest net carbon assimilation rate (AN) and the lowest intracellular carbon (Ci), likewise, there was a trend of higher values for the yield components in this treatment. The population density of B. tabaci and the damage by Poliphagotarsonemus latus was similar among treatments. Implications. The use of swine biosolid in agriculture represent a feasible alternative to enhance the plant physiological condition and potentially the yield in horticultural crops. Conclusion. The supply of 750 g plant-1 of swine biosolid improved the physiological parameters in the X'catik pepper plants, had no effect on pest damage, but showed a strong tendency to increase yield.