EFFECT OF BIOSTIMULANTS ON THE GROWTH, FOLIAR CHARACTERISTICS AND POPULATION DENSITY OF Bemisia tabaci IN HABANERO PEPPER (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Abstract

Background. The use of biostimulants is an alternative to improve the growth and productivity of horticultural crops. Objective. To evaluate the effect of three biostimulants (seaweed extracts, humic acids and amino acids) on the plant growth, foliar characteristics, and population density of Bemisia tabaci in habanero pepper plants (Capsicum chinense). Methodology. The biostimulants were applied to the plant growth substrate in seedling and in pot plants. The response variables were plant growth, leaf thickness and toughness, leaf area and population density of B. tabaci. Results. Humic acids promoted the number of leaves and stem thickness in seedlings. The thickness of the leaves was stimulated by seaweed extract and humic acids and the leaf area by amino acids. The biostimulants had no effect on the response of the plants to the population density of B. tabaci. Implication. The use of biostimulants in habanero pepper plants could enhance plant growth in specific growth phases. Conclusion. The use of biostimulants in habanero pepper plants did not show consistent effects on plant growth promotion in habanero pepper. There were no effects of the biostimulants on the induction of plant defense to B. tabaci in habanero pepper.