Effects of mineral fertilizer supplementation on fruit development and pungency in 'Padron' peppers

'Padron' pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum) were subjected to two fertilizer regimes to test their effects on the development pattern of the fruits, soluble phenolics, lignin content and pungency level as the fruit matures. The fertilization regime seemed to have no definite influence on the pattern of development. The soluble phenolic and lignin contents in the pepper fruits of control plants (without mineral supplementation) were found to be higher than those of mineral supplemented plants. Finally, mineral supplementation favourably affected the pungency of fruits, with a great increase in the capsaicinoid contents. This fertilization regime may alter the balance of the competition between capsaicinoid biosynthesis and the accumulation of lignin-like substances in the cell walls. The nature of the interrelationships between fruit development, mineral supplementation and pungency level are considered.