Ecophysiological Response of Capsicum annuum L. Exposed to Simulated Acid Rain

Abstract

Pot experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of simulated acid rain (pH 5.6 (control), 5.0, 4.0, 3.0, and 2.0) exposures on Capsicum annuum L. All pH levels with the exception of the control adversely affected all growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves, root, stem and fruits, stem girth) of the plant. Leaf area and fruit production were also impacted. Nutritional analysis of the leaves revealed a decline with increasing acidity levels. Simulated acid rain induced morphological changes such chlorosis, necrosis, early leaf senescence, leaf abscission and death. The reduction in growth parameters were concentration dependent. The most negative effects of simulated acid rain on the plant growth parameters and nutrient content analysis were observed in pH 2.0 treatment.

Keywords: Acid rain, Capsicum annuum, growth parameters, morphological changes, pH