Modulation of Light and Nitrogen for Quality-Traits Improvement: A Case Study of Altino Sweet Pepper

Local varieties are known to cope more efficiently with stressful and/or low-input conditions than cultivated ones by activating secondary metabolisms and, hence, supposed have higher nutraceutical potential. In this work, we investigate the effects of N and light, supplied at optimal sub-optimal levels, on fruit yield quality a local ecotype sweet pepper, Altino, grown in Abruzzo Region (Southern Italy). 2017, two open-field experiments were carried out, comparing increasing rates (0, 100 200 kg ha−1, 0_N, 100_N 200_N, respectively) different percentages shading manipulations transmitted solar radiation, obtained through photoselective nets (red net, RN; black BN; unshaded Control). Both light preconditions obtain stable yields terms both number weights. However, BN significantly reduced sunscalded fruits (0.39 vs. 3.38 2.59 plant−1 for BN, Control RN, respectively), leading lower waste. deficiency favoured total polyphenol (TPC) flavonoid (TFC) contents ripened fruits; other hand, TPC (−12.4%) immature TFC (−18.2%) red fruits. The variations nutraceuticals also evaluated single phenolic acids during ripening; most interesting results associated treatments. Further research should be directed in-depth study nutrition regimes, combination applications (i.e., pearl nets), that could suitable Altino genotype enhance potentials its