Study on chitin nanofiber as a potential source of nitrogen for growth and yield of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.)

Fertilizer costs and environmental degradation have intensified the search for sustainable nitrogen alternatives and chitin nanofiber (CNF) may hold the answer. This study was conducted at the Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline Nursery, Khulna University, from 5 January to 7 April 2025, to evaluate the potential of CNF as a bio-based complement for urea in green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivation. The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments and five replications: T₁ = Control (water), T₂ = Urea, T₃ = 0.0025% CNF, T₄ = 0.005% CNF, T₅ = 0.01% CNF and T₆ = 0.02% CNF. Results revealed that the tallest plants (38.8 cm) and the highest chlorophyll content index (66.38) was obtained from urea which was very close to CNF application.  The 0.01% CNF obtained the thickest stem (8.72 mm) and the lowest blossom end rot (BER) incidence (46.80%) and severity (4.20%). The 0.005% CNF treatment resulted in the highest fruit number (5.2) and marketable fruits (3.6) while 0.02% CNF produced the heaviest (76.98 g) and largest fruits (70.39 mm × 67.16 mm). Soil analysis confirmed that CNF, particularly at 0.005% and 0.01%, enhanced fertility by improving pH, organic matter, phosphorus and nitrogen availability. These findings suggest that CNF can effectively replace urea, offering a low-cost, eco-friendly and efficient alternative for sustainable capsicum production.

Keywords: Chitin nanofiber (CNF), urea, capsicum, growth and yield.

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