IMPACT OF ZnO NANOPARTICLES AND POTASSIUM POLYACRYLATE ON THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF PEPPER UNDER WATER STRESS

Water is crucial for supporting life and social well-being. However, it has become a scarce resource due to its transition from an inexhaustible natural resource. This transformation has had an unfavorable impact on the agricultural sector, which accounts for approximately 70% of the world's water use. The current approach aims to optimize water management in crops to withstand a reduction in consumption without compromising food production. The aim of this experiment is to investigate the bio-stimulating effect of foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.5 g L^-1 and the use of potassium polyacrylate as a retainer, incorporated at 5 g in the substrate, on pepper plants. To evaluate the effects of different irrigation levels on plant resilience to water shortage, three levels were established: 100% (no water stress), 50% (severe water stress), and 25% (very severe water stress). Measurements were taken of parameters related to water use efficiency, yield, agronomic aspects, fruit quality, physiological characteristics of the plant, and physicochemical properties of the substrate. The results indicate that the use of nanoparticles, the retainer, and the combination of both products has a positive effect on mitigating water stress in pepper plants. This intervention with both products not only shows significant benefits in water use efficiency but also highlights a notable increase in yield, especially evident in the 50% irrigation regimen.