Most technologies used for bell pepper production emphasize yields, shape and size of the fruits, with less attention to features such as flavor, nutritional value and toxic residue content. The objectives of the present work, accomplished in field and laboratory conditions, were to evaluate the effect of weekly sprayings of Agrobio biofertilizer (5%v.v.), copper oxychloride (2.4 g active ingredient L-1), streptomycin sulphate + oxitetracycline (0.8% active ingredient L-1) and water as control treatment, on the production and quality of fruits of three cultivars of bell peppers: "Magda", "Cascadura Itaipu" and "Magali R". In both conditions, a randomized complete block design with four replicates was used, in a factorial scheme (4x3). The analyzed variables were productivity, physical and physical-chemical features, percentage and total P, Cu and Pb in fruits. Larger longitudinal diameter and volume as well as higher productivity and efficiency of P use by 'Magali R' were found. There was no effect of the treatments on Pb accumulation but effects were found on Cu. Higher Cu concentrations were found in fruits treated with copper oxychloride, especially in cultivar ' Magda', although concentrations found were within the range acceptable by the national sanitary agency (ANVISA) parameters. Besides, Cu applications afffected fruit flavor, primarily by changing total titrable acidity and lower pH. Results also suggested a relationship of Cu content and P efficiency use by pepper plants, which need further confirmation.
Capsicum annuum L; biofertilizer; copper oxychloride; streptomycin sulphate; oxitetracycline; postharvest
