Adaptability Study of Hot Pepper ( Capsicum spps.) Varieties at Senegal, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment involving three improved hot pepper (Capsicum spps.) varieties and one local check was carried out at Senegal kebelle during the 2015 to 2016 cropping seasons under rain fed conditions to identify the best performing variety to the target areas of South Omo Zone. The hot pepper varieties included in the field experiment were three improved (Mareko Fana, Melka Shote, Melka Awaze) and a local check. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Phenological and growth parameters, fruit yield and yield components were studied. The result showed that plant height was significantly affected by variety while branch number was not significantly influenced by variety. Number of days to flowering and maturity were significantly affected by variety. Total fruit number per plant, mean pod weight and total yield per hectare also showed a significance difference among varieties. The highest total yield per hectare (20 t/ha) was recorded from Mareko Fana where as Melka shote, Melka Awaze and local check show no significance difference among each other Therefore, it can be concluded that use of the improved hot pepper varieties such as Mareko Fana is advisable and could be appropriate for hot pepper production in the test area even though further testing is required to put the recommendation on a strong basis.