Determining the yield and several quality parameters of 'Chili Jalapeno' in comparison to 'Pical' and 'Geyik Boynuzu' pepper cultivars under Mediterranean conditions

Abstract

We studied yield and quality parameters of three hot Chili pepper cultivars under Antakya conditions. The cultivars tested were 'Chili Jalapeno', 'Pical' and 'Geyik Boynuzu', which is a local cultivar. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized block design with three blocks in each treatment and conducted for two years. The variable measured in the experiment include total yield (kg/da), fruit number (number/plant), yield per plant (g/plant), fruit weight (g), fruit width (cm), fruit length (cm), skin + flesh width (mm) and soluble solids (%). The results indicated that 'Chili Jalapeno' and 'Pical' cultivars gave significantly higher total yield than 'Geyik Boynuzu' with 1951 and 1818 kg/da, respectively while 1593 kg/da yield was recovered from 'Geyik Boynuzu'. Similarly, for yield per plant, 'Chili Jalapeno' and 'Pical' cultivars gave significantly higher yield than 'Geyik Boynuzu'. The highest soluble solid was found on 'Pical' while the lowest from 'Geyik Boynuzu'. Moreover, 'Pical' was determined as the thinnest skin + flesh width. For these reasons, 'Pical' could be recommended for dry pepper production. We suggest 'Chili Jalapeno' cultivar for pickling. 'Geyik Boynuzu' is a local cultivar that is commonly grown in the region. For this cultivar, we suggest breeding studies should be initiated to further improve this cultivar. Key words: Pepper, cultivar, pepper production, Antakya, Capsicum annuum L.