Edible Bell Under Shade: The Phenological Characterization of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum) Under Different Photoperiod

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the growth, inflorescence development, and yield response of the bell pepper to the different photoperiods (shading). The study was conducted from March 21 to May 15, 2021 at the DEBESMSCAT-Crop Science experimental area, Cabitan, Mandaon, and Masbate. The study used 15 experimental plots, and each plot contained 20 plants of bell pepper. The study used a total of 300 plants in 15 plots. The plant spacing was 40 cm between hills and 60 cm between rows. The study used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 5 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments used were different photoperiods (shading). Treatment A used shading starting from 6:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M., Treatment B used shading from 9:00 A.M – 12:00 P.M., Treatment C used shading from 12:00 P.M – 3:00 P.M., Treatment D used shading from 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M., and Treatment E (control) used no shading. The study used 10 experimental plants, randomly selected for each plot in every treatment. The data gathering started 7 days after transplanting and was conducted every 5 days. The results of the study revealed that the different photoperiods (times of shading) have no significant effect on growth in terms of plant height, number of leaves, leaf width and length, and stem diameter. Moreover, on the inflorescence development of bell peppers in terms of number of flowers, length of stalks, and size of flowers (diameter). The results on fruiting in terms of number of fruits, sizes (length and diameter), and weight also revealed that the different photoperiods have no significant effect. However, the results of the study on the number of fruits per plant and per plot revealed significant differences among each treatment.