Evaluation of small pod pepper varieties (Capsicum frutescens L.) at Kellem Wellega and West Wellega zones

Abstract

Small pod hot pepper (chili pepper) is a seasonal plant of the family Solanaceae. It is grown as an annual crop and produced for its fruits (pods). It is one of the most important vegetable crops for fresh consumption (as chilies), for processing and as a spice (for making stew)and it the main source of income. A field experiment was conducted at Haro Sabu on station and Meti (Sayo Woreda) sub sites of Kellem Wollega zone, Western Ethiopia, during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 main cropping season. A total of five small pod hot pepper varieties collected from Melkasa and Bako Agricultural Research centers and one local check variety were used as testing materials. The combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) for total yield and other agronomic traits of six small pod hot pepper varieties grown at two locations revealed significant difference on days to flowering, days to maturity, number of primary branches per plant, number of fruit (pods) per plant, fruit diameter, fruit length and fruit weight total pod dry weight. Likewise there was highly significant difference of variety on pod anthracnose and cercospora leaf spot (frog eye). In this experimentation, Melka Oli and Melka Dera Dinsire varieties were found superior in terms of total dry pod yield and other important yield related parameters. Melka Oli and Melka Dera varieties are also tolerant to major hot pepper diseases. Thus these varieties were recommended for demonstration and wider production in the studied areas and similar agro-ecologies in the Western Oromia in particular and hot pepper producing regions of Ethiopia in general under main natural rain fed condition.