Plant Spatial Arrangement Affects Growth, Yield, and Pod Distribution of Cayenne Peppers

Abstract

The effect of planting population density (as a function of in-row plant spacing and number of rows per bed) on the growth, yield, and pod distribution of cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L. cv. Carolina Cayenne) was investigated in a 2-year study. In 1988, 15 -, 30-, 45-, and 60-cm in-row spacings in a single row were evaluated, and in 198915 -,30-, and 60-cm in-row spacings in single and double rows were evaluated. Plant population densities at these respective spacings ranged from≈ 11,100 to 44,400 and 11,100 to 88,900 plants/ha. In 1988, pepper plants grown at the highest density (15-cm in-row spacing, 44,400 plant/ha) produced less fruit per plant but more fruit per hectare than those grown in lower densities. In 1989, yields with either a 15-cm in-row spacing in a single row or a 30-cm in-row spacing in double rows (both with 44,400 plants/ha) were higher than in the others. In general, less fruit were located in the lower part of the plant canopy when planted in higher plant population densities.