YIELD AND POD DISTRIBUTION OF CAYENNE PEPPERS AS AFFECTED BY PLANTING DENSITY

Abstract

The effect of planting density on yield and pod distribution of cayenne pepper (Capsicun annuum var. annuum L. cv. Carolina Cayenne) was investigated in a two year study. In 1988, planting density was adjusted by altering the in-row spacing of single row beds, while in 1989 planting density was adjusted by altering both in-row spacing and number of rows per bed. In-row spacings evaluated in 1988 were 60, 45, 30, and 15 cm, while in-row spacings of 60, 30, and 15 cm in single and double rows were evaluated in 1989. In 1988, pepper plants grown in the highest density (15 cm in-row spacing) produced less fruit per plant, but more fruit per hectare than those grown in lower densities. In 1989, greatest yields per hectare were recorded with either 15 cm in-row spacings with single rows per bed or 30 cm in-row spacings with double rows per bed, In general, greater percentages of fruits were located in the upper part of the plant canopy when planted in higher plant densities.