Sweet Pepper Cultivation Research Articles

Agroeconomical assessment of the effectiveness of the use of plant growth regulators and micronutrients in the cultivation of sweet pepper for seeds in irrigation conditions of the Astrakhan region

Relevance. Improving zonal agricultural technologies for the cultivation and seed production of vegetable crops is due to the need to increase agroeconomic and technological efficiency, production profitability and competitiveness of domestic products in a market economy and Western sanctions in order to ensure the country's food security and import substitution.Methodology. Improving the elements of zonal agricultural technology for cultivating the new variety of sweet pepper Zarnitsa to increase the productivity and quality of seeds and reduce the costs of its seed production in a seedless culture through the use of micro fertilizers (Ultramag Boron) and plant growth regulators (Zircon R) is the goal of the ongoing research.The objective of the research is to study and evaluate the agroeconomic efficiency of using the Ultramag Bor micro fertilizer and the Zircon, P plant growth regulator and their impact on the dynamics of plant growth and development, ripening time, yield and quality of sweet pepper seeds in the experiment.The practical significance of the research lies in the possibility of widespread use in the real sector of the economy of plant growth regulators and micro fertilizers in non-seedling seed production of sweet pepper to improve productivity, quality and economic indicators of its cultivation in irrigated agriculture in the south of Russia.Results. It was found that sweet pepper plants grown without seedlings using micro fertilizers and plant growth regulators during the fruiting phase had advantages over the control: in plant height by 6.1; 12.2 and 14.5%, the number of side shoots by 20; 36 and 40%, leaf weight by 5.9; 14.2 and 17.5%, average fetal weight by 3.8; 11.7 and 13.5%. The highest yield of sweet pepper in the experiment (33.6 t/ha), which exceeded the control by 3.2 t/ha (10.5%), and the highest content of vitamin C in the fruits (164 mg%), which is 8 mg% higher than in the control were noted in the variant with the combined use of micro fertilizer and plant growth regulator. Sweet pepper seeds in all experimental variants met the standard requirements (germination rate - 93-96%, germination energy - 93-95%). The highest level of profitability (109.3%) was observed in the variant with the combined use of micro fertilizer and plant growth regulator, exceeding the control by

Improvement of elements of zonal agro-technology of sweet pepper cultivation on seeds under irrigation conditions of Astrakhan region

Relevance. The purpose of the research was to improve the elements of zonal agricultural technology for cultivating a new variety of sweet pepper Zarnitsa, to study the possibility of increasing productivity, reducing production costs during its seed production through the use of a non-seedling method of cultivation in irrigated conditions and the plant growth regulator Zircon, R.Methodology. Experimental studies were carried out on the experimental field of All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Vegetable and Melon Growing (Astrakhan region) in 2022-2023. The establishment of the field experiment and the carrying out of records and observations in the experiment were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods.Results. It was found that with the seedless method of growing sweet pepper, the period from sowing to the start of fruit harvesting was 12 days shorter. Sweet pepper plants in the seedling method during the fruiting phase had advantages: in plant height by 9.3%, in the number of lateral shoots by 21.2%, in leaf weight by 7.0%, in average fruit weight by 6.1%. The highest yield, on average 31.6 t/ha, was obtained using the seedling method; when sowing seeds in the ground, it was 3.8% lower. Replacing the seedling method of cultivation with a non-seedling method contributed to a reduction in production costs by 74.7 thousand rub./ha, production costs by 1.9 thousand rub./t, production profitability by 1.2 times, due to savings in labor resources and working capital for growing and planting seedlings. Replacing the seedling method of cultivation with a non-seedling method helped reduce production costs by 74.7 thousand rub./ha, production costs by 1.9 thousand rubles/t, the profitability of production of sweet pepper products and seeds by 1.2 times, due to savings labor resources, working capital for growing, planting seedlings. A single treatment with the plant growth regulator Zircon, P (30 ml/ha) at the beginning of flowering contributed to a significant increase in plant biometric parameters: height by 12.2%, number of lateral shoots by 30.8%, leaf weight by 14.3%, yield by 2.4 t/ha (7.9%), compared to the control (30.4 t/ha), an increase in sugar content by 0.2%, vitamin C by 4 mg% and seed yield by 9 kg/ha (8.7%). The sowing qualities of sweet pepper seeds in all variants of the experiment met the standard requirements and were – 94-95% in terms of germination and – 92-94% in terms of germination energy. The highest level of profitability of 204.9% was obtained as a result of using a growth regulator; in the option without treatment it was lower by 14.4%.

Design and performance analysis of soft pneumatic manipulator‐based linear cutter and stem holder for sweet pepper harvesting

AbstractEfficient automation of stem‐cutting processes in agricultural practices is crucial but little‐studied for improving productivity and reducing labor‐intensive tasks. To address this need, we present a customized stem cutter and stem holder designed explicitly for sweet pepper harvesting. The stem cutter comprises a fixed plate and a moving plate with a blade, which moves in a single plane at an upward angle of 30° toward the fixed plate. The movement of the blade is facilitated by a soft bellows pneumatic actuator constructed using silicon rubber material. By applying air pressure from a DC air pump, the actuator extends forward, causing the blade part to make contact with the fixed plate and effectively cut the stem. The stem holder holds the stem securely before cutting. It contains two inflatable manipulators made of soft materials that expand inwards when air‐filled, ensuring that the stem is securely held and readily collected after harvest. Both simulation and experimental results are presented, in which the average cutting time was 2.356 s. We believe that these innovations represent an efficient method for automating the stem‐cutting process in sweet pepper cultivation and thus significantly contribute to the field of agricultural robotics.

Plant Photosynthesis and Dry Matter Accumulation Response of Sweet Pepper to Water–Nitrogen Coupling in Cold and Arid Environment

In order to optimize the water and nitrogen management mode and realize the efficient scale production of sweet pepper, from 2021 to 2022, field experiments on sweet pepper cultivation with different water and nitrogen coupling modes were conducted in the Hexi Oasis irrigation areas. The regulation effects of the water–nitrogen coupling mode on the dry matter accumulation characteristics, photosynthesis, yield, and water–nitrogen utilization efficiency of sweet pepper were further discussed. Irrigation was set for full irrigation (W1, 75–85% FC [field capacity]), mild (W2, 65–75% FC), and moderate (W3, 55–65% FC) water deficit levels. Three levels of nitrogen were applied, high (N1, 300 kg·ha−1), medium (N2, 225 kg·ha−1) and low (N3, 150 kg·ha−1), with full irrigation and no nitrogen application used as the control (CK). The results showed that the appropriate water–nitrogen coupling mode could enhance the photosynthetic rate, increase dry matter accumulation and the accumulation rate, advance the days of a maximum rate of dry matter accumulation, and improve yield and water–nitrogen utilization efficiency. N1W1 had the greatest dry matter accumulation, the mean rate and the maximum increase rate of dry matter accumulation in sweet pepper, which was not a significant difference from N2W2, but significantly increased by 19.61%, 19.67%, and 23.45%, respectively, compared with CK. Water deficit significantly advanced the days of a maximum rate of dry matter accumulation. The days of a maximum rate of dry matter accumulation appeared 1.18–5.79 days earlier at W3 than at W2 and W1, and the maximum rate appeared gradually later with increasing irrigation. The net photosynthetic rate, the transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance of N2W2 sweet pepper showed the best performance at all growth stages, significantly increasing by 23.87%, 27.71%, and 27.39%, respectively, compared with CK. Moreover, the Intercellular CO2 concentration was significantly reduced by 14.77% in N2W2 compared to CK. The N2W2 had the highest yield, water use efficiency, and irrigation water use efficiency of sweet pepper, significantly increasing 26.89%, 33.74%, and 31.22% compared to CK. Excessive water and nitrogen dosage reduced nitrogen partial factor productivity, while an appropriate increase in irrigation under reduced nitrogen conditions facilitated the water nitrogen potential. Passage path analysis further showed that water–nitrogen coupling promotes plant biomass formation and distribution by increasing photosynthetic assimilation capacity, ultimately increasing yield. Therefore, the N2W2 treatment (65–75% FC, 225 kg·ha−1) is the ideal water and nitrogen mode for obtaining higher yields and water and nitrogen use efficiency of sweet pepper in a cold and arid environment.

On-Station and On-Farm Evaluation of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Sylhet

Two experiments were conducted with sweet pepper during the winter season of 2015-2016. One experiment was on-station evaluation of sweet pepper variety ‘California Wonder’ under two different protective structures (Net and Net + polythene), two different miticides application (Intrepid and Vertimec) and Open field (Control) at the Horticulture Research Field of Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Another experiment was on-farm evaluation of sweet pepper variety ‘BARI Mistimoric-1’ under Net + polythene protective structure in the farmer’s field of Moulvibazar and Sunamganj district. In case of on-station study, Net and Net + polythene protection had significant influence on growth and yield of sweet pepper. The highest and almost similar performance were recorded from Net and Net + polythene in terms of plant height at first harvest (72.67 and 72.83 cm), harvest duration (34.33 and 34.33 days), individual fruit weight (76.45 and 75.95 g), fruit length (8.40 and 8.51 cm) and fruit diameter (7.33 and 7.07 cm). Next to Net and Net + polythene protective structures, individual fruit weight (46.80 g) of Intrepid treated plants was statistically higher than Vertimec and Open field treated plants. The number of fruits per plant (11.57), fruit yield per plant (893.90 g) and fruit yield per decimal (178.78 kg) were significantly higher for Net + polythene protected structure followed by Net protected structure. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of Net (5.4) and Net + polythene (5.6) protected structures were measured more than half of the Open field condition (2.5) indicating bright scope of sweet pepper cultivation under protective structures in the Sylhet region. Although BCR of Intrepid treated plants (4.0) was little less than the protective structures, but considering the economic condition of the farmer sweet pepper cultivation in the open field with Intrepid as a miticide can be suggested. In case of on-farm study, the fruit yield per decimal of Moulvibazar district (163.13 kg) was little higher than the Sunamganj district (155.93 kg), therefore, BCR of Moulvibazar district (4.1) was obtained little higher than the Sunamganj district (3.9). The on-farm adaptive trial also revealed that sweet pepper cultivation can be spread to the farmer’s field of the Sylhet region.

Response of sweet pepper autofluorescence against solar radiation.

Shades are adjusted in sweet pepper cultivation, based on solar exposure levels. Pyranometers and photosensitive films have recently been introduced to smart agriculture. However, there are no means of observing biological responses to solar exposure. In this study, we hypothesized that solar exposure levels affect the visible autofluorescence of sweet pepper under 365nm illumination. To test this hypothesis, we cultivated sweet pepper plants under two exposure conditions, low (half of the normal) and high (the normal). Fluorescence photography (365nm illumination) revealed that dark-fluorescent peppers only arise when cultivated under high-exposure conditions (0.7-fold decline at emission of 390nm for high-exposure conditions). Microscopic and spectroscopic observations showed that blue autofluorescence was accompanied by an accumulation of UVB pigments (1.2-factor increase in the absorbance at 300nm) and epidermal development (1.3-fold thicker cell wall). This study suggests that the autofluorescence of sweet pepper can possibly be used to understand the response of crop to solar radiation at a fruit level in horticulture.

Effect of aqueous extract of clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) and soil amendment with cassava peels compost on nutrients, pesticide residues, yield and antioxidant properties of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Natural agricultural inputs in sweet pepper cultivation can be beneficial for nutritional quality, and environmental and food safety. This research assessed the effect of the combined use of clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) aqueous extract and cassava peel compost on the nutrients, pesticide residues, yield and antioxidant properties of sweet pepper fruits. The experiment was a split plot design of 04 blocks with 03 plots each and 03 repetitions, conducted in pots and in the field. The soil was amended with compost at 1kg/4kg and 2kg/3kg in pots, with 3kg/plot and 6kg/plot on field experiment, and 26.3 g of NPK (20.10.10) per plant was used as an inorganic amendment both in pots and field. Plants in both experiments were sprayed with clove basil extract, insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin or water. Sweet pepper fruits cultivated with composts and sprayed with clove basil extract exhibited the highest values of nutritional parameters, antioxidant properties and increased the yield by 93% in pots and 187% on field, as compared with synthetic fertilizer treatments. Organic fruits were free from pesticide residues and had the best values of Na/K and Ca/P ratios which are good indicators of their nutritional values. Sweet pepper plants sprayed with lambda-cyhalothrin or from farmers contained lambda-cyhalothrin at concentration of 0.0199 mg/kg. These results show that organic treatments improved the fruit nutrients, health-promoting properties and safety, and could be used to enhance the nutritional quality of sweet pepper while providing an efficient way of sustainable agriculture.

Study of the technical efficiency of the sweet chili (Capsicum chinense) in the producing regions of the Colombian Caribbean

Sweet pepper cultivation is one of the more important activities in the Caribbean region, cultivated by approximately 4,284 farmers with the family farming system, in areas ranging from 0.25 to 2.0 ha. In the literature for this region, there is no evidence of a study that has investigated the technical efficiency of this production system. For this reason, this study aimed to evaluate the technical efficiency of the use of resources by sweet chili farmers in the Caribbean producing areas of Colombia. The sample was 62 farmers, surveyed via simple random sampling from the use of statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture of Colombia. A Cobb Douglas-type functional model was formulated. The contribution of the variables seed, labor, fertilizer, weeds and yields in the productive units was determined. The results showed that labor and weed management had a positive effect on production increases. There was inefficiency with production gaps of 0.18% and efficiency of 82%; a production deficit of 1 t ha-1 was observed. There were returns on an increasing scale that was explained by the direct relationship between the inputs of labor and weed management.

Evaluation of Growth and Yield of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Varieties under Net Protected Conditions

An experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Horticulture Department, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh during winter season of 2013-2014 to evaluate growth and yield of sweet pepper varieties under net protected condition. The two-factor experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Three popular sweet pepper varieties viz. BARI Mistimorich-1, California Wonder and Yolo Wonder were grown under three protected systems viz. fine net (120 mesh), coarse net (40 mesh) and open field. Considering the effect of varieties, the highest value for all the parameters viz. fruit length (10.01 cm), fruit diameter (5.90 cm), number of fruits/plant (13.61), fruit yield per plant (0.77 kg), fruit yield (21.31 t/ha) were found in California Wonder followed by BARI Mistimorich-1 and Yolo Wonder. Again, considering the effect of net protection system, maximum values for parameters viz. early flowering, fruit length (10.58 cm), fruit diameter (6.29 cm), number of fruits/ plant (16.14), fruit yield/plant (0.94 kg) and per hectare (26.86 t/ha) were recorded under fine net protection system. Under fine net covering plants produced better quality fruit than open field condition. The earliest flowering (60.67 days), the highest number of fruits per plant (19.18) and the maximum fruit yield (35.71 t/ha) were observed in BARI Mistimorich-1grown under fine net system followed by California Wonder grown under coarse net protected system. Benefit cost ratio (BCR) for fine net (5.28) and coarse net (6.75) protected system were much higher than that of open field (1.64) condition indicating bright future for sweet pepper cultivation under net protected system. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2020) 24(2) : 85-94

REUSE OF SUBSTRATE IN THE PROTECTED CULTIVATION OF MUSKMELON

ABSTRACT Melon is a vegetable of great socioeconomic importance, and its cultivation is carried out under different production systems. The protected cultivation of melon can be carried out in coconut shell fiber, which is a substrate widely used in olericulture, but little information is available regarding its continuous use in more than one cultivation cycle. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of muskmelon hybrids as a function of the reuse of coconut shell fiber with fertigation in a protected environment. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse from March to July 2008 and designed in randomized blocks in a 2×3 factorial arrangement, with four replications. The factors consisted of two hybrids (‘Bonus 2’ and ‘Fantasy’) and three types of substrate (S1: new coconut shell fiber; S2: coconut shell fiber reused once in sweet pepper cultivation; and S3: coconut shell fiber reused twice, i.e., first in sweet pepper cultivation and then in melon cultivation). Transverse and longitudinal fruit diameter, fruit shape index, transverse and longitudinal locule diameter, locule shape index, peduncle insertion diameter, mesocarp thickness, firmness, skin netting, fresh mass, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, and yield were evaluated after harvest. Reusing twice the coconut shell fiber as a substrate did not affect the agronomic and physicochemical characteristics of the hybrids Bonus 2 and Fantasy.

Efficiency of use of microelements in cultivation of sweet pepper during irrigation in the subzone of light chestnut soils of the Volgograd region

The results of studies of scientifically grounded use of microelements in sweet pepper crops, as an important factor in increasing the yield of vegetable crops and improving the quality of products, are presented. The purpose of our research was to substantiate the influence of the use of trace elements in the technology of sweet pepper cultivation on the growth and development of plants, the productivity and quality of the products of this culture. The experimental part of the work was carried out in 2014-2019 in the subzone of light chestnut soils of the Volgograd region. Experiments on the study of trace elements were carried out by pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar feeding of plants. Chemically pure compounds of manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, ammonium molybdate, boric acid were used as microelements. The use of trace elements in the dry-steppe zone of the Lower Volga region is an important agricultural technique that helps to accelerate growth, development, increase productivity and improve the quality of pepper fruits. It is recommended to carry out pre-sowing treatment of seeds with solutions of boric acid (0.29 g / 1 l of water), copper sulfate (0.20 g / 1 l of water) and manganese sulfate (0.16 g / 1 l of water) (the ratio of the weight of seeds to the solution 1: 2) as a way to increase seed vitality, speed up yield and improve seedling quality. In order to increase the yield and improve the quality during the budding period of peppers, it is necessary to carry out foliar dressing, first of all, with solutions of boric acid (0.29 g / 1 l of water), ammonium molybdenum (0.10 g / 1 l of water), water consumption 1 l / 10 m2. Due to its high efficiency, simplicity and availability, pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar feeding of plants with microelements will find wide application in vegetable growing.

The Cultivation of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum Annuum) in Foumbot Agricultural Area, West Region, Cameroon

This study aimed to get information on the cultivation of sweet pepper from the North West Region of Cameroon (Foumbot). Data for the study were obtained from 92 farmers with the aid of well-structured questionnaires. Results obtained showed that among the sweet pepper farmers, males represented 80% of the sampled population and women 12%, all of them aged between 18 to 48 years old. Their level of education varies from primary school to University with the majority found between primary school (48%) and secondary school (30%). 41% of the sampled cultivators have the greatest level of experience in between 10 to 30 years and 52% with the lowest level of experience varying from 1 to 10 years. The sweetest pepper varieties cultivated was Yolo wonder and Simba. 89 % of respondents had a sweet pepper field with a surface area between 0.5 and 1 hectare. According to farmers, the nursery is usually attacked by fungi after one week of growth, which always cause stems rot. Fungicides (Mancostar 80WP) and insecticides (Mocap EC, Timik, Plantineb 80WP, Jumper and Ascot) are the most chemical products used to treat stems rot. Cypermethrin and Mancozeb represent respectively 63% and 85% of active ingredients used by the sampled growers to fight against sweet pepper diseases. 46 % of the sampled farmers said that they prefer spray pesticides in all stages while 44% of sweet pepper farmers did not take note of the number of times, they applied chemicals pesticides on their crops. NPK: 20.10.10 is the most chemical fertilizer used to grow sweet pepper. The major diseases and pests encountered in that region are (1) diseases: Mildew, cercospora leaf spot, phytophthora blight, fusarium wilt, anthracnose, ripe rot, tobacco mosaic virus, cucumber mosaic virus, and gal formations; (2) pests: flee beetles, cutworms, aphids, vegetable weevil, caterpillars, grasshoppers, pepper maggots and leaf miners.

The Potential of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Peels as an Organic Fertilizer

Cassava peels are in large quantity and practically of no economic value in many developing nations such as Cameroon, where cassava is widely consumed and processed far beyond other crops. Cassava peels might be used in those countries to face declining soil fertility and soil erosion. This study aimed to evaluate the composting of cassava peels and the effect of the increasing quantity of cassava peels in the bin during the process of composting and to assess some physico-chemical qualities, biological properties and the phytotoxicity of the produced composts. After three months of composting the produced composts (C1; C2; C3 and C4) had a dark brown color, relatively dry, uniform structure and its texture were similar to the soil's texture. The electrical conductivity of the various composts was in between 1499 and 1924 µS.cm-1. The pH (6.50-6.73), was slightly acid, favorable for the cultivation of sweet pepper. The composts were rich in minerals (Mg2+; Ca2+; K+; and Na+) and poor in heavy metals such as (Cu, Zn and Mn). The composts C/N ratios were between 13.15 to 13.42. The produced composts showed a germination index and the rate of germination higher than 80% at all amounts, indicating the absence of phytotoxicity. The increased amounts of cassava peels did not alter the process of composting and increased the fungal and bacterial populations. In conclusion, cassava peels are good substrates that can be used to produce stable and inclusive organic fertilizers, with high nutrient content, and less hazardous material which could be used in farms to remediate declining soil fertility and to promote sustainable agriculture.

Preference of Orius insidiosus and Orius tristicolor (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) for Host Plants in Olfactometry and Free-Choice Experiments

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a key pest of sweet pepper cultivation, where it causes feeding damage, excretes phytotoxic substances, and transmits important viruses. Control with chemical insecticides often is ineffective because endophytic oviposition and the cryptic habits of the pest provide protection. In Uruguay, the biological control program of this pest in sweet pepper crops is at risk due to the low settlement rate and high dispersal of releases of predator Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). Previous studies have ruled out an antibiosis effect as the cause of dispersal; therefore, we hypothesized antixenosis (non-preference) for the sweet pepper plants as the cause of poor biological control by O. insidiosus. The effect of olfactory stimuli from different structures of strawberry, corn, and sweet pepper plants (lamuyo and blocky type) on the behavior of O. insidiosus was evaluated in olfactometry and free-choice cage experiments. Since Orius tristicolor (White) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) occurs naturally in the area, it was included also in the study with the aim of assessing whether there are differences in behavior between the species. Orius tristicolor may act as a complementary biocontrol agent or competitor on sweet pepper. Y-tube experiments showed no preference for plant volatiles in any combination, and response to volatile stimuli generally was poor. However, in the free-choice cage experiment, females of both species of Orius preferred the flowering strawberry plants over the flowering sweet pepper plants, which could explain the low establishment of O. insidiosus when released on pepper with neighboring strawberry fields. Given that horticultural greenhouses in Uruguay and in many other countries are open, this information can be very useful in designing the spatial and temporal management of different crops on a production field, which enhances the effectiveness of these predatory species.

Возделывание перца сладкого в условиях орошения: от эксперимента к технологии

Объектами исследований были гибриды F1 Мой генерал, F1 Пафос и F1 Помпео при комплексном внесении минеральных удобрений, водорастворимого удобрения Растворин и обработке семян и растений регулятором роста Энергия-М под планируемую урожайность 50, 70, 90 т/га. Цель исследований – разработка элементов технологии возделывания перца сладкого, обеспечивающих при поддержании расчетных водного (75-75-75% НВ – постоянный режим орошения и 70-80-75% НВ – дифференцированный режим орошения) и питательного режимов получение планируемой урожайности до 90 т/га высококачественной овощной продукции. В соответствии с целью и задачами работы опыты закладывали в подзоне светло-каштановых почв в 2011-2016 годах (Городищенский район Волгоградской области, ИП «Зайцев В.А.»). Продуктивность сладкого перца зависела от внедрения оптимального минерального питания и режима орошения. Самый адаптивный гибрид – F1 Помпео. В варианте N235P140K130+Растворин+Энергия-М прибавка составила около 34 т/га (планирование 50 т/га), в варианте N300P180K165+Растворин+Энергия-М – около 21 т/га (планирование 90 т/га). Предлагаемая комбинация факторов урожайности позволяет сэкономить водные ресурсы и частично заменить минеральные удобрения на более выгодные и безопасные водорастворимые удобрения. Высокий экономический эффект получен от предложенных нами приемов производства в условиях Нижнего Поволжья у гибрида сладкого перца F1 Помпео (N300P180K165+ Растворин + Энергия-М) при дифференциации поливного режима (окупаемость производственных затрат – 6,8 руб.). The objects of the study were hybrids: F1 Moy general, F1 Pafos and F1Pompeo with the complex application of mineral fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizer, Solution and treatment of seeds and crops with the Energia-M growth regulator for the planned yield of 50, 70, 90 t / ha. The purpose of the study is to develop a set of elements of the technology for the cultivation of sweet peppers, which, while maintaining the calculated water (75-75-75% of HB - a constant irrigation regime and 70-80-75% HB – a differentiated irrigation regime) and nutrient regimes, obtain the planned yield of up to 90 tons / ha of high quality vegetable products. In accordance with the purpose and objectives of the work, our experiments were laid in the subzone of light chestnut soils in 2011-2016 (Gorodishchensky district of the Volgograd region, IP «Zaitsev V.A.»). The productivity of sweet peppers depended on the introduction of optimal mineral nutrition and irrigation regime. The most adapted hybrid is the F1 Pompeo. In the variant N235P140K130 + Rastvorin + Energy-M, the increase was about 34 t / ha (planning 50 t / ha), in the variant N300P180K165+ Rastvorin + Energy-M - about 21 t / ha (planning 90 t / ha). The proposed combination of yield factors allows saving water resources and partially replacing mineral fertilizers with more profitable and safe water-soluble fertilizers. A high economic effect was obtained from the production methods we proposed in the conditions of the Lower Volga region on the F1 Pompeo sweet pepper hybrid (N300P180K165 + Rastvorin + Energy-M) with differentiation of the irrigation regime (return on production costs - 6.8 rubles).

USE OF INDUSTRIES BYPRODUCT AS AN ALTERNATIVE LIQUID FERTILIZER IN SOILLESS CULTURE AND ITS EFFECT ON SWEET PEPPER

There is a gaining interest in reducing the production cost of agricultural crops. Salt industries byproduct (SIB) can reduce production cost as it is a cheaper fertilizer source. SIB is the effluent of salt industries. But there is no research on its effects in agricultural crop production in Bangladesh. Therefore, it is important to identify the dose of SIB in sweet pepper/capsicum in Bangladesh. In this study, growth and yield parameters in sweet pepper by applying different doses of SIB were investigated. Five concentrations of salt industries byproduct (SIB) are considered as treatments, viz. S1 = ¾ strength Rahman and Inden (2012) + 0 ml.L-1 SIB, S2 = ¾ strength Rahman and Inden (2012) + 0.25 ml.L-1 SIB, S3 = ¾ strength Rahman and Inden (2012) + 0.5 ml.L-1 SIB, S4 = ¾ strength Rahman and Inden (2012) + 0.75 ml.L-1 SIB and S5 = ¾ strength Rahman and Inden (2012) + 1.0 ml.L-1 SIB. Different concentrations of salt industries by product showed significant variation in most of the parameters. The highest plant height, the maximum number of fruit/plants, individual fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit volume, and yield were found highest in S3. But all the parameters were drastically reduced when S5 treatment was applied. Therefore, S3 treatment can be used for sweet pepper cultivation in soilless culture system in Bangladesh.

Suitable varieties and economic analysis of sweet pepper for tropical Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of most tourist destination in India and to meet the food requirements of travellers, ‘tourist food’ crops need to be grown locally to sustain local agriculture. Sweet pepper is one of such vegetable crop which had negligible production in islands and entire demand was being met through transports from mainland India. Heavy downpour during rainy season (May - December) and lack of information on suitable varieties limits its promotion. Present study investigated ten varieties/F1 hybrids of sweet pepper in polyhouse. The most promising variety was found to be ‘Indra’ (63.6t/ha) followed by ‘California Wonder’ (48.3t/ha), however, unmarketable yield was also high in both of them (16.0t/ha and 9.9t/ha, respectively). Incidence of bacterial wilt in natural field was ranged from 26.0 % (Arka Gaurav) to 39.3 % (Bomby). Blossom end rot was observed to be highest in ‘Kaveri’ (13.8%), sunscald and misshapen fruits in ‘Orobelle’ 23.1% and 12.8%, respectively. Strong negative correlation (r = -0.713) was observed between sunscald and plant spread. Varieties showed differences for economic viability of polyhouse cultivation of sweet pepper and the highest net return (Rs./ha) was recorded from ‘Indra’ at farm gate price (Rs. 1777785/-) and consumer price (Rs. 2969141/-). The information will be useful for promotion of an exotic high value vegetable like sweet pepper in island condition and economizing the polyhouse cultivation technology.

Is leaf pruning the key factor to successful biological control of aphids in sweet pepper?

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are a problematic pest in global sweet pepper cultivation. Control of aphids often relies on insecticides, leading to widespread resistance. Biological control of aphids is mainly based on releasing specialist natural enemies, but they often fail to control outbreaks. Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a zoophytophagous generalist which attacks several sweet pepper pests, including aphids. Previous research showed that M. pygmaeus is capable of strongly reducing aphid populations in sweet pepper, but complete control was seldom achieved. Sweet pepper plants continue to grow during the season, reaching > 3 m high in Belgian and Dutch greenhouses. Dense foliage and large vertical distance from the flowers to the lower leaves impede the search efficiency of the predator. Leaf pruning may improve aphid predation by M. pygmaeus by increasing the probability of encountering prey. Four and five treatments (foliage range: 100 cm to full length) respectively were tested in a semi-commercial sweet pepper greenhouse in 2017 and 2018. Aphid populations in pruned treatments grew more slowly than in the control and M. pygmaeus was eventually able to control aphids in all pruned treatments in 2018. There was no difference in aphid control between the pruned treatments. Sweet pepper production was lower in the treatments with the shortest foliage lengths. Leaf pruning up to 160 or 190 cm foliage length improves aphid control by M. pygmaeus in sweet pepper without affecting production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Deficit Irrigation Management in Arid Regions by Adding Biochar to Sandy Soils: Sweet Pepper Cultivation

Deficit Irrigation Management in Arid Regions by Adding Biochar to Sandy Soils: Sweet Pepper Cultivation

Incidencia poblacional del ácaro blanco (Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Banks) y otros artrópodos plagas en arreglos de policultivo y cultivo puro en Tisma, Nicaragua

Los policultivos juegan un papel importante en la biodiversidad de un agroecosistema, estos promueven servicios ecológicos tales como reciclaje de nutrientes, control biológico de plagas, enfermedades y arvenses, incremento en la producción de biomasa, conservación de suelos y agua, mejoramiento de calidad físico-química del suelo, reducción de la toxicidad al evitar o disminuir el uso de pesticidas. El estudio se realizó en el municipio Tisma, Masaya en la finca “El Chagüite” en los meses de Septiembre a Noviembre del 2014, con el objetivo de estudiar el efecto de dos sistemas de siembra, cultivo puro y policultivo, sobre la ocurrencia poblacional de artrópodos plagas y benéficos e incidencia poblacional del ataque del ácaro blanco en el cultivo de chiltoma. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se establecieron cuatro parcelas, una con el arreglo en policultivos (chiltoma, maíz, tomate, yuca y quequisque) y los restantes se establecieron con cultivo puro de chiltoma, maíz y tomate. Las variables evaluadas semanalmente fueron la ocurrencia poblacional de artrópodos plagas y benéficos, ocurrencia del ácaro blanco y el rendimiento obtenido en los cultivos de chiltoma, maíz y tomate para el análisis del uso equivalente de la tierra (UET). En general se observó una tendencia de menor ocurrencia de plagas, menor densidad poblacional de ácaro blanco, mayor densidad poblacional de artrópodos benéficos y un mejor aprovechamiento de la tierra por unidad de área en el sistema de siembra de policultivo.