Pepper Transplants Research Articles

Evaluating the Soil Block Method and Growing Media in Organic Vegetable Transplant Production

Organic vegetable growers are interested in using the “soil block” method for transplant production as an alternative to plastic flats. The soil block method compresses growing media into a freestanding block in contrast to the cells of a plastic flat. Anecdotal evidence of soil block–grown transplants with increased vigor and root development exists, but limited research has been conducted to evaluate these claims. Furthermore, identifying commercial growing medium for certified organic transplant production is needed. The objective of this study was to compare growth parameters and root development of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and pepper (Capsicum annum) transplants grown in soil blocks and plastic flats, in combination with four commercially available certified organic media (Beautiful Land Products “Soil Blocking Mix,” Purple Cow Organics “Seed Starter Mix,” Cowsmo “Green Potting Soil,” and Vermont Compost Company “Fort Vee”). A volume-based 50% peat, 25% compost, 12.5% perlite, and 12.5% vermiculite growing medium was also evaluated. A split-plot randomized complete block design with four replications was used with growing method as the whole plot factor and medium as the subplot factor. ‘Marketmore 76’ cucumbers and ‘Yankee Bell’ peppers were seeded in 50-cell flats and soil blocks made with Johnny’s Selected Seeds Stand-up 12 Soil Blocker. Data were collected on growth parameters by destructively sampling cucumbers 3 weeks after seeding, and peppers 5, 6, and 7 weeks after seeding. Root development was evaluated using WinRHIZOTM at the last sampling. Cucumber and pepper transplants performed differently in soil blocks and flats. Cucumbers grown in flats had a significantly greater dry weight than those grown in soil blocks, by 20% in 2022 and by 38% in 2023. In contrast, pepper transplants grown with the soil block method had between 50% and 130% greater dry weight in the final sampling in 2022. Cucumber and pepper transplants grown with Cowsmo “Green Potting Soil” performed poorly, with an up to 144% lower dry weight and up to 167% lower root surface area than transplants grown with the other media. Root development correlated with shoot development, without a specific advantage in soil blocks, although differences in root system architecture should be investigated. The evaluated Beautiful Land Products, Purple Cow Organics, and Vermont Compost Company media can all be considered suitable for growing certified organic vegetable transplants in both soil blocks and flats. Further research is warranted to better optimize the soil block technique, investigate optimum soil block bulk density, and inform growers of appropriate commercially available certified organic growing media for organic vegetable transplant production.

Pepper transplanting mechanisms and kinematic simulation analysis: A review

Pepper production plays a significant role in the global agricultural economy, yet traditional manual transplanting methods lead to labor intensity challenges, inconsistency, and time constraints. Transplanting mechanisms of pepper transplanters significantly affect the efficiency of the entire transplanting process. This study reviewed the available transplanters used in pepper seedling transplantation, transplanting mechanisms, and the kinematic simulation analysis. Pepper transplanters are categorized into manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic types. Manual types include handheld and pulling types, while semi-automatic types involve manually seedling feeding with automatic planting such walking-behind, riding, and tractor-drawn models. Fully automatic transplanters synchronize seedling extracting, transfer to the conveyor, and continuous planting into the soil. Picking mechanism utilize pick-up pins, pushing action, and grippers, while planting mechanism is achieved through link-driven, wheel-driven, and rotary gear-driven hoppers. Recent advancements have emphasized 4- and 5-bar pick-up pin-type link-driven hoppers with 1 or 2 degrees of freedom for efficient seedling handling and planting. Kinematic simulation analysis emerges as a crucial tool used by engineers to better understand complex interactions, identify strengths and weaknesses in designs for the evaluation and optimization of mechanisms by modelling forces, motion, and system behavior. The transplanting mechanisms survey, the role of kinematic simulation, and key trends involved, such as increased automation, precision planting, and the integration of sensor technologies, could provide valuable information to farmers and manufacturers for identifying current gaps and improvement areas for enhancing innovation in pepper production.

Effects of Extended Light/Dark Cycles on Solanaceae Plants.

The absence of an externally-imposed 24 h light/dark cycle in closed plant production systems allows setting the light environmental parameters in unconventional ways. Innovative lighting modes for energy-saving, high-quality, and yield production are widely discussed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the light/dark cycles of 16/8 h (control) and 24/12 h, 48/24 h, 96/48 h, 120/60 h (unconventional cycles) based on the same total light amount, and continuous lighting (360/0 h) on plant performance of some Solanaceae species. Responses of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants to extended light/dark cycles and continuous lighting were studied under controlled climate conditions. Plants with two true leaves were exposed to different light/dark cycles for 15 days. Light intensity was 250 µmol m-2 s-1 PPFD, provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs). After the experiment, tomato, sweet pepper, and eggplant transplants were planted in a greenhouse and grown under identical conditions of natural photoperiod for the estimation of the after-effect of light treatments on fruit yield. Extended light/dark cycles of 24/12 h, 48/24 h, 96/48 h, 120/60 h, and 360/0 h affected growth, development, photosynthetic pigment content, anthocyanin and flavonoid content, and redox state of plants. Effects varied with plant species and length of light/dark cycles. In some cases, measured parameters improved with increasing light/dark periods despite the same total sum of illumination received by plants. Treatments of tomato and pepper transplants with 48/24 h, 96/48 h, and 120/60 h resulted in higher fruit yield compared to conventional 16/8 h photoperiod. The conclusion was made that extended light/dark cycles can result in increased light use efficiency compared to conventional photoperiod and, therefore, reduced product cost, but for practical application, the effects need to be further explored for individual plant species or even cultivars.

COMPARATIVE BETWEEN WATER LEVEL AND SOIL COVER MATERIAL ON GROWTH, PRODUCTIVITY AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF HOT PEPPER PLANT

Two field experiments were conducted during the two successive winter seasons of 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 on the experimental farm belonging to the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Giza Governorate, and Egypt. The study comprised three irrigation levels (50, 75, and 100% of estimated water requirement based on climatic data) and four soil cover treatments namely transparent polyethylene mulch (PE), rice straw (RS), date palm fiber wastes (DPf) and control (bare soil). Hot pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum L.), Super Noura F1 hybrid. Hot pepper transplants were cultivated in the field in the first week of September for both seasons. The main results show that using 100% water level led to increased vegetative and yield of hot pepper during both seasons followed by using 75% while deficit irrigation gave the lowest hot pepper growth and yield. Using 75% water level gave the highest water use efficiency. Using PE mulch led to increasing the soil temperature during the growth season followed by rice straw mulch whereas the date palm fiber wastes mulch decrease soil temperature during both seasons. Moreover, PE treatment led to an increase in the growth and yield of hot pepper during both seasons. Control treatment combined with a 50% water level decreased the growth and productivity of hot pepper during the two seasons.

Differential response of chili pepper genotypes to single and combined association with the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis and the root pathogen Phytophthora capsici

Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important horticultural crop in Mexico in terms of both diet and culture. However, chili pepper production is associated with excessive use of agrochemicals both pesticides and mineral fertilizers causing adverse environmental and human health problems. Hence, alternative biological disease control measures and crop nutrition strategies are needed. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) that naturally associate with roots of most crop plants including chili pepper are known to promote plant nutrition and root health, represent a biological alternative to reduce the use of agrochemicals in chili pepper production.In three greenhouse pot experiments, we examined the response of five chili pepper genotypes to single and combined inoculation with the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis and the root pathogen P. capsici in terms of plant growth response and root disease development. Main results showed that inoculation with R. irregularis caused differential plant growth promotion in the five chili pepper genotypes examined, but had no effect on the disease development caused by P. capsici. Single inoculation with P. capsici resulted in differential root disease development in the chili pepper genotypes. Most interesting, a Chilaca landrace genotype not only showed resistance against P. capsici, but on the contrary also resulted in plant growth promotion. In conclusion, our work show that the examined chili pepper genotypes responded differentially to single inoculation with R. irregularis and P. capsici, but dual inoculation had no effect on the level of root disease caused by P. capsici. The observed resistance to P. capsici in the Chilaca landrace could be a source of resistance to the pathogen in plant breeding programs and used directly by chili pepper growers that could also benefit from pre-inoculating chili pepper transplants with AMF before planting in terms of plant growth promotion.

Design and Experiment of an Integrated Automatic Transplanting Mechanism for Picking and Planting Pepper Hole Tray Seedlings

The operation of the semi-automatic pepper pot seedling transplanter has the problem of a low frequency of manual operation. We designed a new automatic transplanting mechanism based on a clamping stem. Through the movement law of a double-crank connecting rod mechanism, the static trajectory of beak shape and the dynamic trajectory of N shape were designed to meet the requirements of backward transplanting. The kinematics equation of the seedling picking mechanism was established and the mechanism parameter optimization program was developed based on MATLAB. The effect of the mechanism parameter changes on the seedling movement trajectory was analyzed. A group of parameter combinations that met the requirements of seedling picking and planting were optimized. After optimization, the trajectory height was 220.8 mm, the picking angle was 21.03° and the planting angle was 64.15°. The plant spacing was 260 mm, which meets the agronomic requirements of pepper transplanting. Through the combination of theoretical analysis and prototype tests, the test results showed that the theoretical trajectory was basically consistent with the actual trajectory, verifying the feasibility of the mechanism design. In this study, pepper pot seedlings in the suitable planting period of 60 days were selected and planted at the rotation speed of 60, 70 and 80 r/min, respectively. The success rate of seedling selection was more than 91.1%, the success rate of planting was more than 78.5%, the qualified rate of erect degree was 94.9%, and the coefficient of variation of plant spacing was stable below 14.1%. The results show that the integrated automatic transplanting mechanism for pepper pot seedlings was effective.

Effect of Compost Application at Transplant Stage and before Planting to the Field on Plant Growth and Fruit Yield in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

ABSTRACT Compost improves the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. The objectives of the present study were to determine (1) the impact of compost-amended substrate on transplant growth and mineral nutrition and, after transplanting, the effects on plant mineral nutrition and fruit yield in bell pepper and (2) the effects of preplanting compost application to the field on plant mineral nutrition and fruit yield in bell pepper. Trials were conducted at the UGA Tifton Campus and at a grower’s field. Bell pepper transplants were grown in peat-based substrate with compost at different concentrations. Transplants grown in compost-amended substrate had increased vegetative growth and increased leaf nitrogen. These transplants, however, when planted to the field, had marketable and total fruit yields similar to those of transplants grown in non-amended substrates. Field compost application (10 t·ha−1) before planting resulted in increased soil organic matter and increased concentrations of several leaf nutrients in mature plants although there was no impact on fruit yield and fruit nutrients. In conclusion, bell pepper transplants grown in compost-amended substrate had increased vegetative growth, indicating that compost may be a partial substitute for peat in transplant production.

Effects of Foliar Application of Gibberellic Acid on the Salt Tolerance of Tomato and Sweet Pepper Transplants

Seed germination and early seedling growth are the plant growth stages most sensitive to salt stress. Thus, the availability of poor-quality brackish water can be a big limiting factor for the nursery vegetable industry. The exogenous supplementation of gibberellic acid (GA3) may promote growth and vigor and counterbalance salt stress in mature plants. This study aimed to test exogenous supplementation through foliar spray of 10−5 M GA3 for increasing salt tolerance of tomato and sweet pepper seedlings irrigated with increasing salinity (0, 25, and 50 mM NaCl during nursery growth. Tomato and sweet pepper seedlings suffered negative effects of salinity on plant height, biomass, shoot/root ratio, leaf number, leaf area, relative water content, and stomatal conductance. The foliar application of GA3 had a growth-promoting effect on the unstressed tomato and pepper seedlings and was successful in increasing salinity tolerance of tomato seedlings up to 25 mM NaCl and up to 50 mM NaCl in sweet pepper seedlings. This treatment could represent a sustainable strategy to use saline water in vegetable nurseries limiting its negative effect on seedling quality and production time.

Field Performance of Eggplant and Pepper Transplants Raised in Different Potting Media

Field Performance of Eggplant and Pepper Transplants Raised in Different Potting Media

Supplemental Radiation Quality Influences Cucumber, Tomato, and Pepper Transplant Growth and Development

Supplemental lighting is required for the production of high-quality vegetable transplants in greenhouses when the photosynthetic daily light integral (DLI) is low. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are a promising alternative to high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. However, there are a limited number of studies that have evaluated how LED supplemental lighting spectral quality beyond blue (B) and red (R) radiation influences plant growth and development. Seeds of hybrid greenhouse seedless cucumber ‘Elsie’ (Cucumis sativus), tomato ‘Climstar’ (Solanum lycopersicum), and pepper ‘Kathia’ (Capsicum annuum) were sown and placed into a dark growth chamber until radicle emergence. Seedlings were grown in a greenhouse at a 25 °C constant temperature set point and under five lighting treatments. The supplemental lighting treatments delivered a total photon flux density (TPFD) of 120 μmol·m−2·s−1 for 16 h·d−1 based on an instantaneous threshold from HPS lamps or LEDs [three treatments composed of B (400–500 nm), R (600–700 nm), white, and/or far-red (FR; 700–800 nm) LEDs], and a control that delivered 25 μmol·m−2·s−1 from HPS lamps (HPS25). The LED treatments defined by their wavebands (TPFD in μmol·m−2·s–1) of B, green (G, 500–600 nm), R, and FR radiation were B20G10R75FR15, B25R95, and B30G30R60; whereas the HPS treatments emitted B7G57R47FR9 (HPS120) and B1G13R9FR2 (HPS25). Generally, cucumber, pepper, and tomato transplants under B30G30R60 and HPS120 supplemental lighting had the greatest stem diameter. Fresh weight and leaf area of all three species was greater when G radiation replaced R or B radiation. For example, leaf area and fresh weight of cucumber, tomato, and pepper increased (by 33%, 22%, and 49%; and 35%, 14%, and 56%, respectively) for plants under B30G30R60 supplemental lighting compared with plants under B25R95 supplemental lighting. The most compact cucumber and pepper transplants were those grown under B25R95 supplemental lighting, and the most compact tomatoes were those grown under the HPS25 (control) and B25R95 supplemental lighting. Tomato transplants under treatments providing ≥30 μmol·m−2·s−1 of G radiation had an increased incidence of leaf necrosis. From this study, we conclude that plant responses to supplemental lighting quality are generally genera-specific, and therefore high-wire transplants should be separated by genera to optimize production and quality. However, additional studies are required to provide complete LED supplemental lighting recommendations.

Using compost and vermicompost for enrichment of alternative local substrate medium in bell pepper transplant production

Using compost and vermicompost for enrichment of alternative local substrate medium in bell pepper transplant production

Field Based Assessment of Capsicum annuum Performance with Inoculation of Rhizobacterial Consortia.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are associated with plant roots and augment plant productivity and immunity by reducing fertilizer application rates and nutrient runoff. Studies were conducted to evaluate bell pepper transplants amended with formulation of consortium of two indigenous PGPR isolates (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus) in terms of increase in yield and disease resistance under field conditions. Transplants were planted into plots treated by NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), fungicides, soil solarization, MeBr fumigation, PGPR and untreated soil. Treatments were assessed for incidence of soil-borne phytopathogens viz. Phytophthora capsici and Colletotrichum sp. Highly significant increases in bell pepper transplant growth occurred in response to formulations of PGPR isolates. Transplant vigor and survival in the field were also improved by PGPR treatments. Consortium of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus reduced disease incidence of damping off by 1.81% and anthracnose by 1.75%. Numbers of colony forming units of Phytophthora capsici and Colletotrichum sp. were significantly higher in all plots than those treated with PGPR consortium. Incidence of seed rot and seedling blight on bell pepper was significantly lower in PGPR-treated plots and highest in untreated plots. Total fruit yield of bell pepper increased by 379.36% with PGPR consortium (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus).

Design and implementation of Intelligent transplanting system based on photoelectric sensor and PLC

Industrial seedling rearing is an important part of seedling transplanting technique. At present, there exists the phenomenon that soil base on the tray may have empty seedling on it, which will lead to a large number of leakage and reduce the yield in the course of automatic transplanting in the field. To solve this problem, automatic seedling identification method is studied to skip picking empty soil bases. An intelligent transplanting system are designed with the use of the picking mechanism five-bar and fixed-axis gear train, the seedling tray conveying mechanism (with transverse and longitudinal seedlings feeding function), the eccentric disk parallel four-bar duck mouthpiece planting mechanism, the electric sensor for seedling detection and identification of the seedling tray, the position sensor, stepper motor and PLC control system. By use of computer logic programming and control, it can be used to identify effectively whether the soil base is empty or not, and to control the automatic transmission of seedling tray. The tray is moved to quickly skip the action path of the manipulator to avoid the picking of empty soil base. The system was tested by using pepper seedlings on indoor condition. The results showed that when the transplanting frequency was 90/min, the rate of success seedling picking was 88.23% and the leakage rate was 16.46%, which could meet the requirement of pepper transplanting. Compared with the transplanting model without seedling identification, the average rate of leakage was reduced about 12%. The research provides a useful reference for the development of intelligent agricultural transplanting technology and equipment.

Mathematical growth model for organically grown pepper transplants

This study was conducted in a temperature-controlled greenhouse, with six partitions, during different growing periods in the year (seeds sown on 29 September for 1st period; 2 December for 2nd period; 18 March for 3rd period and 6 July for 4th period). Immediately after sowing, shading material with 50% shading capacity was used in 1, 2 and 3 layers in each period to create different light intensities. A control treatment without shading nets was also created. Pepper (Capsicum annum L. cv Yalova Çarliston) was used as the plant material. Transplant height, stem diameter, leaf area, total dry weight, leaf stomatal conductivity and leaf chlorophyll contents were measured as quality parameters for the transplants. Significant differences were observed in the quality parameters related to the growing periods, shading treatments and growing period × shading interactions. A mathematical model was developed to estimate the number of days required to produce ready transplants, by using the variation values created in the different growing periods and shading treatments.

Production of Soil Block Seedlings in Plug Trays for Mechanical Transplanting

ABSTRACTEstablishing vegetables in the field using mechanical transplanters with only plant metering devices requires transplants with heavy soil blocks around the roots. An investigation was conducted to study the effects of amount of vermicompost in a soil-based potting mix and initial compaction of the mix on growth of seedlings and soil block strength for mechanical transplanting. Seedlings of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Eggplant (S. melongena L.), and Chili pepper (Capsicum frutenscens L.) were produced in two seasons in plastic plug trays with a potting medium in which vermicompost made up 20%–50% by volume in 60 and 100 cc tray cells. Potting mix with 20% vermicompost by volume in soil in 100 cc cells produced good growth of tomato and chili pepper transplants in season 1. Potting mix containing 20%–30% and 20%–40% vermicompost in soil in 100 cc cells produced good growth of tomato and chili pepper transplants, respectively, in season 2. Potting mix with 30%–40% and 30% vermicompost by volume in soil in 100 cc cells produced good growth of eggplant seedlings in seasons 1 and 2, respectively. The effects of initial compaction of potting mix on water requirement, plant height, and soil block strength was studied for the production of tomato seedlings. Potting mix with 30% vermicompost in 100 cc tray cells and initially compacted to the dry density of 0.88–0.90 g·cm−3 was most suitable for production of seedlings of sufficient height and soil block strength for mechanical transplanting.

Biochar Rate and Transplant Tray Cell Number Have Implications on Pepper Growth during Transplant Production

Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of organic matter, exhibits beneficial chemical and physical properties when added to a soilless medium. Research on the use of biochar to improve plant productivity and growth has increased over the past decade, and has focused on using biochar as an alternative to sphagnum peatmoss. However, little work has been done to determine whether biochar can be used to partially replace commercially available sphagnum peatmoss–based greenhouse medium in vegetable transplant production. This study investigated the potential for supplementing a greenhouse growing medium with biochar for ‘Paladin’ pepper (Capsicum annuum) transplant production. Biochar was added to a soilless mix at rates of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80% (by weight). Pepper seedlings were grown for 56 days in 50-, 72-, or 98-cell transplant trays at each of the five levels of biochar concentration. Germination increased in the 50- and 72- cell trays with 20%, 40%, and 60% biochar; however, biochar had no effect on germination in the 98-cell tray. Seedling height and dry weight decreased as biochar concentration and cell number increased. Seedling stem diameter also decreased with increasing cell number and biochar concentration. Leaf SPAD readings (indirect measurement of chlorophyll) decreased with increasing biochar rate. Medium pH increased with increasing biochar application rates. Higher rates of biochar (60% and 80%) increased pH well beyond 7.0 and negatively affected transplant growth. Overall results indicate positive effect of biochar in sphagnum peatmoss–based growing mix on seedling growth characteristics; although higher biochar concentrations could negatively affect seedling growth. Biochar can successfully replace up to 40% of sphagnum peatmoss–based growing medium and serve as a sustainable alternative medium in vegetable transplant production.

Control of Common Blossom Thrips on ‘Jalapeno’ Pepper, 2013

The study was conducted to evaluate new insecticides for managing Frankliniella schultzei (Tribom) on peppers. ‘Seminis 8302’ pepper transplants were planted on 4 Mar 2013 in research plots at the Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, FL. Plots were in Rockdale soil on beds 8 inches high and 72 inches wide with plants spaced 12 inches apart. The beds were irrigated with drip irrigation lines and covered with 1.5-mil thick black polyethylene mulch. Before planting, …

Effect of Insecticides on Pepper Insects, 2015: Table 1

To determine the effect of insecticides on pepper insect control, seedlings were transplanted in a sandy loam type soil on 5 Jun at the University of California’s South Coast Research and Extension Center. Experimental plots were three rows wide (5-ft centers) by 20-ft long and separated by a 3-ft buffer. The pepper transplants were drip irrigated (water pH 7.2–7.5). Treatments were replicated four times in an RCB block design. A treatment list is shown in Table 1. The Radiant and Lannate plus Pounce treatments were applied as weekly foliar sprays …

Evaluation of Foliar Insecticides for the Control of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs in Bell Peppers, 2015: Table 1

The objective of this experiment was to assess the efficacy of select foliar insecticides for the control of BMSB in bell pepper. The experiment was conducted at the Virginia Tech Kentland Research Farm near Blacksburg, VA, and consisted of eight treatments arranged in an RCB design with four replicates. “Aristotle” pepper transplants were transplanted on 2 Jun 2015. Plots were 1-row wide and 20-ft (6.1 m) long with no guard rows on each side. Rows were planted on a 3 ft row center (0.9 m) …

Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Pineapple in a Pineapple-Pepper-Cowpea Intercropping System

The effects of time of sowing cowpea into pineapple-pepper intercrop on growth and yields of pineapple in a pineapple-pepper-cowpea based intercropping system was investigated in the rainy and late seasons of 2011 and 2012 at two locations in Akure, a humid rainforest zone of Nigeria. The experiments which were based on additive series of intercropping system were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments were based on varying time (at 3 weeks intervals) of sowing cowpea into pineapple-pepper intercrop in addition to the sole crops of cowpea, pepper and pineapple. The pineapple growth indices were not influenced significantly by the intercropping. Relatively higher fruit yield was obtained with delayed cowpea introduction of cowpea into the pineapple-pepper intercrop. However, significantly lower pineapple fruit yield (12.8 t/ha) was obtained when cowpea was sown simultaneously at pepper transplanting while fruit yields declined between 70-73 % of sole pineapple and when cowpea was sown at 3, 6 and 9 WAT for the rainy season crop. The decline in fruit yields ranged between 18-39 % when cowpea was sown simultaneously with pepper for the late season crop.