Sweet Pepper Production Research Articles

Potassium silicate and vinasse enhance biometric characteristics of perennial sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) under greenhouse conditions

An effective strategy for enhancing fruit production continuity during extended sweet pepper season involves adopting innovative biostimulants such as potassium silicate (PS) and vinasse. Adjusting PS and vinasse concentrations are crucial for maintaining the balance between vegetative and fruit growth, particularly in sweet pepper with a shallow root system, to sustain fruiting over prolonged season. However, the interaction between PS and vinasse and the underlying physiological mechanisms that extend the sweet pepper season under greenhouse conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PS and vinasse treatments on the yield and biochemical constituents of perennial pepper plants cultivated under greenhouse conditions. For two consecutive seasons [2018/2019 and 2019/2020], pepper plants were sprayed with PS (0, 0.5, and 1 g/l) and drenched with vinasse (0, 1, 2, and 3 l/m3). To estimate the impact of PS and vinasse on the growth, yield, and biochemical constituents of pepper plants, fresh and dry biomass, potential fruit yield, and some biochemical constituents were evaluated. Results revealed that PS (0.5 g/l) coupled with vinasse (3 l/m3) generated the most remarkable enhancement, in terms of plant biomass, total leaf area, total yield, and fruit weight during both growing seasons. The implementation of vinasse at 3 l/m3 with PS at 0.5 and 1 g/l demonstrated the most pronounced augmentation in leaf contents (chlorophyll index, nitrogen and potassium), alongside improved fruit quality, including total soluble solid and ascorbic acid contents, of extended sweet pepper season. By implementing the optimal combination of PS and vinasse, growers can significantly enhance the biomass production while maintaining a balance in fruiting, thereby maximizing the prolonged fruit production of superior sweet pepper under greenhouse conditions.

Maturity Recognition and Fruit Counting for Sweet Peppers in Greenhouses Using Deep Learning Neural Networks

This study presents an approach to address the challenges of recognizing the maturity stage and counting sweet peppers of varying colors (green, yellow, orange, and red) within greenhouse environments. The methodology leverages the YOLOv5 model for real-time object detection, classification, and localization, coupled with the DeepSORT algorithm for efficient tracking. The system was successfully implemented to monitor sweet pepper production, and some challenges related to this environment, namely occlusions and the presence of leaves and branches, were effectively overcome. We evaluated our algorithm using real-world data collected in a sweet pepper greenhouse. A dataset comprising 1863 images was meticulously compiled to enhance the study, incorporating diverse sweet pepper varieties and maturity levels. Additionally, the study emphasized the role of confidence levels in object recognition, achieving a confidence level of 0.973. Furthermore, the DeepSORT algorithm was successfully applied for counting sweet peppers, demonstrating an accuracy level of 85.7% in two simulated environments under challenging conditions, such as varied lighting and inaccuracies in maturity level assessment.

Modeling Short-term Yield Changes in Sweet Pepper Based on Dry Matter Production and Fruit Growth

Large fluctuations in fruit set and fresh yield are issues associated with the production of sweet pepper. Fluctuations in fresh yield (i.e., flush) result in improper labor distributions and price fluctuations for growers. Modeling the fruit set is a promising way to improve the profits of growers and allow the arrangement of labor distribution and logistics. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a model for predicting the short-term yield changes of sweet pepper by integrating two sub-models: one model for predicting the production of total dry matter and one model for predicting the individual fruit growth. We hydroponically grew four sweet pepper cultivars (Artega, Nagano, Nesbitt, and Trirosso) in a greenhouse to investigate the accuracy of the proposed model. Comparisons between observed and predicted fresh yields showed that the peaks and troughs of fresh yields were accurately predicted, regardless of cultivar differences. The average root mean square error between them was within the range of 0.24 to 0.39 t⋅ha−1⋅d−1. Therefore, growers will be able to predict short-term yield changes of sweet pepper by obtaining coefficients for predicting the production of total dry matter and fruit growth curve of the cultivar scheduled to be cultivated.

Physiology of gamma-aminobutyric acid treated Capsicum annuum L. (Sweet pepper) under induced drought stress.

There is now widespread agreement that global warming is the source of climate variability and is a global danger that poses a significant challenge for the 21st century. Climate crisis has exacerbated water deficit stress and restricts plant's growth and output by limiting nutrient absorption and raising osmotic strains. Worldwide, Sweet pepper is among the most important vegetable crops due to its medicinal and nutritional benefits. Drought stress poses negative impacts on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth and production. Although, γ aminobutyric acid (GABA) being an endogenous signaling molecule and metabolite has high physio-molecular activity in plant's cells and could induce tolerance to water stress regimes, but little is known about its influence on sweet pepper development when applied exogenously. The current study sought to comprehend the effects of foliar GABA application on vegetative development, as well as physiological and biochemical constituents of Capsicum annuum L. A Field experiment was carried out during the 2021 pepper growing season and GABA (0, 2, and 4mM) concentrated solutions were sprayed on two Capsicum annuum L. genotypes including Scope F1 and Mercury, under drought stress of 50% and 30% field capacity. Results of the study showed that exogenous GABA supplementation significantly improved vegetative growth attributes such as, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight, as well as root shoot ratio (RSR), and relative water content (RWC) while decreasing electrolyte leakage (EL). Furthermore, a positive and significant effect on chlorophyll a, b, a/b ratio and total chlorophyll content (TCC), carotenoids content (CC), soluble protein content (SPC), soluble sugars content (SSC), total proline content (TPC), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was observed. The application of GABA at 2mM yielded the highest values for these variables. In both genotypes, peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content increased with growing activity of those antioxidant enzymes in treated plants compared to non-treated plants. In comparison with the rest of GABA treatments, 2mM GABA solution had the highest improvement in morphological traits, and biochemical composition. In conclusion, GABA application can improve development and productivity of Capsicum annuum L. under drought stress regimes. In addition, foliar applied GABA ameliorated the levels of osmolytes and the activities of antioxidant enzymes involved in defense mechanism.

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.

Ebb and flow versus constant water level on the sweet banana chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) production in an aquaponic system

Bell siphons are used in aquaponic systems to create rising and falling water levels in plant culture beds that facilitates water exchanges and elevates dissolved oxygen (DO) although this may also remove nutrient rich organic debris from the plant culture bed. Sweet banana chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants were aquaponically grown until maturity and then further cultured in a media-filled bed with or without a bell siphon for one month in triplicate. Water quality was measured throughout as well as the total chili number, weight, mineral composition and sugar levels. Channel catfish (30 individuals/replicate; initial weight = 289 g ± 10.2) were fed twice/day for 5 days/week. Results showed that a bell siphon significantly increased DO in both the fish and plant culture tanks, but dissolved nitrogen and pH were similar. Fish growth, survival and feeding efficiency were similar among treatments. The total count (982 and 747) and weight of chilies (7450 and 7413 g) were similar without or with a bell siphon, but individually, chilies were significantly heavier with a bell siphon. Soluble and insoluble sugars were unaffected but among the tested minerals, sodium, potassium, calcium and zinc were significantly elevated in chilies cultured without a bell siphon. The lower mineral content was likely due to the bell siphon removing excess organic debris from the media-filled plant culture bed that would otherwise be mineralized. Based on these findings and under the culture conditions, bell siphons may not provide benefits to plant production and the lower DO may be mitigated by providing additional aeration in the plant culture bed.

Costs and benefits associated with the adoption of tomato and sweet pepper nursery seed propagation technologies in Arumeru and Mvomero districts in Tanzania

Seed propagation technologies are becoming increasingly popular among vegetable producers in developing countries due to their ability to provide benefits by lowering production costs. We assessed the costs and benefits of seed propagation technology adoption for tomato and sweet pepper production using a partial budget approach for seedling trays or field nursery technologies in the districts of Arumeru and Mvomero in Tanzania. We applied Net Present Value, Cost–Benefit Ratio (CBR) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) to choose the best seed propagation technology that can be adopted by farmers and especially those producing vegetable seedlings as their core business and for commercial purposes. We collected the data using a household survey questionnaire, interviews, and focus group discussions. The results show that switching from field nurseries to seedling trays is economically beneficial by increasing the rate of return value to 3.02, which is greater than one, implying a rate of return of 302 %, which is greater than the costs of new investments. Overall, we can conclude that farmers were less likely to grow vegetable seedlings in seedling trays due to the fact that seedling tray technology was considerably more expensive than field nursery technology. As a result, we recommend that policymakers at all levels of local and central governments promote extension agent training in this technology to promote seedling tray propagation among vegetable farmers and make the technology affordable to farmers in order to increase agricultural productivity, income, and well-being.

Effect of seedling age at transplants on growth, yield and seed production of sweet pepper in Bangladesh

Recently, sweet pepper (Capsicum spp.) has been a commercially important crop in Bangladesh. The cultivation procedure is highly sensitive to different environments. In the case of quality production, appropriate seedling age is a prerequisite for higher yield. The experiment was carried out at the Regional Horticulture Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Shibpur, Narsingdi, Bangladesh during the Rabi season of 2017-2018. Six treatments were used i.e.,. 14 days, 21 days, 28 days, 35 days, 42 days and 48 days at the age of transplanting seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The number of seeds per fruit and thousand seeds weights resulted better at 21 days, 28 days and 35 days the age of transplanting seedlings. Considering marketable fruit number (13.55), yield per plant (1.69 kg) and yield (26.80 t ha-1) was found at 28 days’ age of transplant seedling, which was followed by 35 days’ age of transplant seedling. The lowest yield per plant (0.49 kg) and yield (7.76 t ha-1) were recorded at 48 days age of transplant seedling, respectively. From the result of this experiment, it may be recommended that 28 days’ age of seedling at transplant growth, yield and seed production showed better performance than other ages of seedlings at transplants of BARI Mistimorich-1.

Bioferlizing and Nematodes Control Potentials of Four Native Isolates of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum) in Togo

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of four isolates of the native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus (AMF) in improving pepper plant yield as well as to assess their potential for the control of nematodes.
 Study Design: The experimental set up consisted of a Completely Randomized Block Design with 5 treatments corresponding to the four isolates of AMF– BEN10, GM142, 472, and WA330 – tested in comparison with the untreated plants as a control treatment.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in 2020 from June to September « at the Research Station of the Faculty of Agronomy, University of Lomé, Togo».
 Methodology: The seeds of pepper were inoculated with the four AMF isolates in the nursery. Six weeks after, the seedlings were transplanted on 3mx6m beds. Several growth parameters such as the number of leaves and branches, plant height, number of flower buds and fruit weight were recorded each three weeks after transplantation. Nematode density was assessed four times (before transplanting, at the flowering, during fruiting, and after the last harvest of pepper fruits).
 Results: The AMF increased significantly the marketable pepper fruit weight by 39%, and reduced significantly the root nematode density by 20-34%. A positive correlation (P<0.0001; r = 0.816) was observed between the mycorrhization frequency and mycorrhization intensity, the former was varied from 70% to 91% and the latter from 60% to 85%. The plant height, the number of leaves, the branches and the number of flower buds were not affected by AMF inoculation.
 Conclusion: The present study showed the potential of AMF to be considered alternative candidate to chemical fertilizers and pesticides for sustainable production of sweet pepper in Togo.

REPRODUCTIVE GROWTH RESPONSE OF SWEET PEPPER (Capsicum annum L) IN SOIL AMENDED WITH FALSE YAM (Icacina oliviformis) TUBER BIOCHAR

Biochar, carbon rich stable solid material, is used mostly for soil amendment. The main objective of this study was to assess false yam tuber biochar performance or effect on the vegetative growth of pepper. Pepper seeds were obtained at Wumpini agrochemical shop in Tamale which were sown, and growth parameters were assessed (germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves and leaf area index). The soil was amended with biochar produced from false yam tuber. The experiment consisted of seven treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T0) replicated three times including the control (soil only). The soil and biochar mixture were done in two different levels (6 g/pot and 12 g/pot) each at three different times (four weeks before planting (4WBP), two weeks before planting (2WBP) and at planting (DOP)) with control as soil only. Results obtained indicated that there were no significant differences in germination percentage among the treatments both at one week and two weeks after planting. The highest growth performance (plant height, number of leaves and leaf area index) was recorded in the control. The least growth performance was recorded in treatment T1 (6 g of biochar applied at 4 weeks before planting (4WBP)). The application rate of false yam tuber biochar (6 g/pot and 12 g/pot) as soil amendment might not be the right amendment for sweet pepper production.

Ultrasound-assisted production of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) oleoresin and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) juice: a potential source of bioactive compounds in margarine

Ultrasound-assisted production of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) oleoresin and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) juice: a potential source of bioactive compounds in margarine

Development of a Simple Empirical Yield Predition Model Based on Dry Matter Production in Sweet Pepper

Abstract The development of models for yield prediction in greenhouse sweet peppers may help improve yield and labour productivity. We aimed to monitor the growth and yield of hydroponically grown sweet pepper plants without destructive sampling. First, we constructed a prediction model and validated it in a cultivation experiment. In the developed model, daily node appearance and light use efficiency were predicted from daily mean air temperature and daytime carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration. The daily light interception was obtained by non-destructive leaf area estimation. Second, we validated the model through the cultivation experiment. The predicted total dry matter production at 200 days after transplanting (DAT), 1,379 g/m2, fell within the range of the observed value, 1,353 ± 46 g/m2 (mean ± SE). The predicted and observed yields at 200 DAT were 7.90 kg/m2 and 7.73 ± 0.82 kg/m2, respectively. We approximately predicted node appearance, total dry matter production, and fruit yield, while partially succeeding in predicting leaf area index and dry matter partitioning to fruit. Our non-destructive prediction model can be an effective tool for growers and to improve the yield of sweet pepper production.

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE TRAITS OF SWEET PEPPER AS INFLUENCED BY COPPER NANOPARTICLES

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) is a main group of Solanaceous family. Sweet peppers are a great source of vitamin C. Sweet pepper is used in culinary and salads and possess colors and flavor variation. Nanotechnology is capable of enhancing agricultural production and food security insurance. The present study was conducted for determination of possible role of copper nanoparticles for increasing germination of sweet pepper while copper nanoparticles were used as foliar sprays to enhance the growth and production of sweet pepper. Regarding germination percentage, the application of 20 mg l-1 Cu NPs gave (95%) best results as compared to 30 mg l-1 (85%), 40 mg l-1 (60%) and control (40%). In Pre harvest treatment, with different concentrations of Cu NPs it was found that 20 mg l-1 Cu NPs had the most significant improved pre and post-harvest parameters except weight loss as compare to 30 mg l-1, 40 mg l-1 and control. It was minimum at 20 mg l-1 Cu NPs other concentrations. Maximum numbers of fruits were at 20 mg l-1 Cu NPs (21.5) as compare to 30 mg l-1 (16.5), 40 mg l-1 (16.75) and control (17.25). The findings of this research would be helpful for future studies regarding the quality enhancement of commercially grown vegetables.

Supplementing aquaponics with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae frass tea: Effects on the production and composition of sweetpotato slips and sweet banana peppers

In this 10-week study, sweet banana chili plants (Capsicum annuum) and sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas) slips were cultured with or without media and with or without black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) frass tea supplementations in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Each treatment was triplicated with 30 channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) juveniles and plant growth was periodically monitored and harvested. Water quality and minerals were measured throughout the study and at final sampling, the mineral/phenol/antioxidant capacity was measured in the sweetpotato leaves, sugar content was measured in the sweet chilies and final sizes/survival of catfish were recorded. BSFL frass tea additions had no significant effect on water quality. Such additions also had no adverse effect on catfish growth, feeding efficiency or liver histology. However, BSFL frass tea significantly elevated water calcium, potassium and phosphorus levels at weeks 1, 5 and 10 while magnesium was significantly higher on weeks 5 and 10. BSFL frass tea significantly elevated manganese in sweetpotato leaves, but no increase in production, possibly due to BSFL frass having no effect on water iron levels that were undetectable throughout the study. Similarly, BSFL frass tea had no effect on chili production but did significantly elevate total sugar content. Sweetpotato slip and chili production were significantly increased in media and without media, respectively. Overall, results show that leafy growth was significantly better with media, fruiting was significantly better without media, and BSFL frass tea enhanced the nutritional quality of the aquaponic products without compromising fish production or water quality.

The performance of sweet pepper cultivars under different nitrogen levels in a semi-arid environment

Nitrogen is the most important and widely applied nutrient in sweet pepper production as it improves vegetative growth as well as fruit production. Therefore, the present research was aimed to evaluate promising sweet pepper cultivars as a function of different nitrogen fertilizer levels for semi-arid conditions of Pakistan during 2018 and 2019. Four nitrogen levels (75, 100, 125 and 150 kgha−1) and three sweet pepper cultivars (Ganga, Winner and Savio) were adopted in this study. Vegetative growth as well yield attributes were found highest during the cropping season of 2019 as compared with 2018. Plant height, stem diameter, canopy diameter, fresh and dry biomass of sweet pepper enhanced by the increased application of nitrogen from 75 to 125 kgha−1. All the yield contributing traits including number of fruits per plant, fruit fresh weight per plant and fruit yield per hectare were found the highest with nitrogen application of 150 kgha−1. In most of the crop traits, application of 125 kg Nha−1 and 150 kg Nha−1 produced statistically similar results. Cultivars respond differently to the nitrogen application. Ganga and Savio behaved similarly in response to nitrogen application. They had a quadratic response to nitrogen application; maximum growth and yield were at 125 kg Nha−1 and then decreased at 150 kg Nha−1. In contrast, Winner showed a somewhat linear response to nitrogen application and maximum growth, biomass and yield were recorded at 150 kg Nha−1. Planting a pepper cultivar with improved nitrogen use efficiency can result in maximum yield in a semi-arid region.

Effect of Colored Shading Nets on the Growth and Water Use Efficiency of Sweet Pepper Grown under Semi-arid Conditions

Colored shading nets have been increasingly studied in semi-arid crop production systems, primarily because of their ability to reduce solar radiation with the attendant reductions in air, plant, and soil temperatures. However, there is a paucity of research concerning the impact of colored shading nets on various crops grown under semi-arid environments, particularly the sweet pepper (Capsicum annum) production system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three colored shading net treatments (i.e., white, green, and black shading nets with 50% shading intensity and control with unshaded conditions) on the growth and instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE) of sweet pepper. The results showed that all colored shading nets exhibited significantly lower daytime air temperatures and light intensity (22 to 28 °C and 9992 lx, respectively) compared with the control (32 to 37 °C and 24,973 lx, respectively). There were significant differences in sweet pepper growth performance among treatments, including plant height, shoot dry weight, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content, and vitamin C in ripened fruit. The enhanced photosynthetic rates were observed in sweet pepper plants under the colored shading nets compared with control plants. WUE increased among the colored shading net treatments in the following order: control ≤ white < black < green. Overall, the application of green and black shading nets to sweet pepper production systems under semi-arid environments significantly enhanced plant growth responses and WUE.

DEMANDA HÍDRICA E ADUBAÇÃO ORGÂNICA NO CULTIVO PROTEGIDO DE PIMENTÃO NA REGIÃO NORTE DA BAHIA

DEMANDA HÍDRICA E ADUBAÇÃO ORGÂNICA NO CULTIVO PROTEGIDO DE PIMENTÃO NA REGIÃO NORTE DA BAHIA RUANNA MATOS ALMEIDA SOUZA¹; MÁRIO DE MIRANDA VILAS BOAS RAMOS LEITÃO²; GERTRUDES MACÁRIO DE OLIVEIRA³; EMERSON DAMASCENO DE OLIVEIRA4 E LEONARDO TORRES CORREIA5 ¹ Colegiado de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, UNIVASF, Av. Antônio C. Magalhães, 510, Country Club, Juazeiro - BA, CEP: 48902-300, ruanna.matos@outlook.com ² Colegiado de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, UNIVASF, Av. Antônio C. Magalhães, 510, Country Club, Juazeiro - BA, CEP: 48902-300, mario.miranda@univasf;edu.br ³ Departamento de Tecnologia e Ciências Sociais, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, UNEB, Av, R. Edgar Chastinet, s/n - São Geraldo, Juazeiro - BA, CEP: 48900-000, gemoliveira@uneb.br 4 Colegiado de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, UNIVASF, Av. Antônio C. Magalhães, 510, Country Club, Juazeiro - BA, CEP: 48902-300, emerson.oliveira@univasf.edu.br 5 Colegiado de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, UNIVASF, Av. Antônio C. Magalhães, 510, Country Club, Juazeiro - BA, CEP: 48902-300, leonardo.torrescorreia@hotmail.com 1 RESUMO Palavras-chave: evapotranspiração, irrigação, coeficiente de cultivo. MATOS, R.M.A; LEITÃO,M.DE M.V.B.R; OLIVEIRA, G.M.DE; OLIVEIRA, E. D. DE;CORREIA, L. T. WATER DEMAND AND ORGANIC FERTILIZATION IN PROTECTED PIMENTÃO CULTIVATION IN THE NORTH REGION OF BAHIA 2 ABSTRACT The objective was to determine crop evapotranspiration (ETc), crop coefficient and water use efficiency for the production of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivated under two soil compounds in a protected environment. The experiment was conducted in Juazeiro-BA, from June to October 2019. The pepper was grown in pots, the design was randomized blocks, split plots, four irrigation depths were used (95, 100, 105 and 110% of ETc) and two levels of soil fertilization: A1 (25% manure and 75% soil) and A2 (40% manure and 60% soil), which were based on studies developed by Santana (2019). ETc was determined using two sets of constant water table lysimeters and the crop coefficient was determined from ETc and reference evapotranspiration. The total water demand of the crop for the A1 fertilization level was 527.3 mm and for that A2 was 395.7 mm. The maximum and minimum crop coefficients were respectively 0.78 and 0.23 for A2; 1.02 and 0.34 for A1. The A1 level of fertilization showed higher productivity and satisfactory conversion of water into fresh fruit mass. Keywords: evapotranspiration, irrigation, crop coefficient.

Study of the sweet chili pepper (Capsicum chinense) production system in the Caribbean region of Colombia: a technological and socio-economic perspective

The objective of this work was to characterize technologically and economically the sweet chili pepper production system in the Caribbean region of Colombia. A survey was applied to 60 farmers using the simple random sampling technique. The economic returns were analyzed in the producing areas of San Juan del Cesar, in the department of La Guajira, and Ponedera, in the department of Atlántico, with an average of 0.6 hectares of the areas used for planting the sweet chili pepper. The average age of the farmers is 51 years old, with more than 11 years of experience in this crop. The results present differences in terms of production efficiency; for example, it was found that it is higher for the town of San Juan del Cesar, which is explained because the yields are higher by 7 t/ha- 1. In this zone, the net income is higher by a difference of COP 6.399.270 ha-1, concerning the town of Ponedera. It is concluded that the productive chain is not well integrated since the margins of commercialization, in general, are 0.69, which reveals that the farmer is the one who least participates in this surplus generated by the market.

Flowering Time and Productivity of Interspecific Grafts Between Pepper Species in Contrasting High Tunnel-sheltered and Open-field Production Environments in Costa Rica

The production of sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum) is often constrained in tropical environments by susceptibility to persistent soil-borne diseases, including bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum). However, the production of sweet peppers in high tunnels using sterile soilless media irrigated with nutrient solution offers the potential to reduce the incidence of bacterial wilt. An additional strategy for disease management is the use of sweet pepper scions grafted onto rootstocks that are resistant to soil-borne pathogens. Two sweet pepper cultivars grown extensively in the tropics, Nathalie and 4212, were used as scions and grafted onto the habanero pepper cultivar Habanero TEC (Capsicum chinense) and the aji pepper cultivar Baccatum TEC (Capsicum baccatum). Two cultivars related to the two rootstocks were prescreened for susceptibility to two virulent strains of bacterial wilt. Graft combinations were grown in two environments, a high tunnel with automatic nutrient solution irrigation of containers filled with sterile coconut fiber and an open field with known high levels of bacterial wilt inoculum. Self-grafted and nongrafted plants of scions were included as checks. The disease susceptibility screening showed that the area under the disease progress curve was consistently low for ‘Habanero TEC’ and ‘Baccatum TEC’ when inoculated with two virulent strains of bacterial wilt, suggesting that habanero pepper cultivars and, to a lesser degree, aji pepper cultivars may be useful as rootstocks in soils with bacterial wilt inoculum. Significant increases in yield, fruit number, and reduced time to flowering were observed in the high tunnel compared with the open-field environment. Individual fruit weight was reduced in the high tunnel compared with the field. Yield, fruit number, fruit weight, and time to flowering were consistent between scions regardless of rootstock. No differences were observed for yield, fruit number, fruit weight, or time to flowering of self-grafted and nongrafted scion checks. In the high tunnel, yield was higher in scions grafted onto ‘Habanero TEC’ compared with self-grafted and nongrafted checks. In the open field, yield and fruit number were highest on scions grafted onto ‘Habanero TEC’. Regardless of graft treatment, high-tunnel production in tropical environments can result in significant increases in yield and fruit number compared with open-field production. No advantage of grafted plants was observed in the high-tunnel production environment. In contrast, in the open-field environment, grafting sweet pepper scions onto pungent habanero rootstocks resulted in a significant increase in yield, fruit number, and fruit size compared with self-grafted and nongrafted checks. The increase was likely attributable to the resistance of habanero pepper cultivars to soil-borne diseases, including bacterial wilt.

Turfgrass intercropping prevents non-point source pollution in sweet pepper production

Greenhouse vegetable production is one of the major non-point source (NPS) pollution due to its high fertilizer input and low nutrient use efficiency. Excessive salt and nutrient accumulation in the topsoil is responsible for the NPS pollution in greenhouse vegetable production. This study was designed to investigate the effects of turfgrass intercropping on NPS pollution in greenhouse sweet pepper production. The results showed that the pollution discharges via both surface runoff and leaching were significantly reduced by turfgrass intercropping. The reduction of pollution was associated with the capacity of turfgrass species in the absorption and accumulation of salts and nitrate. Paspalum vaginatum with preferential accumulations of nitrate and salts performed best results in the alleviation of soil salinity and NPS pollution. Paspalum vaginatum-intercropping decreased 51.2% of nitrate and 23.9% of electrical conductivity in the soil, 71.8% of total nitrogen, 54.9% of ammonia-nitrogen, 67.0% of nitrate-nitrogen, 68.8% of total phosphorus, 68.2% of phosphates, and 73.2% of potassium in the surface runoff, and 64.1% of total nitrogen, 53.4% of ammonia-nitrogen, 67.0% of nitrate-nitrogen, 44.3% of total phosphorus, 54.8% of phosphates, and 32.9% of potassium in the leachate. These results indicated that Paspalum vaginatum-intercropping could be a clean and sustainable solution to prevent NPS pollution in greenhouse vegetable production.