Development, quality, and yield of two habaneropepper hybrids (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) in threegreenhouse cultivation systems

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the plant development, fruit quality and yield of two habanero pepper hybrids (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) in three cultivation systems under greenhouse conditions.

Design/methodology/approach: Plant height, stem diameter and chlorophyll index, fruit length, width and weight as well as the yiel (fruits plant^-1, kg plant^-1 and kg ha^-1) of the Chichen Itza and Megalodon hybrids grown in plastic mulch, coco coir grow bags (CCGB) and soil under greenhouse conditions were evaluated. The information obtained was analyzed with an analysis of variance with a completely randomized design and a factorial arrangement.

Results: The best vegetative development and chlorophyll index were observed in Megalodon hybrid grown in plastic mulch and CCGB. Chichen Itza hybrid produced the longest and Megalodon the widest fruits respectively, while the fruit weight was similar in both genotypes. Chichen Itza produced the highest amount of fruit plant^-1, kg plant^-1 and had the highest kg ha^-1.

Limitations on study/implications: The study was carried out in the winter-spring period, the results could vary in the summer-autumn period under the greenhouse conditions of the experimental site.

Findings/conclusions: The Chichen Itza hybrid showed the best productive performance. Likewise, the best yield was recorded with direct sowing into the soil of both hybrids with and without the use of plastic mulch.