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

Resumen

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, chlorophyll index, fruit length, width and weight as well as the yield (fruits per plant, kg plant^-1 and kg ha^-1) of the Chichen Itza and Megalodon hybrids grown on plastic mulch, coco coir growth bags (CCGB) and soil under greenhouse conditions were evaluated. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) under a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement.

Results: The best vegetative development and highest chlorophyll index were observed in Megalodon hybrid grown on plastic mulch and CCGB. Chichen Itza hybrid produced the longest  fruits,  while Megalodon the widest ones; however, fruit weight was similar in both hybrids. Chichen Itza showed the highest number of fruits plant^-1, kg plant^-1 and kg ha^-1.

Limitations on study/implications: The study was conducted during the winter-spring period; therefore, the results might 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. Similarly, the highest yield was recorded for both hybrids when directly sown in soil, with or without the use of plastic mulch.