Agronomic performance and fruit quality of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) in response to pruning

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pruning on agronomic variables and fruit quality of habanero pepper.

Methodology: Pepper was pruned with two intensities, two shoots and three shoots. The control plants were not pruned. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications. The experimental plots consisted of 50 plants established in rows of 1.2 m and 0.3 m distance among plants within a row. The evaluated variables were fruit yield, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit length and fruit diameter. Data were obtained from 10 harvests. For the analysis of fruit quality, the content of ash, moisture, protein and crude fiber were determined. 

Results: Plants with two and three shoots produced fruits of 4 and 3.99 cm length. Plants with two and three shoots produced 42 and 48 % first quality fruits, whereas control plants produced only 10 % fruits of first quality. The highest content of protein in fruits at physiological ripeness (14 %) and at commercial maturity (12 %) was observed in plants with two shoots.

Implications: These results show the importance of crop management on the fruit quality of habanero pepper. Other studies are needed to have more information on the effects of crop management on nutritional content of fruits.

Conclusion: Pruning of habanero pepper significantly influenced the fruit size, crude fiber and the protein content in fruits,