ISHS Acta Horticulturae 756: International Symposium on Medicinal and Nutraceutical Plants
INFLUENCE OF PLANT DENSITIES ON PRODUCTIVITY OF BELL PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) UNDER GREENHOUSE IN HIGH ALTITUDE COLD DESERT OF LADAKH |
| Authors: | A. Agarwal, S. Gupta, Z. Ahmed |
| Keywords: | Capsicum, sweet pepper, plant population, protected structure |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.756.32 |
| Abstract:
Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a rich source of alkaloids (capsaicin), fatty acids, flavonoids, volatile oil, and carotene pigment. It is rich in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Zinc, two nutrients which are vital for a strong and healthy immune system. It is high in vitamin A, rutin (a bioflavonoid), beta carotene, iron, calcium and potassium. It also contains magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur, B-complex vitamins, sodium and selenium. Bell pepper cv. ‘California Wonder’ was transplanted in FRP greenhouse at the densities of 50,000, 62,500, 83,333, 100,000, 111,111, 160,000 and 200,000 plants/ha in the beds carrying four rows of each treatment. Fruit yield of pepper increased as the plant densities increased to 120,000 plants/ha. However, fruit yield did not increase when plant density increased further to 200,000 plants/ha. Number of fruits and fruit yield per plant and average fruit weight decreased with increasing plant densities. Decrease in fruit weight was rapid at densities higher than 100,000 plants/ha. The increase in fruit yield per hectare as plant density increased was a result of increased number of fruits per hectare from up to 120,000 plants/ha whereas after this yield decreased mainly due to decrease in average fruit weight despite the increase in fruits per hectare. Plant densities in the range of 100,000 to 120,000 plants/ha were optimum in terms of yield and quality. | |
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