Effect of age of transplanting and different spacing on growth, yield and yield components of pepper

Abstract

Chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum), a member of solanaceous family is thought to be originated from the Southern America (Alegbejoet al., 1999) and is one of the vegetable crops that is highly admired and demanded worldwide because of its nutrient, attractive color and flavor (Kim et al.,). According to Grubben and El Tahir (2004) Capsicum annuumis consumed all over the world and an important crop as source of vitamins A, E and C. The cultivation of Chilli pepper in West Africa is influenced by its ability to be consumed fresh and as processed spices, therefore its cultivation is important and given much attention in both developed and developing countries, notwithstanding the reported increase in income from this pepper, the average expectation of its product remains low in many of the West African Countries (Dagnokoet al., 2007&Grubben and El-Tahir, 2004). The main objective of the study is to determine the effect of age of transplant and spacing effects on growth, yield and yield components of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Assess the effect of age of transplant on the growth and yield of pepper. Evaluate the interactive effect of age of transplant and spacing on the yield and yield components of hot pepper.Farmers are encouraged not to grow pepper by using 37 days old of transplanted on 40 cm × 30 cm in other to limit or reduce number of rotten fruits. It is recommended that pepper growers should transplant seedlings on 60 cm × 30 cm for optimum plant establishment and for number of branches for higher yield. Seedling transplanted 37 DAP on 50 cm × 30 cm performed better in days for 50% flowering, days for 50% fruiting, number of fruits per plant. 50 cm × 30 cm produced significantly higher number of branches per plant than other treatments for the entire growing period.