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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Wooster, Ohio » Application Technology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #211935
Title: Spacing Studies in Peppers

Author
item MILLER, SALLY - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
item VITANZA, SALVADOR - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
item BENNETT, MARK - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
item Derksen, Richard
item WELTY, CELESTE - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/6/2007
Publication Date: 12/7/2007
Citation: Miller, S., Vitanza, S., Bennett, M., Derksen, R.C., Welty, C. 2007. Spacing Studies in Peppers. Meeting Proceedings. Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo, December 5-7, Grand Rapids, MI [Abstract]. p. 3.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Higher plant stand densities usually result in greater pepper fruit yields. While the impact of stand density on yield has been studied for bell and non-bell peppers, but very little information exists regarding implications on pesticide efficacy. The objective of these studies was to determine the effect of plant population density and pesticide application techniques on fruit yield and control of key insect pests and diseases of peppers in Ohio. Plant population density was investigated at different within-row spacing for single- and twin-rows on commercial (2004) and research (2005) farms. The 2004 trials were treated using the local grower’s equipment at recommended pesticide rates. Pesticide applications were made using half the recommended rates in the 2005 research farm trials using air-assist and conventional boom treatments applied at 4 mph. In the 2004 commercial bell pepper farm trials, there was no clear relationship between fruit yield and plant stand density. Greater yield was obtained at higher stand density in commercial jalapeño farm trials. Bell pepper fruit yield increased proportionally with plant stand density in the 2005 trial. Weight per bell pepper red fruit was lower at the highest than at the middle or lowest stand densities. Stand density did not influence weight per fruit in banana peppers. Phytophthora blight damage was more prevalent in twin-rows than in single-rows. Greater bell pepper fruit damage by caterpillars in single-rows compared to twin-rows might have been related to greater amounts of fruit in single-rows. Producers can use these results to better plan their pepper production system and pest management schemes.