Two problems associated with machine harvesting of peppers (Capsicum a
nnuum L.) are plant lodging during growth and uprooting, Factorial com
binations of four bedding treatments and two N rates were compared for
effects on lodging, uprooting, and fruit yield of chile and paprika-t
ype peppers in Fort Cobb and Bixby, Okla, Bedding treatments were 1) n
o bed (T1); 2) no bed with 5 cm of soil hilled to the plant bases (T2)
; 3) bedded preplant, but bed not sustained (i,e,, allowed to erode) d
uring the growing season (T3); and 4) bedded preplant and bed sustaine
d during the growing season (T4), All plots received preplant N at 45
kg . ha(-1). In 1992, one-half of the plots were sidedressed with 45 k
g N/ha, In 1993, one-half of the plots were sidedressed with N at 45 a
nd 90 kg . ha(-1) for paprika and chile, respectively, The higher N ra
tes consistently produced larger and higher-yielding chile plants and
generally increased yield and stem and leaf weights of paprika plants.
The force required to uproot plants was not significantly affected by
N rates. Plant lodging was significantly worse at the higher N rates
in only one of five studies. Bedding treatments did not have a consist
ent influence on fruit yield, The force required to uproot plants was
greater with T2 and 4 compared to T1 acid 3 in three of four studies,
Plant lodging was not influenced by the bedding treatments.