PLANT SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT AFFECTS GROWTH, YIELD, AND POD DISTRIBUTIONOF CAYENNE PEPPERS

The effect of planting population density (as a function of in-row pla nt spacing and number of rows per bed) on the growth, yield, and pod d istribution of cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L. cv. Caro lina Cayenne) was investigated in a 2-year study. In 1988, 15-,30-,45- , and 60-cm in-row spacings in a single row were evaluated, and in 198 9 15-,30-, and 60-cm in-row spacings in single and double rows were ev aluated. Plant population densities at these respective spacings range d from almost-equal-to 11,100 to 44,400 and 11,100 to 88,900 plants/ha . In 1988, pepper plants grown at the highest density (15-cm in-row sp acing, 44,400 plants/ha) produced less fruit per plant but more fruit per hectare than those grown in lower densities. In 1989, yields with either a 15-cm in-row spacing in a single row or a 30-cm in-row spacin g in double rows (both with 44,400 plants/ha) were higher than in the others. In general, less fruit were located in the lower part of the p lant canopy when planted in higher plant population densities.