Dr. Decoteau et Hah. Graham, PLANT SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT AFFECTS GROWTH, YIELD, AND POD DISTRIBUTIONOF CAYENNE PEPPERS, HortScience, 29(3), 1994, pp. 149-151
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.