Plant density affects yield, yield components, and color of direct-seeded paprika pepper

Paprika pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L., 'Agridulce SIA') was direct -seeded on raised beds in double rows 0.35 cm apart. Plants were thinned wi thin the row to establish densities ranging from 13,333 to >500,000 plants/ ha. Yield of paprika pepper increased as plant density increased, but plant densities >200,000 plants/ha resulted in only small increases in yield. Fr uit number and dry fruit weight/plant decreased with increasing plant popul ations, and weight/fruit decreased slightly. The increase in yield/ha as pl ant density increased was a result of increased numbers of fruits/ha. Pigme nt content (ASTA units) declined linearly as plant density increased, where as moisture content of red fruits at harvest remained unaffected. Plant den sities in the range of 150,000 to 200,000 plants/ha were optimal in terms o f fruit yield and pigment content.