A ratoon cropping system for fall bell pepper production

Studies were conducted to, examine the effects of pruning treatments applie d to spring-transplanted bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) on marketable fr uit yield in late summer and fall. Control plants were set in the field in early May 1997 (Oklahoma) and Apr. 1998 (Oklahoma and Texas) and harvested weekly into October (Oklahoma) or periodically into December (Texas). In 19 97, all four treatments (involving height and method of pruning) reduced to tal marketable fruit weight, but differences among treatments were nonsigni ficant. In Oklahoma in 1998, plants were mowed on 27 July at an average hei ght of approximate to 24 cm. Mowed plants produced less total marketable fr uit weight but more U.S. Fancy fruit than did control plants, while weight of U.S. No. 1 fruit was not affected. In Texas in 1998, plants mowed on 4 S ept. at a height of approximate to 20 cm produced more than twice the weigh t of U.S. No. 1 fruit and fewer cull fruit than did control plants. Nonprun ed transplants set in the field in Summer 1998 (both Oklahoma and Texas) pr oduced low marketable yields. Maintaining spring-transplanted bell peppers is a viable technique for fall pepper production, and the highest total mar ketable yields may be obtained if these plants are not mowed. However, mowi ng offers an opportunity for increased fall production of premium fruit, an d mowed plants would be easier to manage than nonpruned plants.