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Title: PLANTING DATE, FERTILIZER RATE AND HARVEST METHOD AFFECT YIELD OF JALAPENO AND BANANA PEPPERS

Author
item Russo, Vincent

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/30/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Demand for Jalapeno and banana peppers in processed foods and for fresh markets is increasing, which may provide impetus for expanded production. For each new area, it is necessary to determine the best suited production techniques. At Lane, Okla., seedlings of the Jalapeno cultivar 'Mitla' and dthe Long yellow wax cultivar 'Sweet Banana #504' were transplanted to fiel plots in April and again in July. Two rates of fertilizer were applied broadcast prior to transplanting. Plants were either harvested three times or once at the same time as the third harvest of plants with multiple harvests. The yield for both cultivars from the July planting was greater than from the April planting. For the July planting, the yield from the single harvest was greater than from multiple harvests. The 'Mitla' plants given the higher fertilizer rate had a higher yield than those given the lower fertilizer rate. There was a higher yield from 'Sweet Banana #504' plants treated with the lower than the higher fertilzer rate. Results show these crops can be produced successfully at this location by giving attention to planting date, fertilizer requirement, and timing of harvest.

Technical Abstract: This research was conducted to determine how planting date, fertilizer rate, and timing of harvest affects yield of Jalapeno and banana peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). The experiment was conducted at Lane, Oklahoma on a Bernow fine-loamy (siliceous thermic Glossic Paleudalf) soil. Seedlings of the Jalepeno cv. 'Mitla' and Long yellow wax cv. 'Sweet Banana #504' were trans-planted on 14 April and 12 July 1995 into beds which had a low rate and a high rate of fertilizer. Peppers were harvested either three times or once corresponding to the last of the multiple harvests. Significantly greater yield was produced from the July plantings of both cultivars and with once-over harvesting. The low rate of fertilizer increased yield of 'Sweet Banana #504' and decreased that of 'Mitla' compared to the high rate. These cultivars will produce acceptable yields but some attention should be given to date of planting, fertilizer rate, and timing of harvest.