Author
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Russo, Vincent |
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Submitted to: Proceedings 17th Annual Horticulture Industries Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 1/9/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: More types of peppers are being used in more ways in the United States. Speciality uses for all types of peppers will bring a higher price for the producer. It is important to develop cultural methods that optimize yield and insure quality. At the South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory it has been found that for bell pepper, fertilizer should be applied preplant at rates recommended by soil tests, the best yield will come from an early-season planting, and delaying harvest by 14 days can increase pod size and weight. Without artificial ripening 52% of bell peppers can be harvested red which increases their value. Other types of peppers are used dried or pickled, or components can be extracted for use as spices or oils. For banana and Jalapeno peppers a late summer, rather than a spring, planting improves yield. Increasing fertilizer to 1.5-fold the rate recommended by soil tests increases yields of Jalapeno, but not banana peppers. Increasing fertilizer increases yield of Ancho, Anaheim, Cayenne, Pimento, and Red Cherry peppers by 25%, but reduces the number of red pods by 15%. Peppers produced for the fresh and added value markets can be an important component of a production system that diversifies sustainable production for family farms. Technical Abstract: Appetites for, and usage of, vegetables change as new or additional ways to prepare or utilize them are introduced. If used for value added products, or speciality applications, the return to the producer should increase. It is necessary to ensure that yields and quality of the crop are optimized to meet new demands. The value of peppers can be increased if they are used in new ways. Cultural methods to maximize yield of various types of peppers have been examined. For bell pepper fertilizer should be applied preplant at rates recommended by soil tests, the best yield will come from an early-season planting, and delaying harvest by 14 days can increase pod size and weight. Without artificial ripening 52% of bell peppers can be harvested red which increases their value. Other types of peppers are used dried or pickled, or components can be extracted for use as spices or oils. For banana and Jalapeno peppers a late summer, rather than a spring, planting improves yield. Increasing fertilizer to 1.5-fold the rate recommended by soil tests increases yields of Jalapeno, but not banana peppers. Increasing fertilizer increases yield of Ancho, Anaheim, Cayenne, Pimento, and Red Cherry peppers by 25%, but reduces the number of red pods by 15%. In Oklahoma peppers can be economically important components of a production system. |
