Studies on performance of “nsukkaaromatic yellow pepper” (capsicum annum l. )‎ under varying population and organomineral fertilizer regimes

Abstract EN

A field experiment was carried out during 2018 and 2019 planting seasons to evaluate the growth and yield of “ Nsukka Yellow Pepper” as influenced by plant population density and rates of application ofOrganomineral fertilizer at the University of Ilorin Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm vegetable field.

The experiment was laid out in a split plot arrangement fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design.

The main plot comprised of three population densities (60, 000 plants/ha, 50, 000 plants/ha and 40, 000 plants/ha) and four rates of Organomineral fertilizer (OMF): 0, 1, 2 and 3 t/ha as sub-plots.

All treatments were replicated thrice.

Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves and branches, stem girth, days to 50% flowering and 50% maturity, number of fruits, mean fruit weight and fruit yield.

The data were analyzed using Genstat Statistical packages 17th edition and significant means were separated using the Least Significant Difference at 5 % probability.

Results from the study showed that plant population and organomineral fertilizer regimes had significant interactive effects on all parameters observed at p <.0.05.

Number of leaves and branches; number of fruit, fruit weight/ plant and fruit yield/ha were highest at the lowest population which was not significantly different from 50, 000 plant/ha.

Days to 50% flowering and fruit maturity were highest at 50, 000 plants/ha plus 3 t/ha OMF.

The study concluded that the best plant population and organomineral fertilizer rate for cultivating “Nsukka Yellow Pepper” for optimum growth and yield are 50, 000 plants/ha and 3 t/ha.