Growth, yield and water use of sweet pepper (Capsicum Annuum) in a greenhouse under drip irrigation

Abstract

Optimum water need of sweet pepper  and  the  critical  irrigation  level  to  be  applied  in  order  to  achieve  a reasonable economic yield was determined. Greenhouse (controlled) was conducted with sweet pepper subjected to three (3) varying water applications; 100% Full Irrigation Treatment (FIT), 70% FIT and 50% FIT. Crop water use (evapotranspiration) was determined using the water balance method. For the agronomic parameters measurement, weekly measurements of plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and canopy temperature were measured. The sweet pepper were determined in batches during harvest. Result showed that the growth parameters significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increase in water application. The highest value of 707.78g was recorded at irrigation treatment that received 70% of full irrigation (FIT) while the least value was recorded in treatment that received the least amount with a value of 665.2 at 50% FIT. Overall, similar yield (P > 0.05) was observed in the yield quantification. This showed that about 50% of irrigation can be saved to irrigate additional plant. Highest values of irrigation for the irrigation and crop water efficiencies were obtained at the deficit irrigation