Effect of plant spacing and nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and yeild of pepper (<i>Capsicum annum L. </i>)

Abstract

A field trial on pepper (capsicum annum L. var Nsukka yellow pepper) was conducted at the Ebonyi State University, Faculty of Agriculture experimental farm during the 1999 cropping season. Four nitrogen rates (0,50, 100 and 150kgN/ha) and three plant spacings (30cm x 75cm, 45cm x 75cm, 60cm x 75cm) were evaluated in a 4x3 factorial laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results obtained showed that 150kgN/ha produced the tallest plants. Similarly,150KgN/ha produced plants with the highest number of branches, leaves, fruits and fruit diameter. There was an increase in plant height and number of branches as the spacing increased from 30cm x 75cm to 60cm x 75cm while the number of fruits and diameter of fruits decreased as the spacing increased. Nitrogen, plant spacing and their interaction had no significant effect on the weight of fruits produced. From this study, 150kgN/ha was sufficient for the growth of Nsukka yellow pepper in Abakaliki agroecological zone. Plant spacing of 30cm x 60cm is recommended for optimum yield.

Keywords: Nsukka yellow pepper, nitrogen, plant spacing, growth, yield

Agro-Science Vol. 3 (2) 2006: pp. 22-26