Publication Date

Spring 2018

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Roger Dennis (Director), Elmer Gray, and Todd Willian

Degree Program

Department of Agriculture

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Peppers (Capsicum) are a valuable commodity throughout the world. They provide food, coloring additives, vitamins, and ornamental aesthetics. Peppers can be grown in many different areas of the world and their success is based on variety selection. Breeding cultivars for superior performance is critical to success. Recent consumer desire for less chemical use throughout the growing process has resulted in new cultivar developments..

The objective of this research was to investigate how cultivar and type affect the yield and weight of field grown peppers. This study provides valuable information for growers in determining which cultivars are suitable for production in Kentucky.

The research was conducted at the Western Kentucky University Agriculture Research and Education Complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 2016. Plants were provided by Ball Horticultural and Pan American Seed, Elburn, Illinois. The experimental design was a random design, with a 12 plant experimental unit consisting of four three plant rows. Thirty-six cultivars were divided into groups based on the type of pepper produced. Harvest occurred approximately every 7 days and were grouped into 3 periods.


Data were obtained on yield, weight, and mean weight. Individual group selection is determined by the producers and their goals for production. There were wide differences in the types of peppers, including size, shape, and color. When comparing all groups, two of the thirty six cultivars, Cultivar 23 (Tapered) and Cultivar 34 (Chili) performed best for both yield and mean weight.

Disciplines

Agricultural Science | Horticulture | Plant Breeding and Genetics

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