Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel) Final Trials Report 2016

Transcription

1 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel) Final Trials Report 2016 Written by Eva Erhart Trials Office, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

2 RHS Trial of Sweet Pepper Introduction: Sweet peppers and chillies are both derived from the same species, Capsicum annuum. The heat producing component (capsaicin) which can be found in the chillies are not represented in sweet peppers, therefore they are sweet and no heat can be detected when consumed. This trial focused on sweet pepper cultivars in a variety of colours and shapes. Trial Location The trial of sweet peppers was held in unheated plastic tunnels at RHS Garden Wisley. The growbag and container entries were trialled separately, in different polytunnels. Objectives The objectives of the trial were to assess a range of cultivars and to recommend the Royal Horticultural Society s Award of Garden Merit (AGM) to outstanding cultivars for garden use. Judging The Sweet Pepper Trial Assessment Forum viewed the trial on 15 August and 20 September 2016 and assessed the plants using the following judging criteria: Uniformity Quality Taste raw Sweetness (Brix reading) Thickness of flesh Appearance The members of the forum were: P Dawson, M Day, J England, I Gillott, A Hughes, S Mercer, B Newman, C Randel, S Wain, R White. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

3 Entries There were 66 entries (42 growbag entries and 24 container entries) in the trial, submitted by various seed companies in the UK and the USA, but 2 varieties were incorrect and so were removed, leaving 64 to be judged. Cultivation: The trial was sown on 1 March into P84 modules and germinated on a heated bench. It was noted that a few varieties (Red King, Corno di Toro Giallo, Dolce di Bergamo, HMX 6642, Semaroh, Roberta, TZ 5467 and Gourmet) had poor germination, therefore they were resown on 1 April to produce enough plants for the trial. The seedlings from the first sowing were pricked out into 11 cm pots on 27 March and the ones from the second sowing on 28 April. Sweet pepper seedlings in P84 modules 24 March Sweet pepper seedlings in 11 cm pots 28 April On 17 May 42 entries (4 plants of each entry) were planted into growbags and 24 entries (2 plants of each entry) into containers. The containers were moved to their final position on 21 May into a different polytunnel. Sweet peppers in growbags 17 June Sweet peppers in containers 17 June Plants of each entry were thinned to 3 branches. The remaining 3 branches of the growbag entries were strung up and the branches of the container entries were supported by staking to avoid branches breaking off from the weight of fruit. The following list of crop protection was applied throughout the growing period: Against pests o The trial was sprayed with Chess (active ingredient: pymetrozine) against aphid. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

4 o Natural predators were introduced to biologically control pests (aphid, whitefly, thrips, spider mite, sciarid fly larvae) throughout the trial. o Mouse traps and slug pellets were also applied on 1 July to protect the fruits. Against diseases o A broad spectrum biofungicide, Serenade (contains a patented strain of Bacillus subtilis) was applied on 22 July first and continued the spraying against Botrytis fortnightly. The conditions were not ideal in the polytunnel, where the container entries were grown. This big polytunnel was shared with the Propagation team and the conditions were not specifically set for the sweet peppers. The forum members therefore used their expert knowledge in order to have a fair assessment. RHS advice on growing your own sweet peppers can be found here: Recommendation for the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) The plants which fulfilled the Award of Garden Merit criteria during the trial and were considered to be worthy of receiving the award. The criteria which a plant needs to fulfil in order to receive the award are: excellent for ordinary use in appropriate conditions available of good constitution essentially stable in form and colour reasonably resistant to pests and diseases The plants which already had an AGM had to be re-confirmed to keep it; and if they didn t fulfil the above mentioned criteria and are out-classed by newer varieties, their AGM was rescinded. Hardiness rating H1c Temperature range: 5 ºC 10 ºC Category: Heated glasshouse warm temperate Definition: Can be grown outdoors in summer throughout most of the UK while daytime temperatures are high enough to promote growth. Fruit characteristics The entries were divided into groups based on their fruit size and shape. Size: - Small - Medium - Large/ Long Shape: - Blocky - Flat blocky - Cone - Round Thickness of flesh The thickness of the fruit flesh usually varies between 0.3 and 1 cm, where: Thickness of flesh Thin Medium Thick 0.5 cm >0.5 cm and <0.8 cm 0.8 cm Brix reading Brix scale helps to determine the soluble solids (sugars, minerals) of the pepper fruit and to identify its potential sweetness (an aspect of quality). A higher brix means better flavour and better nutrient value. Brix of sweet peppers usually vary between 4 and 12, where: Poor Average Good Excellent Brix of sweet pepper Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

5 THE SWEET PEPPER TRIAL ASSESSMENT FORUM RECOMMENDED THE SOCIETY S AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT TO THE FOLLOWING GROWBAG ENTRIES: 'Monanta' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 5) Sent by Open pollinated. Fruit colour: Matures from cream to red. Fruit characteristics: Medium cone. Average weight/fruit: 91 g Average yield/plant: 1.8 kg Forum comments: Compact plant. Yielding well. Fruit numbers are high. Attractive plants. Available from:. 'Corno di Toro Giallo' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 9) Sent by Kings Seeds. Open pollinated. Fruit colour: Matures from green to golden yellow. Fruit characteristics: Long cone. Thickness of flesh: Thin. Brix: 9 Average weight/fruit: 94 g Average yield/plant: 2.4 kg Forum comments: Tall plants. Yield and number of fruits harvested are high. Available from: Kings Seeds, Seedaholic. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

6 'Tarquinio' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 15) Sent by D T Brown. Fruit colour: Matures from green to red. Fruit characteristics: Large blocky. Thickness of flesh: Thin. Brix: 8.5 Average weight/fruit: 204 g Average yield/plant: 2.5 kg Forum comments: Looks quite good. Yield is good. Available from: D T Brown. 'Demetra' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 21) Sent by Kings Seeds. Fruit colour: Matures from light green to red. Fruit characteristics: Medium cone. Thickness of flesh: Thin. Average weight/fruit: 140 g Average yield/plant: 2.7 kg Forum comments: Nice uniform fruits. Very high yield. Attractive. Vigorous. Available from: Kings Seeds. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

7 'Astor' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 24) Fruit colour: Matures from green to golden yellow. Fruit characteristics: Long cone. Average weight/fruit: 117 g Average yield/plant: 3 kg Forum comments: Good yield. Big fruits. Available from: Kings Seeds, Plant Genesis,. 'Bianca' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 32) Fruit colour: Matures from cream to red. Fruit characteristics: Medium blocky. Brix: 4 (pale yellow); 6 (red) Average weight/fruit: 170 g Average yield/plant: 3 kg Forum comments: Very short, compact plants. Produces lots of fruits. Nice shape. Good for the home gardener. Flesh is very juicy. Mild taste. This cultivar would look good on an exhibition. Available from: Moles Seeds. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

8 THE SWEET PEPPER TRIALS ASSESSMENT FORUM RECOMMENDED THE SOCIETY S AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT TO THE FOLLOWING CONTAINER ENTRIES: 'Ingrid' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 47) Open pollinated. Fruit colour: Matures from green to brown. Fruit characteristics: Medium blocky. Thickness of flesh: Thick. Average weight/fruit: 154 g Average yield/plant: 2.1 kg Forum comments: Quite good yield. Big heavy fruits. Available from: in their Kew retail range. 'Amy' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 48) Sent by Pro-Veg Seeds. Open pollinated. Fruit colour: Matures from cream to red. Fruit characteristics: Medium cone. Thickness of flesh: Thick. Average weight/fruit: 76 g Average yield/plant: 1.6 kg Forum comments: Fantastic. Tremendous yield. Good fruits. Interesting shape. Available from: The Real Seed Catalogue UK, Ebay Hungarian Paprika Store (on Ebay); Pro-Veg Seeds (only wholesale). Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

9 'Hamík' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 50) Sent by Pro-Veg Seeds. Open pollinated. Fruit colour: Matures from green to orange. Fruit characteristics: Small cone. Brix: 10 Average weight/fruit: 40 g Average yield/plant: 1.1 kg Forum comments: Plants yielded quite well. Good colour. The fruit s got very few seeds. Available from: Dobies of Devon, Sea Spring Seeds, Mr Fothergill s, D T Brown. 'Beja' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 52) Sent by Sea Spring Seeds. Fruit colour: Matures from light green to red. Fruit characteristics: Medium cone. Brix: 8.5 Average weight/fruit: 63 g Average yield/plant: 1.4 kg Forum comments: Good yield. Fruit numbers are good. Available from: Moles Seeds, Sea Spring Seeds. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

10 THE SWEET PEPPER TRIALS ASSESSMENT FORUM RECONFIRMED THE SOCIETY S AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT TO: 'Jolly Giallo' AGM (H1c) 2005 (Trial Entry 4) Fruit colour: Matures from green to yellow. Fruit characteristics: Medium blocky. Average weight/fruit: 112 g Average yield/plant: 1.4 kg Forum comments: Nice plant. Reasonable fruits. Good shape. Available from: Breeders Seed. 'Corno di Toro Rosso' AGM (H1c) 2005 (Trial Entry 26) Sent by Mr Fothergill s Seeds. Open pollinated. Fruit colour: Matures from green to red. Fruit characteristics: Long cone. Brix: 8 Average weight/fruit: 134 g Average yield/plant: 2.9 kg Forum comments: Big fruits. Huge yield. Very nice when ripe. Big fruit number. Available from: Bakker Hillegom, Chiltern Seeds, Dobies of Devon, MoreVeg, Nicky s Nursery, Seedaholic, Suttons Seeds. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

11 'Diablo' AGM (H1c) 2005 (Trial Entry 27) Sent by Marshalls Seeds. Fruit colour: Matures from green to red. Fruit characteristics: Long cone. Average weight/fruit: 135 g Average yield/plant: 2.4 kg Forum comments: Yield is good. Good colour. Available from: Nicky s Nursery, Marshalls Seeds, Moles Seeds, Simply Seed. 'Mohawk' AGM (H1c) 2005 (Trial Entry 43) Fruit colour: Matures from green to orange. Fruit characteristics: Small/medium blocky. Thickness of flesh: Thin. Brix: 9 Average weight/fruit: 34 g Average yield/plant: 0.6 kg Forum comments: Looks thin fleshed. The forum agreed that it can keep its AGM even though it does not look very good in this trial. The forum mentioned that this compact variety should not have been pruned. Available from: Chiltern Seeds, Kings Seeds, Moles Seeds, MoreVeg, Nicky s Nursery, Suttons Seeds,, Tucker s, Unwins. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

12 'Redskin' AGM (H1c) 2005 (Trial Entry 46) Sent by Suttons Seeds. Fruit colour: Matures from green to red. Fruit characteristics: Medium blocky. Average weight/fruit: 56 g Average yield/plant: 0.9 kg Forum comments: The forum agreed that it can keep its AGM even though it does not look very good in this trial. The forum mentioned that this compact variety should not have been pruned. Original windowsill pepper. Available from: Dobies of Devon, D T Brown, Kings Seeds, Moles Seeds, Nicky s Nursery, Suttons Seeds, Tucker s. 'Gourmet' AGM (H1c) 2005 (Trial Entry 62) Open pollinated. Fruit colour: Matures from green to orange. Fruit characteristics: Medium blocky..5 Average weight/fruit: 135 g Average yield/plant: 1.3 kg Forum comments: Compact plant. Performed well early. Available from:, Sea Spring Seeds, Notcutts. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

13 THE FOLLOWING GROWBAG ENTRIES HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED FOR THE SOCIETY S AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT BUT CANNOT RECEIVE THE AWARD UNTIL THEY ARE NAMED AND/OR AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN RETAIL CATALOGUES. It is the responsibility of the sender to inform the Trials Office at Wisley that all queries have been resolved. 'Turbine' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 7) Sent by Elsoms Seeds. Fruit colour: Matures from light green to yellow. Fruit characteristics: Medium blocky. Thickness of flesh: Thick. Average weight/fruit: 148 g Average yield/plant: 2.4 kg Forum comments: Has lots of fruits. Good yield. Good shape. Heavy fruits. Available only wholesale from Elsoms. 'Orange Kiss' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 10) Sent by Pro-Veg Seeds. Fruit colour: Matures from green to orange. Fruit characteristics: Long cone. Thickness of flesh: Thin. Brix: 6 Average weight/fruit: 63 g Average yield/plant: 1.8 kg Forum comments: Very attractive. High yield. Uniform fruits. Available only wholesale from Pro-Veg Seeds. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

14 'Radmila' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 14) Sent by Pro-Veg Seeds. Fruit colour: Matures from cream to red. Fruit characteristics: Long cone. Brix: 6.5 Average weight/fruit: 87 g Average yield/plant: 2.4 kg Forum comments: High yield and lots of fruits on the plants. Available only wholesale from Semo and Pro- Veg Seeds. 'Sweetonia Orange' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 18) Fruit colour: Matures from green to orange. Fruit characteristics: Small blocky. Thickness of flesh: Thin. Average weight/fruit: 17 g Average yield/plant: 0.8 kg Forum comments: High number of fruit. Good fruit shape. This cultivar is easier to prune, easier to grow for the home gardener. The branches wouldn t snap under the fruits weight as they are not very heavy. Available only in a mix from Suttons and. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

15 'Sweetonia Red' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 20) Fruit colour: Matures from green to red. Fruit characteristics: Small cone (heart shaped to round). Thickness of flesh: Thin. Average weight/fruit: 22 g Average yield/plant: 1.1 kg Forum comments: Bit variable in shape. Pretty good. Lots of fruits. Available only in a mix from Suttons and. 'HMX 6642' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 28) Fruit colour: Matures from green to red. Fruit characteristics: Small cone. Thickness of flesh: Thin. Brix: 8.5 Average weight/fruit: 35 g Average yield/plant: 1.4 kg Forum comments: Really nice. Good shape. Looks good for stuffing. Attractive. Nice red colour. Seeds are just at the bottom of the fruit. Not yet named or available for the home gardener. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

16 'WT2493' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 34) Fruit colour: Matures from green to golden yellow. Fruit characteristics: Small cone. Thickness of flesh: Thin. Average weight/fruit: 67 g Average yield/plant: 1.8 kg Forum comments: Very nice. Lots of fruits. Seeds are all in the top of the fruit. Quite a heavy yield. Large number of fruits. Small fruited. Flesh is quite thick. Not yet available. 'WT2495' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 37) Fruit colour: Matures from green to orange. Fruit characteristics: Small cone. Thickness of flesh: Thin. Brix: 8 Average weight/fruit: 65 g Average yield/plant: 1.8 kg Forum comments: Attractive. Uniform. High yield. High number of fruits. Attractive colour, nice orange. Commercially available now. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

17 'WT1440' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 41) Fruit colour: Matures from green to red. Fruit characteristics: Long cone. Brix: 6 Average weight/fruit: 76 g Average yield/plant: 2 kg Forum comments: Very productive. Nice clear red colour. Not yet available. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

18 THE FOLLOWING CONTAINER ENTRIES HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED FOR THE SOCIETY S AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT BUT CANNOT RECEIVE THE AWARD UNTIL THEY ARE NAMED AND/OR AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN RETAIL CATALOGUES. It is the responsibility of the sender to inform the Trials Office at Wisley that all queries have been resolved. 'Whitney' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 49) Sent by Elsoms Seeds. Fruit colour: Matures from cream to red. Fruit characteristics: Medium cone. Thickness of flesh: Thick Brix: 10 Average weight/fruit: 79 g Average yield/plant: 1.6 kg Forum comments: Good colour. Good yield. Only few seeds in the fruit. Available only wholesale from Bejo. 'TZ5467' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 60) Sent by A L Tozer. Open pollinated. Fruit colour: Matures from green to orange. Fruit characteristics: Small cone. Brix: 11 Average weight/fruit: 38 g Average yield/plant: 0.9 kg Forum comments: High Brix. Yield is a bit low. Self-supporting. Available only wholesale from A L Tozer. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

19 'TZ5469' AGM (H1c) 2016 (Trial Entry 65) Sent by A L Tozer. Open pollinated. Fruit colour: Matures from green to red. Fruit characteristics: Small cone. Thickness of flesh: Thin. Brix: 12 Average weight/fruit: 12 g Average yield/plant: 0.5 kg Forum comments: Good number of fruits. Small fruits. Seeds only at the top of the fruit. High Brix. Good taste. Skin is a bit tough. Available only wholesale from A L Tozer. THE SWEET PEPPER TRIALS ASSESSMENT FORUM RECOMMENDED TO RESCIND THE SOCIETY S AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT FROM: 'Atris' AGM (H1c) 2005 (Trial Entry 25) Forum comments: Long cone. Matures from green to red. Cracking has been observed on the fruits. There are better cultivars with red long cones in this trial. Superseded. Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

20 Index of Plants in the Trial Names that are struck through have been updated / corrected by RHS Botanists during the course of the trial. Trial Name AGM Sender Entry In Growbags 1 Ariane Kings Seeds 2 King of the North Mr Fothergill's Seeds 3 Red King Burpee Europe 4 Jolly Giallo AGM 2005 H1c 5 Monanta 6 Slovana Pro-Veg Seeds 7 Turbine Elsoms Seeds 8 Sunbright Western Hybrid Seeds 9 Corno di Toro Giallo [sent in as Long Yellow Ringo] Kings Seeds 10 Orange Kiss Pro-Veg Seeds 11 Orange Horizon [sent in as Horizon Orange] Western Hybrid Seeds 13 Fatima 14 Radmila Pro-Veg Seeds 15 Tarquinio D.T. Brown 16 Lilac Bell Western Hybrid Seeds 17 Midnight Dreams Western Hybrid Seeds 18 Sweetonia Orange [sent in as Mini Blocky Orange] 19 Marconi Rosso [sent in as Long Red Marconi] Kings Seeds 20 Sweetonia Red [sent in as Mini Blocky Red] 21 Demetra Kings Seeds 22 Sweetonia Chocolate [sent in as Mini Blocky Chocolate] 23 Cardinal Burpee Europe 24 Astor 25 Atris AGM 2005 H1c 26 Corno di Toro Rosso AGM 2005 H1c Mr Fothergill's Seeds 27 Diablo AGM 2005 H1c Marshalls Seeds 28 HMX Thor Kings Seeds 30 Black Knight 31 Sweetgreen 32 Bianca 33 Patricie 34 WT2493 [sent in as Midi Sweetpoint Yellow] 35 WT1443 [sent in as Sweetpoint Yellow] 36 WT2103 [sent in as Lunchbox Yellow] 37 WT2495 [sent in as Midi Sweetpoint Orange] Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

21 Trial Name AGM Sender Entry 38 WT2091 [sent in as Sweetpoint Orange] 39 WT2455 [sent in as Lunchbox Orange] 40 WT2490 [sent in as Midi Sweetpoint Red] 41 WT1440 [sent in as Sweetpoint Red] 42 WT2450 [sent in as Lunchbox Red] In Cotnainers 43 Mohawk AGM 2005 H1c 44 Ontara Sea Spring Seeds 45 Stanley Elsoms Seeds 46 Redskin AGM 2005 H1c Suttons Seeds 47 Ingrid 48 Amy Pro-Veg Seeds 49 Whitney Elsoms Seeds 50 Hamík Pro-Veg Seeds 51 Gargantua Gourmet Genetics 52 Beja Sea Spring Seeds 53 Semaroh Sea Spring Seeds 54 Roberta CN Seeds 55 Tequila Sea Spring Seeds 56 Mavras Kings Seeds 57 TZ 5468 A L Tozer 58 TZ 5470 A L Tozer 60 TZ 5467 A L Tozer 61 TZ 5471 A L Tozer 62 Gourmet AGM 2005 H1c 63 Nikita 64 Paragon CN Seeds 65 TZ 5469 A L Tozer 66 Rafaela Pro-Veg Seeds Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)

22 Sender details: A L Tozer Ltd, Pyports, Downside Bridge Rd, Cobham KT11 3EH, Tel , D. T. Brown, Bury Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7PQ, Tel , Burpee Europe Ltd, Yew Tree Cottage, Foston on the Wolds, Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 8BJ, Tel , CN Seeds Ltd, 18 Main Street, Pymoor, Ely CB6 2ED, Tel , Elsoms Seeds Ltd, Pinchbeck Rd, Spalding PE11 1QG, Tel , Gourmet Genetics LLP, Owl's Acre, Kellet Gate, Low Fulney, Spalding, Lincs PE12 6EJ, Kings Seeds (EW King), Monks Farm, Colchester CO5 9PG, Tel , Marshalls Seeds Ltd, Alconbury Hill, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 4HY, Tel , Mr Fothergill s Seeds, Gazeley Rd, Kentford, Suffolk CB8 7QB, Tel , Pro-Veg Seeds Ltd, 6 Shingay Ln, Sawston, Cambridge CB22 3SS, Tel , Sea Spring Seeds, Sea Spring Farm, West Bexington, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9DD, Tel , Seeds of Italy Ltd, D2 Phoenix Ind Estate, Rosslyn Cres, Harrow, Middx HA1 2SP, Tel , Suttons Seeds, Woodview Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7NG, Tel , Poplar Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3BU, Tel , Western Hybrid Seeds, Inc, PO Box Hamilton City CA United States, Tel. +1 (530) Please note: Sources of seed for these cultivars may vary from year to year. Acknowledgements The RHS would like to thank Tangmere Airfield Nurseries Ltd. for kindly hosting the RHS trials team in the nursery and giving advice on how to trial the sweet peppers successfully. Cover photo: Trial entry No. 32. Source: Horticultural Trials and Relations, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB Tel: & trials@rhs.org.uk More information about RHS Trials and other Trials reports can be found on the RHS Website at Final Report for Trial No.1972 Sweet Pepper (in the polytunnel)