Evaluation of 15 Bell Pepper Cultivars in Southwest Michigan

Transcription

1 Evaluation of 15 Bell Pepper Cultivars in Southwest Michigan Ron Goldy Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center Benton Harbor, Michigan Objective To evaluate the performance of 15 bell pepper cultivars for adaptability to Southwest Michigan growing conditions. Summary Statistical differences were noted for all traits measured. The best performing bell peppers over all measured traits were Archimedes, Aristotle, and XPP Other entries were statistically similar in individual traits to these three entries. The 2013 trial was characterized by lower than average yield and higher than average culls due to cold temperatures experienced shortly after planting, cool temperatures early and late in the season, and hot temperatures in mid-july. Methods Fertilizer Prior to planting, nitrogen, potassium (K 2 O equivalent), sulfur, and boron were broadcast at 30, 150, 25, and 2 pounds per acre, respectively. After planting, nutrients were applied with Nitro Plus (18N-5Ca-1.5Mg and a proprietary growth regulator) at 15 gallons/acre on June 4, June 12, June 19, June 25, and July was applied at a rate of 7 pounds N/week on July 9, July 16, August 16, August 20, and August 27. Weed Control Weeds were controlled by black plastic on the beds. Between-row weeds were suppressed with Gramoxone using a backpack sprayer. Planting Plants were started in the greenhouse April 1 and planted to the field May 21. Plants were set on raised, black plastic mulched beds, 6 inches high, 22 inches wide at the top, and 5.5 feet on center. Plants were set in double rows with 14 inches between rows and 18 inches in the row (10,560 plants/acre). The trial was planted and analyzed as a completely randomized design with 16 plants per plot and four replications. Plots were separated by four guard plants. Plant Care Plots were irrigated as needed and insects and diseases controlled using standard commercial practices. Harvest and Data Collection Harvest was conducted August 12, September 16, and October 2, Fruit were graded into jumbo, extra large, large, medium, number two, and culls. Each category was counted, weighed, and converted into bushels per acre. Average number one fruit weight was also determined.

2 Results The 2013 growing season proved to be somewhat difficult for peppers. After planting on May 21, the plants experienced four nights of temperatures below 40 o F, with the lowest being 34.5 o F on May 25. These temperatures were recorded at the 5-foot level, so temperatures at plant level were probably colder. Some damage to leaves and stems was observed. June and early July were also cooler than normal followed by six days above 90 o F in mid-july. The plants did not have the expected amount of early growth resulting in the decision to apply additional fertilizer prior to first fruit set. Additional fertilizer did not improve plant size as desired but did lead to development of dark green foliage. Cool temperatures also contributed to later first and final harvests and only three harvests. Cool temperatures followed by six days of high temperatures lead to increased incidence of blossom end rot at the first harvest as indicated by the high number of culled fruit. Statistical differences were found in all measured traits (Table 1). Archimedes, Aristotle, XPP 1814, and Lulton F1 were among the leaders in many traits. Total yield for all entries ranged from 1,414 to 913 bushels/acre. Twelve entries had statistically similar total yield ranging from 1,413 to 1,084 bushels/acre. Four entries ( Archimedes, Aristotle, XPP 1814, and Bastille ) had statistically higher yield of number one fruit. Average number one fruit weight ranged from 188 to 127 grams/fruit. Two entries ( Yellow Gourmet and Red Gourmet ) had no jumbo fruit and few extra large fruit. Most entries were green to red (Figures 1-6). Tango and Yellow Gourmet were green to orange and Golden Sunshine was a light green/yellow when immature. Some plants in Golden Sunshine plots produced orange fruit possibly due to a planting mistake, however, the orange fruit did not resemble Tango or Yellow Gourmet, so seed contamination is also possible.

3 Table 1. in bushels/acre and size grades of 15 bell peppers grown at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, Benton Harbor, Michigan, in Average number one fruit weight is in grams. Plant population was approximately 10,560 plants per acre. Selection Seed* Source Total No.1 Avg. No.1 Wt. (gms) Jumbo Extra Large Large Medium Archimedes SY/RG 1, Aristotle SY/RG 1, XPP 1814 SK 1, Lulton F1 RU 1, Yellow Gourmet AT 1, Red Gourmet AT 1, Bello Rouge UA 1, Golden Sunshine UA 1, Rampart SY/RG 1, SV3255PB SM 1, Classic F1 RU 1, Plato UA 1, Bastille SY/RG 1, PS SM Tango UA lsd *Seed Source: SY/RG = Syngenta/Rogers, SK = Sakata Seed, RU = Rupp Seeds, AT = American Takii, UA = US Agri Seeds, SM = Seminis Jumbo = >240 gm, Extra Large = gm, Large = gm, Medium (Med.) = <170 gm. Numbers in bold in the same column are not statistically different than the highest number. No.2 Cull

4 Figure 1. Bell pepper entries in the 2013 SWMREC bell pepper trial. Front row (from left): Bastille, Rampart, SV3255PB, PS , and Classic F1. Middle row (from left): Lulton F1, XPP 1814, Tango, Plato, and Bello Rouge.. Back row (from left): Golden Sunshine, Aristotle, Archimedes, Yellow Gourmet, and Red Gourmet.

5 Figure 2. Number one fruit from the first harvest of (from left) Bastille, Rampart, and SV3255PB. Midwest Vegetable Trial Report for 2013

6 Figure 3. Number one fruit from the first harvest of (from left) PS , Classic F1, and Lulton F1. Midwest Vegetable Trial Report for 2013

7 Figure 4. Number one fruit from the first harvest of (from left) XPP 1814, Tango, and Plato. Midwest Vegetable Trial Report for 2013

8 Figure 5. Number one fruit from the first harvest of (from left) Bello Rouge, Golden Sunshine, and Aristotle.

9 Figure 6. Number one fruit from the first harvest of (from left) Archimedes, Yellow Gourmet, and Red Gourmet.