Evaluation of two drainage rates on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) grown under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

Objective:  to evaluate two drainage rates (DR) (10% and 30%) for their effect on the yield and quality of sweet pepper cv. Nathalie grown under greenhouse conditions in two seasons (dry and rainy).  Methodology:  the crop was grown on coconut fiber as a substrate, and managed with fertigation, and the following variables were evaluated: number of fruits per m², fruit weight (g), yield (kg/m²), and percentage of total soluble solids (°Brix).  Results:  With 30% DR, a significantly higher number of fruits per m² and yield was obtained for the first and commercial qualities, compared to 10% DR.  In the rainy season, the number of fruits per m² and the yield were significantly higher for the first, second, commercial and total qualities, compared to the dry season.  The DR did not affect the weight of the fruit or the percentage of total soluble solids.  Fruits produced in the dry season showed a higher percentage of total soluble solids, compared to the rainy season.  Conclusions:  Under the conditions in which the trial was carried out, in the dry season it is recommended to grow sweet pepper with 30% DR, while in the rainy season it is recommended to use 10% DR in order to save water and nutrients, and thus increase the crop profitability without affecting yield.