Resumen

RESENDIZ-MELGAR, Rodolfo Clemente et al. Bell pepper varieties with early pruning of terminal buds under two population densties. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2010, vol.16, n.3, pp.223-229. ISSN 2007-4034.

The objective of this study was to compare growth and yield of 17 bell pepper varieties (4Ever, Cadia, Conan, Cyrus, Diego, Gandal, Giacomo, Grandisimo, Itzel, Magi, Magno, Moonset, Oberon, Orion, Triple4, Triple Star and Valencia) under two population densities (four and six plants m^-2) and managed with a cultivation system t·hat involves pruning the terminal buds above the fourth bifurcation. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse under soilless culture. A randomized block design with split plot arrangement was used. The population densities were considered in the large plots and the varieties in the small plots. The total time from transplant to the end of harvest was less than four months. With higher population density, total dry weight, percentage of fruit set, fruit number and fruit weight per plant decreased significantly; in consequence, the yield per area was the same in both densities. Under the cultivation system used, Orion produced the highest yield; fruit weight per plant was the most important yield component.

Palabras llave : Capsicum annuum L.; pruning; yield; soilless culture.