Performance of colored capsicums as affected by plant training systems in a naturally ventilated polyhouse

ABSTRACT The yield and quality of capsicum fruit is affected by plant training system due to the number of branches and fruit retained. More branches on a plant result in nutritional imbalance in fruit, lowering yield and fruit quality. Developing an appropriate plant training system for bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) under protected structures may help obtain the highest yield. A two-year (2018–2019, 2019–2020) study was undertaken to monitor the performance of bell pepper (green = “Indra,” red = “Inspiration,” and yellow = “Bachata”) cultivated in a naturally ventilated polyhouse as affected by training systems (T1 = un-trained, T2 = two-shoot, T3 = three-shoot and T4 = four-shoot). A benefit-cost analysis was also included. Among training systems, T1 had taller plants, larger and heavier fruit, thicker rinds and longer self-life, but fewer fruit; T4 had the highest yield of 3.54, 2.66 and 2.93 kg/plant for “Indra,” “Inspiration” and “Bachata,” respectively. Among cultivars, “Indra” had the tallest plants, longest shelf-life, and “Bachata” had the earliest flowering and thickest rind. The cost:benefit values for T4 and T2 were 1.31–1.1.55 and 1.39–1.61, respectively, indicating economic viability.