Both sweet and hot peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) belong to the Family Solanaceae, together with potatoes, tomatoes and bringals. Pepper fruit can be divided in various segments based on the fruit shape, colour, taste and wall thickness. This creates a lot of opportunities for marketing the different types and new markets are developing every year. The profitability of these crops depends largely on the establishment of a strong plant with a good strong root system, right from seedling stage.
Yield potential
Producers often ask the question about the yield potential of a crop or variety, and this is without a doubt one of the most difficult questions to answer. There are so many factors involved in successful crop production that it is difficult to single out just one. Starting off with a strong seedling and root system is critical, especially for peppers that is known for their poor root systems.
Climate plays an important role in the development of peppers and can determine the production potential of the plants. Higher yield is in most cases directly related to a well-developed root system. It enables the plants to create a balance between the stems, leaves and fruit in such a way that unfavourable conditions have less of an impact on the plants.
Peppers are well adapted for production in warmer climatic regions and can have long production cycles if the conditions are favourable. The length of the production cycle can be related to the root system and a poor root system can lead to short crop cycles. Poor quality and yield as well as shelf life can be related to poor root systems.
In general peppers require more heat units than tomatoes, an average temperature of 24ºC for 4 to 5 months are ideal. At lower temperatures (5 to 15ºC) the plants develop much slower and lead to various problems and delayed harvesting. The temperature of the roots during development is critical even in seedling stage. Warmer temperature enhances the development of a stronger root system and the plants can be transplanted earlier.
Although the pepper plants prefer warmer growing conditions, temperatures of 32ºC and higher is not ideal for pollination and flowers development. With temperatures above 35ºC no flower development will take place especially if it co-inside with warm winds. Fruit that does form will mostly be deformed due to insufficient pollination. Pepper fruit are also very susceptible to sunburn and plants with a good leaf canopy is preferred above plants with smaller canopies.
Soil requirements
As mentioned, fast strong root development is critical for pepper plants, and an important characteristic of the pepper plant is that root development slows down dramatically after the first fruit have started to set on the plant. Production practices should therefore be aimed at optimal root development, as early as possible, in the production cycle. Strong seedlings are one of the keys to successful pepper production.
Peppers are very sensitive to soil factors that limit root development, such as soil with low oxygen content, compacted soils and pH is very critical. Planting on ridges is always advisable for peppers.
It is always recommended to do a soil analysis before any fertiliser recommendations are made. It does not only hold a direct cost implication on possible savings for the producer, but can also result in an imbalance that can lead to poorly balanced plants that are not able to support the fruit load.
The next few point are only suggestions, but is important factors for proper balanced plant growth.
Open field production
In the initial stages of crop development right after transplanting, sufficient levels of phosphate is required. Phosphate stimulates root development and it is ideal to have available phosphate in the soil at the time of transplant. After transplanting, the application of nitrogen is important to build a frame for the plant to carry fruit and have sufficient leaf cover for photosynthesis to take place and protect against sunburn. Sufficient potassium is required later in the season when flowers and fruit develop.
Concluding remarks:
- Peppers in general have poor root systems.
- If at all possible it is advisable to protect the tap root on peppers.
- If the tap root is damaged the plant will compensate with lateral roots but will not be able to penetrate as deep into the soil as the tap root.
- Although smaller seedlings do take more care and is more difficult to transplant, they recover quicker and establish a good root system.
- Root development slows down with the onset of fruit development.
- If the plant has not yet developed a strong root system before flower onset, remove flowers at the first node of the plant.
- Remove any deformed or damaged fruit as soon as possible; this will stimulate the development of new fruit and flowers.
DISCLAIMER: This information is based on our observations and/or information from other sources. As crop performance depends on the interaction between the genetic potential of the seed, its physiological characteristics, and the environment, including management, we give no warranty express or implied, for the performance of crops relative to the information given nor do we accept any liability for any loss, direct or consequential, that may arise from whatsoever cause. Please read the Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Conditions of Sale before ordering seed.