Effects of the Fruit Load on Fruit Set and Bearing Habit in Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

Abstract

Effects of the fruit load (stress caused by cropping) on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plant on fruit set and bearing habit were examined. The number of flowers and fruit set were found to affec the number of fruits produced, but this effect became weaker as the fruit bearing period becam> shorter. As the fruit bearing period became extended, the photosynthetic products were partitionei preferentially to the thickening fruits rather than to the roots, resulting in a high shoot to root weigh ratio. Increase or decrease in yield was attributable to differences in the fruit load, e. g., minimizinj crop load stress promoted a stable yield. Hence, it is advisable to take measures that allow a constan growth of fruits. The utilization of 1) primary scaffold branches for fruiting, 2) optimum manuring ani 3) pruning and training similar to a hedge-row planting, to maintain plant vigor are desirable.