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Abstract
Scotch Bonnet pepper is a non-traditional export crop, with an expanding market. It is also an important ingredient in jerk seasonings and the local cuisine. Production and productivity are often hampered by poor agronomic management and attacks from a range of pests and diseases particularly TEV and PVY. Previous studies have shown varying response to nutrient application. On the basis of the crop demand and preliminary pot studies, levels ofN, Il, and K were proposed. The study was a RCB with four replicates of five treatments. Seedlings were established 60 em apart in rows that were 90 em apart. The levels of nutrient used were: T1 (control, no fertilizer); T2 (187 kg Nlha, 31 kgPlha, 75 kg Kfha); T3 (374 kgNIh,:I., 62 kgPlha, 150 kg Kfha); T4 (748 kg Nlha, 62 kg Plha. 300 kg Kfha); and T5 (foliar application ofNlS:P30:K30). The Nand K were split into three applications. The P was applied with a third of the N and K seven days after transplanting. The nutrient effect on plant growth, production and the relationships between nutrient levels and pest and disease incidence were studied on the Bodies Research Station. The results showed significant impact offcrtilizeron plant height (P<0.05), and spread (length x width) (P
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