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Abstract

Shades are often used in horticultural production to extend growing season, enhance crop growth, and improve yield. A study was conducted to evatuate the effect of shade on vegetative growth and yield components of hot pepper (Capsicum annum, L., var. Scoth Bonnet). Continuous shade under tent fabric (polypropylene mesh) was compared to full sunlight and black plastic mulch was used to control weeds. A complete randomized design was used and the effects of shade were measured at 6 week-intervals using leaf area, plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry biomass production and their partitioning, and fruit yield components. The tent fabric reduced light by 70% at 0900h, 64% at 1300h, and 87% at 1700h. Leaf area was higher under shade (42.5%) and was maintained up to 18 weeks after transplanting (WAT). Shade resulted in increase plant height and reduced stem diameter by 76.2% and 10%, respectively. Shade also reduced the number of fresh fruit as well as fresh fruit weight by 306 and 210%, respectively. However, shade increased unit fresh fruit weight by 31%. In addition, biomass was reduced by as much as 41.1%. Scotch Bonnet hot peppers grown under shade had increased vegetative growth but decreased fruit production and biomass accumulation. However, fruit size is a critical economic factor and must be considered in the marketing of Scotch Bonnet.

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