Characterization and Evaluation of some Cultivars of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

Abstract

Field trials were conducted to evaluate seven cultivars (both improved and local races) of sweet pepper in 2006 and 2007 at Evboneka a humid tropical environment in Nigeria to access agronomic characteristics and fruit yield. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven cultivars (�Tea 14�, �California wonder Ps�, �California Wonder 300�, �N 22�, N 23� and �Long yellow sweet�) in three replications. Results from the trial showed that the cultivars produced varying vegetative, growth and yield characters. The �Tea 14� produced the plants with superior vegetative characters and fruit yields (6.21 t ha-1) and the lowest being �Benin local� (2.02 t ha-1). There were significant differences among all the genotypes tested. Higher fruit yields was obtained in 2006 with an average value of 3.86 t ha-1 and 3.84 t ha-1 obtained in 2007. The comparatively high yield potential (average yield of 3.85 t ha-1) recorded in the trial is an indication of a promising sweet pepper production in the humid tropical zone.