Effect of harvesting frequency on the duration, yield and quality of Pepper (Capsicum Frutescence. Long Cayenne)

Field Experiment were concluded during 2002 and 2003 dry and rainy seasons respectively at National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) Ibadan, to investigate the harvesting duration, yield quantity and quality of virus tolerant cultivars of long cayenne pepper. The experiments were laid on in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Seedlings were raised in the screen house for six weeks before transplanting into field at 50 x 50cm. On the bed measuring 2m x 2m. Routine cultural practices (such as weeding fertilizer application, spraying of chemicals) were carried out as at when due. In 2002, fruits were harvested:twice a week, once a week and once in every two weeks. In 2003 experiment harvesting was every three, five and seven days. Observation were made on total fruit weight, number of total fruits, marketable fruits weight, number of marketable and non-marketable fruits at every harvest. Fruit were harvested when ripe. Result showed that in two years, harvesting frequencies increases with yield. Harvesting twice a week and at every five days enhanced pepper yield to 11.31/ha and 12,101/ha respectively in both years. Whereas harvesting once in two weeks and at every 7-day intervals reduced marketable yield by 17% and 12.50% respectively, whereas harvesting once every two weeks and every 7 days reduced marketable yield by 37% and 34.90% respectively. It was however concluded that harvesting of cayenne pepper twice a week or at every five days enhanced its yield and reduced wastage.