Growth and yield performance of Bird Eye pepper in the forest ecological zone of Ghana

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the growth and yield performance of Bird Eye pepper (Capsicum frutescence) in the forest ecological zone of Ghana. Methodology and results: Field experiments were conducted at the teaching and research farm of the University of Ghana Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre, Kade during the rainy seasons of 2009 and 2010. The treatments were randomized in complete block design and replicated three times. The parameters assessed were: plant height, number of leaves/plant, number of branches/plant, stem girth, shoot, fruit number, fruit weight and yield as well as quantitative characters. Results showed that there were significant differences in growth parameters as well as in the yield and yield components of the four cultivars and in both seasons. Plant heights were highest in cultivar 7777 and local in both seasons. Cultivar 7777 had significantly higher number of branches, canopy girth, fruit number and weight compared to the other cultivars. In terms of fruit colour, cultivar 7777 had dark green colour, a characteristics required in the export industry. Based on the results, cultivar 7777 is recommended for release to farmers and stakeholders in the vegetable industry in Ghana due to its colour, yield and consumer preference on the export and local market. Conclusion and application: The use of this cultivar will increase the foreign exchange earnings of Ghana and well-being of farmers not forgetting that it is going to be a good material for breeding purposes.