Vol. 126 (2013): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Vegetable

Evaluation of Several Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Cultivars Grown under an Open Shaded Structure

Robert C Hockmuth
University of Florida, IFAS, Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center, 7580 County Road 136 East, Live Oak, FL 32060-7434
Wanda Laughlin
University of Florida, IFAS, Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center, 7580 County Road 136 East, Live Oak, FL 32060-7434
Sean R McCoy
University of Florida, IFAS, Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center, 7580 County Road 136 East, Live Oak, FL 32060-7434
Aparna Gazula
University of Florida, IFAS, Alachua County Extension, 2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609-2658
Dan K Fenneman
University of Florida, IFAS, Madison County Extension, 184 NW College Loop, Madison, FL 32340-1426

Published 2013-12-01

Keywords

  • hydroponic,
  • protected agriculture,
  • season extension

Abstract

Many small and large farmers throughout Florida have adopted some type of protected agriculture production in the past 5 to 10 years. Structures used in protected agriculture have traditionally been greenhouses, but more recently, farmers are using high tunnels and open structures covered with shade material. Florida produces nearly 20,000 acres of green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) in the field each year, making green bell pepper a very valuable commodity. Florida bell peppers are in the market nearly year round, from October to July, but are not available in large supply during the late summer and early fall (July–September) due to high temperature, high humidity, and frequent rainfall during that time. The marketplace prefers that growers consistently supply high quality product for as long as possible. Small, direct-market farmers also seek ways to extend their growing season. However, growing in multiple locations is not generally practical. Therefore, small growers often find the adoption of season-extending cultural practices, such as shade culture, more viable. A bell pepper cultivar trial was conducted under a small open shade structure at the University of Florida, Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center near Live Oak, FL. Peppers were grown in 3-gal plastic pots filled with a composted pine bark soilless media and irrigated and fertilized using a hydroponic nutrient solution. Seventeen cultivars were evaluated for their fruit yield and quality during the 2012 season. Cultivars showed significant differences in the early and mid-season harvests; however, total seasonal yields were not significantly different.