Title:
Drip irrigation levels affect plant growth and fruit yield of bell pepper
Drip irrigation levels affect plant growth and fruit yield of bell pepper
Author(s)
Diaz-Perez, Juan C.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Carroll, G. Denise
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Abstract
Bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.) plants
have a high demand for water and nutrients and are particularly
sensitive to water stress during the establishment
period and fruit setting. High levels of irrigation are often
applied in order to maximize yields. However, field observations
suggest that excessive irrigations may negatively
affect bell pepper plants. The objective of this
study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation rate on
plant growth and fruit yield. The trial was conducted the
Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Ga. Dripirrigated
bell pepper (‘Stiletto’) plants were grown on
black plastic mulch in 1-m wide beds (1.8 m- centers).
Plants were irrigated with an amount of water that ranged
from 33% to 167% the rate of evapotranspiration (ET),
adjusted by crop stage of development. Soil moisture
content (% by volume) over the season was continuously
monitored with time domain reflectometry sensors connected
to a datalogger. The results showed that the average
soil moisture content for the season increased with
increasing rates of irrigation. Vegetative top fresh wt. and
marketable fruit yield were reduced at both, low (33%
ET) and high (166% ET) rates of water application.
However, irrigation rate had a stronger effect on fruit
yield than on top fresh weight. Plants supplied with high
irrigation rates appeared to be more chlorotic compared
to plants irrigated at medium rates (100% ET). There was
a tendency for higher incidences of soil borne diseases
(Pythium spp., Phytophtora capsici) in plants receiving
higher rates of irrigation. The conclusion is high irrigation
rates (≥166% ET) are not recommended since they
waste water and may result in both, higher incidences of
soil-borne diseases and reduced bell pepper yields.
Sponsor
Sponsored by:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Water Science Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Water Resources Institute
The University of Georgia, Water Resources Faculty
Date Issued
2009-04
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings