Effects of drip irrigation on red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth and yield under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

The present study intended to ascertain the effects of different water levels, applied as dripp irrigation, on red pepper growth (Capsicum annuum L.) under greenhouse conditions, covered with a polyethylene sheet. The cultivar used was the "Agronômico 10G". A randomized design was used, with four treatments and eight replications. Treatments were such that irrigation was applied after 10, 30, 50 or 70% of available soil water consumption. Irrigation control was based on "Class A" pan evaporation. The tratment which was irrigated when 30% of the available water had been consumed was superior to the other levels, as regards to yield increase, fruit quality and vegetative growth. Soil moisture changes, in the available water range, confirm the importance of irrigation.