Production and quality of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) with chemical and organic fertilization

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effect of earthworm humus (vermicompost) withrespect to that of a standard fertilization treatment with conventional chemicals onthe yield and fruit quality in the cultivation of habanero pepper (Capsicumchinense).Design / methodology / approach: The experimental design was of randomizedblocks with seven replicates. The treatments consisted of 100% worm humus, 50%worm humus + 50% soil combination, as well as soil with chemical fertilizers as acontrol. The number of fruits, the quality of the fruits (length, diameter, and weight)of three cuts (harvests), in addition to the yield per plant, were evaluated. The datawere analyzed with an analysis of variance and when statistical differences weredetected, a means comparison was performed with the Tukey test (P>0.05). 2Results: The 100% vermicompost treatment did not significantly reduce the heightand diameter of the plant stem. Regard yield, a 15% increase was observed,although it was not significant compared to the control. Likewise, the quality of thefruits did not decrease.Study limitations / implications: The combination of 50% vermicompost and soilor less could affect the development and yield of habanero pepper crops.Findings / conclusions: Supplying earthworm humus does not affect the yield orquality of habanero pepper fruits, which is an alternative for nutrients supply at lowcost which is also an environmentally friendly practice.