Wilson Dogbe

Evaluation of Irrigated Bird’s Eye Chilli Pepper Adaptability Under Tropical Conditions

Production of Bird’s eye chillies (Capsicum annuum L) under tropical conditions presents a unique opportunity for small farmers to improve income. A study in 2010 and 2011 evaluated the performance of irrigated, improved Bird’s eye chilli (BEC), cvs. Demon, UHP281 70, UHP226 94, and UHP296 92, with ‘Shito Adope’, for growth, adaptability, yield, and marketability. The cultivars are categorized as being early (‘UHP281 70’ and ‘Shito Adope’), medium (‘UHP226 94’ and ‘Demon’), and late maturing (‘UHP296 92’). The UHP series had the best yield (average 12.47 Mt·ha−1). The best choice for crop performance and dried fruit quality/brightness and perceived marketability was ‘UHP281 70’ followed by ‘UHP226 94’. Economic analysis indicated that ‘UHP296 92’ had the highest total variable cost. It also had the highest marginal rate of returns (217%). It is possible to increase options for small-, medium-, and large-scale chilli pepper farmers regarding choice of superior Bird’s eye chilli peppers.