The effect of different mulching materials on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Yolo Wonder) fruit characteristics was evaluated in an experiment carried out in Mossoró (Brasil), from June to November of 1994. The local climate is semi-arid, dry and very hot, with a dry season (June to January) followed by a rainy one (February to May). The experimental design was of randomized complete block with seven treatments and four replications. Cowpea pod straw, sliced carnauba dried leaves, wood chips, corn straw, sorghum straw and elephant-grass straw were used as mulching. The treatment using carnauba dried leaves as mulching was superior when compared to the other mulchings with regard to the diameter, fruit number and weight, and yield of fruits. The length of the fruits was not affected by treatments. Weed population was greater when cowpea pod straw was used as mulching.
Capsicum annuum L.; yield components; weed
