ABSTRACT
The objective was to evaluate two pruning systems in sweet pepper genotypes under hydroponic cultivation, aiming higher productivity and fruit quality. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications, treatments being arranged in split plots. Plots corresponded to two pruning systems (1-2-4-N and 1-2-4) and subplots corresponded to the genotypes evaluated. The first pruning system consisted of leaving the first branch with two branches and the second branch with four branches and, after that, the plant was allowed to grow freely. The second pruning treatment differed from the first one, limiting the free growing of the plant after pruning. The experimental plots consisted of three pots, one plant per pot. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and compared by Scott Knott 5%. Hybrids presented satisfying agronomic characteristics, and the simple hybrid Valdor (98.39 t/ha) and the triple hybrid L6 X VAL (92.46 t/ha) were the most productive ones. The pruning systems affected sweet pepper traits, namely diameter/length ratio of fruits, number of locules, number of fruits per plant, and total yield. The 1-2-4-N (78.32 t/ha) pruning system is the most viable for local sweet pepper producers considering its simplicity and the cost reduction in labor. This system is more yielding in greenhouse and hydroponics, compared to the system 1-2-4 producing 68.60 t/ha.
Keywords:
Capsicum annuum; yield; protected environment; genotypes.