Effect of Irrigation Intervals on Growth and Yield of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) in a Tropical Semi-arid Region

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different irrigation intervals on growth parameters and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) in Minna, a semi-arid zone city, north central Nigeria. The experiment was conducted using Randomized Complete Block Design with single factorial and four replications on 12m by 12m plot of sandy clay loamy soil. A 2m by 2m nursery plot was used and good seedlings were transplanted on 48 days after planting to permanent plot. The plot was divided into main plots and sub-plots with buffer zone provided between the plots. Irrigation intervals used were daily, 3 days, six days and 9 days and a no-irrigation plot to serve as control. Mature bell pepper fruits were harvested on 100 days after transplanting (DAT) and used for yield determination. Growth parameters measured were stem height and diameter, number of leaf, leaf area, leaf area index, number and size of fruits which were used to determine the final yield per hectare. Results showed that the irrigation intervals used has impacts on growth parameters and yield of bell pepper. Statistical analysis with ANOVA and Least Significant Difference (p< 0.05) shows significant influence of irrigation intervals on yield and some growth parameters. For instance, maximum yield of 30.93ton/ha was recorded in plot with 3-day irrigation interval while minimum yield (11.02ton/ha) was recorded from the control plot and 11.91ton/ha from plot with 6-day irrigation interval. The irrigation interval also has remarkable influence on stem diameter but with little effect on stem height and leaf number. The overall results revealed that 3-day irrigation interval appeared to be optimum interval to guarantee good yield from bell pepper plot and 6-day and 9-day intervals appeared to instill much water stress on bell pepper plant. However, this observation is subject to local evapotranspiration which in turn is determined by weather conditions. It is therefore recommended that similar experiment be conducted in Minna under a controlled environment.