Response of Chilli Pepper Growth Indices and Yield Attributes to Varying Plant Population Density and Seedling Ages in Zuru, Northern Guinea Savannah Zone of Kebbi State

Abstract

A field experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of plant population density and seedling age on growth indices and yield attributes of chilli pepper (Capsicum annum) under field conditions in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the optimal combination of seedling age and plant density that enhances growth indices and yield attributes of Capsicum spp... The treatments consist of three population density (100,000 plants ha-1 (50 cm X 20 cm), 50,000 plants ha-1 (50 cm X 40 cm) and 33,334 plants ha-1 (50 cm X 60 cm)) and four seedling age (20 days, 30 days, 40 days and 50 days) arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The size of each sub-plot was 3 x 3 m (9 m2) and the net plot measured 4 m2. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index, shoot dry weight, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, number of fruits per plant, mean fruit weight, mean fruit weight per plant and fresh fruit yield. Results revealed significant interactions among plant population density, and seedling age for fresh fruit yield. Based on the results of this study, it could be concluded that plant population 50,000 plants ha-1 (50 cm X 40 cm) combined with 40-day-old seedlings resulted in the high growth and yield attributes of chilli pepper while the least yield was by higher plant population of 100,000 plants ha-1 (50 cm X 20 cm) combined with 20-day-old seedlings. An intermediate planting density of 50,000 plants ha-1 is optimal, providing a balance between plant competition and land-use efficiency. Transplanting at 40 days after sowing offers the best compromise between seedling maturity and adaptability in field conditions.