Hydroponics of Capsicum annuum (Bell Peppers)

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Questions and Answers

Which type of pepper is characterized by the absence of capsaicin?

Italian sweet peppers

Bell peppers (correct)

Lunch box peppers

Spicy peppers

What is the recommended germination temperature for pepper seeds?

77 to 79 ºF (correct)

80 to 85 ºF

65 to 70 ºF

70 to 75 ºF

Which method can enhance fruit set and yield in peppers?

Bumblebee pollination (correct)

Cold-water irrigation

Only natural pollination

Excessive fertilizer application

When should seedlings be transplanted into 4-inch blocks?

After the first true leaves unfold Signup and view all the answers

Which percentage of colored peppers grown in hydroponics is red?

85% Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is beneficial for fruit set in peppers during the night?

61-63 ºF Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral nutrient shows an increase from early to full production in peppers?

K (Potassium) Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason suckers are removed from bifurcated pepper plants?

To limit fruit load Signup and view all the answers

What method is recommended for cooling harvested peppers?

Forced air cooling Signup and view all the answers

When should peppers be harvested based on color?

When they are 85-90% colored Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of yellow peppers is grown in hydroponics?

10% Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a weak nutrient solution during germination?

To provide essential nutrients in the initial stages Signup and view all the answers

Which is a recommended transplant temperature for pepper seedlings?

73 ºF Signup and view all the answers

Which production system is NOT primarily used for vine crops?

Hydroponic Towers Signup and view all the answers

What factor can cause flower abortion in peppers?

High temperatures or low light Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pepper is most commonly known for snacking?

Lunch box peppers Signup and view all the answers

At what point should the fertilizer strength be increased during the transplant phase?

When seedlings have their first true leaves Signup and view all the answers

What is the general day temperature ideal for growing peppers?

70 ºF Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective method to assist pollination in pepper plants?

Hand or mechanical pollination Signup and view all the answers

What type of peppers should be avoided in hydroponic cultivation due to their price?

Green peppers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of training and pruning pepper plants?

To achieve a desired ratio of fruit and vegetative growth Signup and view all the answers

At what stage does the NO3-N level change from 70 to 160 in peppers?

Full production Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal storage condition temperature for harvested peppers?

45ºF Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Spanish method of training peppers?

Allows for denser plant growth Signup and view all the answers

Why should hydro cooling not be used for harvested peppers?

It can cause rot from water infiltration Signup and view all the answers

What should be the minimum size of extra large peppers according to grading standards?

8.0 cm Signup and view all the answers

What impact does cooler night temperature have on pepper plants?

Encourages fruit set but may hinder pollination Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of supplemental lighting for pepper plants?

Depends on economic feasibility Signup and view all the answers

What primary nutrient level is recommended at the early stage of pepper growth for potassium (K)?

119 Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient has the highest level at full production stage for peppers?

K Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Capsicum annuum (Peppers) Hydroponics

Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) are a popular hydroponic crop. Bell peppers are the only pepper type that does not contain capsaicin.
Other types include: standard-style, lunch box, spicy, and Italian sweet.
Green peppers are unsuitable for hydroponics due to pricing issues.
Red peppers are cultivated most frequently (85%), followed by yellow (10%) and orange (5%).

Propagation

Germinate pepper seeds at 77-79°F.
Provide a weak nutrient solution (0.5 mS∙cm−1).
Reduce temperature to 73-75°F after radicle emergence (initial root growth).

Transplant Production

Seedlings are ready for transplanting into 4-inch blocks when their first true leaves emerge.
Maintain a temperature of 73°F.
Increase fertilizer strength to 2.5 mS∙cm−1 for growing transplants.

Production Systems

Primary hydroponic systems for vine crops (peppers) include bags/slabs and Dutch/BATO buckets.
Nutrient film technique (NFT) is used less commonly.

Pollination

Pepper plants do not require pollination for fruit production, but assistance improves fruit yield and quality.
Pollination assistance can include bumblebees or hand/mechanical pollination methods.
High temperatures and low light can hinder flower development.

Temperature and Light

Optimal daytime temperature: 70°F; nighttime temperature: 61-63°F.
Cooler nighttime temperatures encourage fruit set, but may impact pollination.
Supplemental lighting might be economically beneficial in certain circumstances.

Mineral Nutrition

Pepper plants' nutritional needs are similar to tomatoes and cucumbers (ratio of nutrients), but overall lower in total requirement.
Nutrient levels (Early Stage vs. Full Production) are shown for Nitrate, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur.

Steering Pepper Plants

Pepper plants, like tomatoes, can be steered to optimize fruit and foliage balance.
Steering also improves fruit quality.

Training and Pruning

Most pepper plants are grown in a bifurcated (branched) form.
Remove suckers, and thin fruit loads for improved yield.
Under some conditions, suckers may be allowed to grow to 1 or 2 leaves before topping (removing apical buds) to increase shade.
The Spanish method is another plant training approach.

Harvesting

Harvest peppers when they display 85-90% of desired color.
Sever fruits from vines using a sharp knife.
Fruit grades are based on size: Extra large (8.0+ cm), large (7.0-7.9 cm), medium (6.0-6.9 cm), and chopper (5.0-5.9 cm).

Post-Harvest Handling

Avoid hydro-cooling. It can cause fruit rot.
Use forced-air cooling for post-harvest handling.
Optimal storage conditions: 45°F and 90-95% relative humidity.

Overall

Peppers are a popular hydroponic crop, comparable to tomatoes, but having lower optimal temperatures and lower nutrient demand overall.

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Description

Explore the hydroponic cultivation of Capsicum annuum, focusing on propagation, transplant production, and effective production systems. This quiz covers the specifics of growing bell peppers and other varieties, along with best practices for successful hydroponics. Test your knowledge on this specialized crop's requirements and practices.