Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of pepper is characterized by the absence of capsaicin?
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?
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?
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?
When should seedlings be transplanted into 4-inch blocks?
Which percentage of colored peppers grown in hydroponics is red?
Which percentage of colored peppers grown in hydroponics is red?
What temperature range is beneficial for fruit set in peppers during the night?
What temperature range is beneficial for fruit set in peppers during the night?
Which mineral nutrient shows an increase from early to full production in peppers?
Which mineral nutrient shows an increase from early to full production in peppers?
What is one reason suckers are removed from bifurcated pepper plants?
What is one reason suckers are removed from bifurcated pepper plants?
What method is recommended for cooling harvested peppers?
What method is recommended for cooling harvested peppers?
When should peppers be harvested based on color?
When should peppers be harvested based on color?
What percentage of yellow peppers is grown in hydroponics?
What percentage of yellow peppers is grown in hydroponics?
What is the purpose of using a weak nutrient solution during germination?
What is the purpose of using a weak nutrient solution during germination?
Which is a recommended transplant temperature for pepper seedlings?
Which is a recommended transplant temperature for pepper seedlings?
Which production system is NOT primarily used for vine crops?
Which production system is NOT primarily used for vine crops?
What factor can cause flower abortion in peppers?
What factor can cause flower abortion in peppers?
Which type of pepper is most commonly known for snacking?
Which type of pepper is most commonly known for snacking?
At what point should the fertilizer strength be increased during the transplant phase?
At what point should the fertilizer strength be increased during the transplant phase?
What is the general day temperature ideal for growing peppers?
What is the general day temperature ideal for growing peppers?
What is the most effective method to assist pollination in pepper plants?
What is the most effective method to assist pollination in pepper plants?
What type of peppers should be avoided in hydroponic cultivation due to their price?
What type of peppers should be avoided in hydroponic cultivation due to their price?
What is the primary purpose of training and pruning pepper plants?
What is the primary purpose of training and pruning pepper plants?
At what stage does the NO3-N level change from 70 to 160 in peppers?
At what stage does the NO3-N level change from 70 to 160 in peppers?
What is the optimal storage condition temperature for harvested peppers?
What is the optimal storage condition temperature for harvested peppers?
What is a characteristic of the Spanish method of training peppers?
What is a characteristic of the Spanish method of training peppers?
Why should hydro cooling not be used for harvested peppers?
Why should hydro cooling not be used for harvested peppers?
What should be the minimum size of extra large peppers according to grading standards?
What should be the minimum size of extra large peppers according to grading standards?
What impact does cooler night temperature have on pepper plants?
What impact does cooler night temperature have on pepper plants?
What is the role of supplemental lighting for pepper plants?
What is the role of supplemental lighting for pepper plants?
What primary nutrient level is recommended at the early stage of pepper growth for potassium (K)?
What primary nutrient level is recommended at the early stage of pepper growth for potassium (K)?
Which nutrient has the highest level at full production stage for peppers?
Which nutrient has the highest level at full production stage for peppers?
Flashcards
Bell Pepper Production Temperature
Bell Pepper Production Temperature
Seed germination: 77-79°F; After radicle emergence: 73-75°F; Transplant: 73°F
Hydroponic Pepper Types
Hydroponic Pepper Types
Bell peppers (standard block, lunchbox), Italian sweet.
Pepper Seed Solution Strength
Pepper Seed Solution Strength
Start with a weak nutrient solution (0.5 mS∙cm⁻¹ )
Pepper Transplant Stage
Pepper Transplant Stage
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Pepper Pollination
Pepper Pollination
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Optimal Pepper Night Temperature
Optimal Pepper Night Temperature
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Pepper Nutrient Levels
Pepper Nutrient Levels
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Pepper Plant Steering
Pepper Plant Steering
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Pepper Plant Training Methods
Pepper Plant Training Methods
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Pepper Storage Conditions
Pepper Storage Conditions
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Pepper Night Temperature
Pepper Night Temperature
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Steering Pepper Plants
Steering Pepper Plants
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Pepper Plant Training: Bifurcated
Pepper Plant Training: Bifurcated
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Late-Season Pepper Training
Late-Season Pepper Training
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Spanish Pepper Training Method
Spanish Pepper Training Method
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Optimal Pepper Harvest
Optimal Pepper Harvest
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Pepper Harvest Grading
Pepper Harvest Grading
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Pepper Postharvest: Cooling Techniques
Pepper Postharvest: Cooling Techniques
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Optimal Pepper Storage Conditions
Optimal Pepper Storage Conditions
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What is a bell pepper?
What is a bell pepper?
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Why not grow green peppers hydroponically?
Why not grow green peppers hydroponically?
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Which pepper colors are best for hydroponics?
Which pepper colors are best for hydroponics?
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What's the ideal temperature for pepper seed germination?
What's the ideal temperature for pepper seed germination?
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What happens after pepper seeds germinate?
What happens after pepper seeds germinate?
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When are pepper seedlings ready for transplanting?
When are pepper seedlings ready for transplanting?
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What is the main production system for peppers?
What is the main production system for peppers?
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Do peppers need pollination?
Do peppers need pollination?
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What are some ways to pollinate peppers?
What are some ways to pollinate peppers?
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What can affect pepper flower abortion?
What can affect pepper flower abortion?
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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.
