Resumen de Production and quality of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) with chemical and organic fertilization

C.J. Tucuch Haas, Azarel Angulo Castro, Jorge Ismael Tucuch Haas

• Objective: To compare the effect of earthworm humus (vermicompost) with respect to that of a standard fertilization treatment with conventional chemicals on the yield and fruit quality in the cultivation of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense).

  Design / methodology / approach: The experimental design was of randomized blocks with seven replicates. The treatments consisted of 100% worm humus, 50% worm humus + 50% soil combination, as well as soil with chemical fertilizers as a control. The number of fruits, the quality of the fruits (length, diameter, and weight) of three cuts (harvests), in addition to the yield per plant, were evaluated. The data were analyzed with an analysis of variance and when statistical differences were detected, a means comparison was performed with the Tukey test (P>0.05). 2 Results: The 100% vermicompost treatment did not significantly reduce the height and diameter of the plant stem. Regard yield, a 15% increase was observed, although it was not significant compared to the control. Likewise, the quality of the fruits did not decrease.

  Study limitations / implications: The combination of 50% vermicompost and soil or less could affect the development and yield of habanero pepper crops.

  Findings / conclusions: Supplying earthworm humus does not affect the yield or quality of habanero pepper fruits, which is an alternative for nutrients supply at low cost which is also an environmentally friendly practice.