Short communication. Ratoon cropping technique combined with pluriannual character improves soilless pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruit yield

Abstract

The aim of this work was to test the ratoon cropping technique for hydroponically grown pepper plants. The ratoon cropping system consists of mowing the crop, the next crop being the result of the first crop regrowth. Pepper plants were mowed every six months during two years and the production was compared to that of the new transplanted young-plants at the time of each cycle of pruning. Thus, at the end of the experiment, mowed plants were two years old and were pruned three times. The ratoon cropping technique significantly increased (p < 0.03) marketable production up to 27% compared to that of newly planted plants. In addition, the percentages of the non marketable fruits were never significantly different (p > 0.05). The ratoon cropping technique for pepper plant soilless culture showed several advantages: 1) the energy production cost was reduced, 2) new plants and substrate acquisition cost was eliminated and 3) in some cases, the labor cost was reduced. Nevertheless, use of this technique could be limited by the possibility of transmission of mechanically spread diseases, such as virosis, and by pepper plants roots health.