The production of paprika (Capsicum annum L.) under small-scale farm conditions in southern Africa is constrained by low soil fertility and lack of appropriate cultivars. The objective of this study was to determine the growth responses and fruit yields of six cultivars of paprika to organic and inorganic nutrient sources. The study was conducted in 2007 and 2008 at Chitedze Agricultural Research Station in Malawi. A combination of six paprika cultivars and four nutrient sources namely (1) organic input from Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) biomass (2) inorganic fertilizer (3) integrated nutrient input (Gliricidia biomass + inorganic fertilizer) and (4) control (no nutrient input) were compared. Each combination was replicated five times. A split-plot design was used where nutrient sources formed the main plot and cultivars the sub-plots. Plant height differed due to nutrient source in 2007 and 2008 while differences due to cultivar were minor.
Publication year
2016
Authors
Sileshi, G.W.; Akinnifesi, F.K.; Gondwe, F.T.M.; Ajayi, O.C.; Mng'omba, S.A.; Mwafongo, K.
Keywords
Soil fertility, Fruit yields, Research
