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Research Article
Research Article OpenAccess
Open Access

Growth, Yield and Consumer Acceptance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
as Influenced by Open Field and Greenhouse Production Systems
Nkansah GO, Norman JC and Martey A*
Crop Science Department, Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre (FOHCREC), Okumaning-Kade in the Eastern Region, University of Ghana, Ghana

Abstract
A study was conducted on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) on growth, yield and consumer acceptance as
influenced by open field and greenhouse production systems at the University of Ghana Forest and Horticultural Crops
Research Centre, Okumaning – Kade in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The experiment was conducted in the minor
season (dry season) from October 2014 to March 2015. A 2 × 9 factorial was laid out in Randomized Complete Block
Design with three replications. The experiment consisted of two production systems: greenhouse and open field and
nine varieties of sweet pepper: California Wonder, Yolo Wonder, Kulkukan, F1 Nobile, Crusader, Guardian, Embella
733- EM and Caribbean Red, Pepper 1) with three replications. Data were recorded on plant height (cm), girth (mm),
leaf number, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant (kg), length of fruits (cm), diameter of fruits (cm), pericarp
thickness (mm), number of locules per fruit and yield (t/ha). All the parameters measured differed significantly except
pericarp thickness of fruits. In the greenhouse Kukulkan (21.34t) recorded the highest yield (t/ha) followed by California
Wonder (20.99t) and Yolo Wonder (8.20t) had the least. In the open field it revealed that the yield of California Wonder
(12.57t) gained the highest, followed by Crusader (10.57t) and pepper 1 (5.02) had the least weight. Fruits were ranked
for its acceptability by consumers (rank=1 - very poor quality to 9 - Extreme excellent quality). California wonder (rank
-8) was highly accepted by consumers compared to Caribbean Red (rank 4- moderate quality) in both greenhouse and
open field conditions.

Keywords: Sweet pepper; Greenhouse; Open field; Consumer temperature range for sweet pepper growth is 20 to 25°C. There are
acceptability several factors that influence the growth and yield of pepper, some of
which include temperature, relative humidity, day length, photoperiod
Introduction etc. Along with other factors which affect the per unit area production
Sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) belongs to the family Solanaceae, like nutrition, cultivar, growing system and soil fertility, plant density
which is an important group of vegetables grown extensively and also has its significance [11]. Plant densities and arrangements in the open
widely cultivated in almost every country of the world [1]. It thrives field strongly decide the utilization of intercepted solar radiation mainly
best in warm climate, where frost is not a problem during the growing due to leaf area index. It is therefore imperative to note that green
seasons. In general, it requires temperatures ranging from 25-35°C [2]. pepper in Ghana is suited for most of the ecological zones with good
The sweet pepper of commerce also known as Bell pepper [3], is one climatic and edaphic parameters to support it growth in the open-field
of the most varied and widely used foods in the world; it originated cultivations whereas greenhouse technologies enable the cultivation of
in Mexico and Central America regions and Christopher Columbus a large number of species in a specific geographic area. In a controlled
encountered it in 1493 [4]. Sweet pepper is the world’s second most environment, climatic conditions are optimal for certain species,
important vegetable after tomato [5]. It is one of the most important regardless of the external environment [12]. Greenhouses increase
vegetable grown in other parts of sub-humid and semi-arid tropics [6]. crop yields by as much as four to ten times as plants grown under open
In 2007, over 26 million metric tons of pepper was produced globally field conditions; the quality of the product is normally higher than
(U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 2008a). China ranked first, producing open field and the dependency on chemicals is drastically reduced.
more than 50% of the world’s pepper, while the United States (U.S.) The main reasons for increased yields lie in the nature of the growing
ranked sixth with about 855,000 metric tons produce (U.S. Dept. of environment as well as the genetics of some greenhouse varieties.
Agriculture, 2008a). Cultivation in the open field also tend to be much easier and less costly
hence production of fresh vegetables by numerous people in this system
The fruits of sweet pepper are harvested either at green mature
of production. In Israel, for instance, research is usually carried out in
stage or at colouring stage and are a very good source of vitamin A
and C and other nutrients having great demand in big cities and other
urban areas of the country. One medium green bell pepper can provide
up to 8% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A, 180% of *Corresponding author: Martey A, Crop Science Department, Forest and
Vitamin C, 2% of calcium and 2% of iron [4]. Sweet pepper contributes Horticultural Crops Research Centre (FOHCREC), Okumaning-Kade in the
Eastern Region, University of Ghana, Ghana, Tel: +233 30 250 0381; E-mail:
substantially to our diet, it is a good source of vitamins A, C (More marteyabraham48@yahoo.com
than that obtained from tomato), E, B1, B2, and D [7]. A phenolic
Received October 03, 2017; Accepted November 28, 2017; Published December
compound called capsaicin is responsible for the pungency in peppers.
05, 2017
Pepper is grown as an annual crop due to its sensitivity to frost and
is actually herbaceous perennial and will survive and yield for several Citation: Nkansah GO, Norman JC, Martey A (2017) Growth, Yield and Consumer
Acceptance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as Influenced by Open Field and
years in tropical climates [8,4]. According to Norman [9], the growing Greenhouse Production Systems. J Hortic 4: 216. doi: 10.4172/2376-0354.1000216
of sweet pepper in West Africa is confined to urban centers but
Copyright: © 2017 Nkansah GO, et al. This is an open-access article distributed
recently large scale or commercial productions has been undertaken under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits
under irrigation in the rural areas. It is very vulnerable to frost and unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the
grows poorly at temperatures between 5 and 15°C [10]. The optimum original author and source are credited.

J Hortic, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 4 • 1000216

ISSN: 2376-0354
Citation: Nkansah GO, Norman JC, Martey A (2017) Growth, Yield and Consumer Acceptance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as Influenced
by Open Field and Greenhouse Production Systems. J Hortic 4: 216. doi: 10.4172/2376-0354.1000216

Page 2 of 8

fully climate controlled greenhouse (http://www.arc-avrdc.org/pdf_ extremely adverse and no crops can be grown, greenhouse technology
files/Some(17-N).pdf Greenhouses have been utilized in Europe, U.S.A, is the technique of providing favourable environment condition to the
Canada and several other countries for many decades for improved plants; it is rather used to protect the plants from the adverse climatic
yields [13] and this can also be incorporated into our environment. In conditions such as wind, cold, precipitation, excessive radiation,
agriculture, quality determination of produce is based on a multitude extreme temperature, insects and diseases. According to Wiltshire
of features [14]: flavour (sweetness, acidity); appearance (colour, size, [13], greenhouses increase crop yields by as much as 4 to 10 times
shape, blemishes, glossiness); and texture (firmness, mouth feel). These compared with plants grown under open field conditions. The quality
features may be influenced by the system of production since crops are of the produce from greenhouse is normally higher than open field and
exposed to varied external environmental conditions. There are many the dependency on chemicals is drastically reduced and this is brought
vegetable crops including pepper that are adapted in all parts of West about by the nature of the growing environment as well as the genetics
Africa of which Ghana is no exception. Pepper in Ghana, for instance, or the type of varieties cultivated. Yield of crops may differ from the
is grown in all the ecological zones of the country; coastal savanna, rain cultivar or variety used.
forest up to the guinea savanna zones in the open field and green house
Therefore, it is imperative to note that, very limited information
technology is only applicable in the research stations and the few well
is available for growing sweet pepper through protected technology
established farms have adopted for production of various vegetables.
or green house and on the open field in Ghana; hence the study was
For each of these systems of production there are little or no records
conducted to make information available on the former and latter
to ascertain the growth, yield and preference or the choice acceptable
production systems as well as their acceptance by consumers. The
by the consumer. There are climatic conditions such as prevailing
objectives of the study was to determine consumer acceptance of sweet
high and low temperatures, energy, high or low rainfall, waterlogging,
pepper grown under greenhouse and open field conditions and to also
higher relative humidity and strong winds that are limiting factors for
determine optimum growth and yield of sweet pepper as influenced
growing sweet pepper under open field. In the green house when the
greenhouse and open field production system.
growth parameters are not properly regulated and these may affect the
quality of fruit produced which intends to affect consumer demands Materials and Methods
and acceptance. The fruit set of pepper is greatly influenced by humidity
and temperature. Low humidity and high temperatures results in poor The experiment was conducted during the minor cropping season
fruit set due to dropping of flower buds, flowers and small fruits caused of 2015 on the University of Ghana Forest and Horticultural Crops
by their abscission because of their excessive transpiration, also night Research Centre (FOHCREC) at Kade in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
temperatures below 15.6°C and above 32.2°C prevent fruit set [9]. It is located in the semi deciduous forest agro-ecological zone of
According to Sinnadurai [3], sweet pepper requires milder climate for Ghana in the Kwaebibrim District. Kwaebibirim is noted for bimodal
good production unlike hot pepper that requires high temperatures rainfall pattern with two peaks that is major and minor rainfall. The
and very hot weather decreases flower initiation and this affects the trial was conducted in the greenhouse and open field simultaneously;
fruit yield. Flower production is significantly increased when the night therefore, this experiment was conducted in the minor season, from
temperatures during the growing season is between 12-21°C and fruits October, 2014 to March, 2015. A 2 × 9 factorial experiment was laid
also develops sun scalds when grown in the dry season in the open field. out in Randomized Complete Block Design with 18 treatments in
three (3) replications. The two factors involved in the trial included,
Adopting ways of increasing production of green pepper has two (2) production systems; open field and green house production
brought to the light the use of controlled environment (green houses, systems and nine (9) varieties of sweet pepper (California Wonder,
poly houses etc.). The greenhouse systems are important since they Yolo wonder, Guardian pepper, Embella 733, F1 Nobili, Pepper 1,
can be used all year round to increased yield even in the lean seasons. Caribbean red, Kulkukan and Crusader).
Nevertheless, export and local market both demand high quality
sorted fruits and vegetables, which preserve their fresh condition The seedlings were raised at the green house. The seeds were sown
on the market. Additionally, there is an increased demand for fruits in seed trays (seed per cell) of 120 cells per seed tray. The seed trays
and vegetables that are beneficial for healthy life style as well as rich were filled with carbonated rice husk (Biochar). A 1919-19 N-P-K
in ingredients that positively influence the prevention of any health foliar fertilizer was applied 2 weeks after germination at the rate of
malfunction. 10 g per 1litre of water to seedlings to boost growth. Seedlings were
transplanted at 6 weeks after sowing, at 5-6 true leaf stage; transplants
Since most of the agricultural products changes of inner content were dipped into starter solution to facilitate root formation and early
and outer properties after harvesting, therefore, it is crucial to establishment. Seedlings were transplanted out simultaneously on the
determine the optimal production system that may enhance quality open field and the green house on 26th December, 2015 at planting
and acceptability of fruit by consumers or end users. To make pepper distance of 30cm within rows and 40 cm between rows per bed.
cultivation successful and accepted by consumer’s different systems Distance between beds was 1 m. Plants were irrigated in the greenhouse
of production must be tested. Chandra et al., [15] and Singh et al., using the loop system which is part of the environdome greenhouse
[16,17] indicated that polyhouses, poly-tunnels and plastic-mulching setup. In the open field system, supplementary hand watering (1 liter
are most suitable solutions for yield increase of sweet pepper. Protected per plant) was applied fortnightly to maintain moisture throughout the
structures act as physical barrier and play a key role in integrated pest growth period.
management by preventing spreading of insects, pests and viruses
causing severe damage to the crop [18]. Data were collected on the following parameters: growth
parameters, yield parameters and acceptability test; plant height, stem
It is therefore imperative to note that about 95% of plants, either diameter, number of leaves per plant, days to 50% flowering, biomass
food crops or cash crops are grown in open field. Since time immemorial, dry weight, Number of fruits per plants, Fruit Yield (t/ha), Fruit Length,
man has learnt how to grow plants under natural environmental Fruit Width, Pericarp thickness, Number of Locules, Seed number, and
conditions. In some of the regions where the climatic conditions are Consumer Acceptability test of sweet pepper based on the following

J Hortic, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 4 • 1000216

ISSN: 2376-0354
Citation: Nkansah GO, Norman JC, Martey A (2017) Growth, Yield and Consumer Acceptance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as Influenced
by Open Field and Greenhouse Production Systems. J Hortic 4: 216. doi: 10.4172/2376-0354.1000216

Page 3 of 8

rankings from 1-9 on Texture, Absence of defects, brightness, size and both in the greenhouse and the open field. At 6 WAT, Kukulkan had
glossiness as stated by Aoun et al., [19]. Acceptability Chart; 1=very the highest number of leaves (94.0) per plant followed by Caribbean
poor quality, 2=Poor quality, 3=Moderate quality, 4=Moderate to Red (62.0). Embella 733 and F1 Nobili had the lowest number of leaves
strong quality, 5=Strong quality, 6=Strong to very strong quality, (33.0 and 30.0) respectively in the greenhouse. In the of open field, at
7=Very strong quality, 8=Very strong to extremely strong quality 6 WAT highly significant difference was observed among treatment
and 9=Extreme excellent quality. The data obtained were subjected with both Kukulkan and Crusader recording the highest number of
to analysis of variance i.e. ANOVA by using Genstat Discovery. leaves (39.0) followed by Embella 733 (34.0) and Caribbean Red (33.0).
Means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5%. California Wonder had the lowest leaves number (29.0) (Table 1).
Further analysis was done using correlation analysis and simple linear There was interaction between production system and varieties. The
regression analysis. probable tallness of plant height, stem thickness and improved number
of leaves of sweet pepper grown in the greenhouse compared to the
Results and Discussion open field may be attributed favorable environmental conditions as
All growth parameters, yield parameters and acceptability test Heurn, indicated that crops inside greenhouse are better protected
differed significantly due to the different varieties tested under different from outside influences with adequate water. It was also found that, in
locations as shown by the analysis of variance. All parameters showed many parts of the world, insect nets or screens are commonly used in
significant results except number of locules per fruits. crop production for reducing excessive solar radiation, weather effects
on produce, or to keep away insects (http://www.aces.edu/go/87).
Plant height (cm) Medany et al., [21] reported increased in Leaf area in sweet pepper.
There was a significant increase in plant height at both locations.
Sweet pepper biomass dry weight (g)
In the greenhouse at 6 WAT, Kukulkan had the highest height (93.7)
followed by Caribean Red (65.7) with Embella 733 recording the In the greenhouse at the vegetative growth stage (i.e. 4 WAT), the
shortest height and in the open field but at 6 WAT Kukulkan recorded highest dry biomass weight was Kukulkan (5.3), Crusader (3.4) and
the highest height (43.9) and Crusader also followed with 38.9 whereas California Wonder (3.0). Both Caribbean Red and Embella had the
Pepper 1 (26.7) had shortest height (Table 1). Plant height helps it in same biomass weight (2.8). P1 (2.4), Yolo Wonder (2.5) and Guardian
light attraction in that the taller the plant, the easier it attracts light. pepper (2.6) recorded the lowest dry biomass weight. Whereas, in the
Ogbodo [20] who revealed that tall plant have easy access to intercept open field the highest biomass weight was Kukulkan (3.9), Crusader
light for photosynthesis. (3.2) Guardian pepper (3.1) with the lowest biomass recorded in
Caribbean Red (1.9), Embella 733 (2.1), and Yolo Wonder (2.1).
Stem diameter (cm) There was significant interaction among the system of production and
Significance differences were observed in terms of stem diameter varieties at both vegetative and reproductive stages. at the reproductive
in both greenhouse and open field at 6 WAT among varieties. In the growth stage (i.e. 6 WAT), the California Wonder (8.9) Kukulkan (8.6)
greenhouse Kukulkan had the thickest stem diameter (1) followed by and Embella 733 (8.5) recorded the highest biomass weight followed
Crusader (0.94) and Yolo wonder (0.76) the thinnest stem diameter. by Caribbean Red (7.5) and F1 Nobili (7.4). The lowest dry biomass
On the other hand, Kukulkan (0.89) recorded thickest stem diameter weight was found in Crusader (5.5) and Guardian pepper (6.9). While,
in the open field followed by Guardian pepper (0.86) with Pepper in the open field, Kukulkan (9.3) and F1 Nobili (7.1) had the highest
1(0.79) recorded the thinness stem diameter (Table 1). There were no dry biomass weight followed by Crusader (5.8), Pepper 1 (5.7) and
interaction among varieties and locations. Caribbean Red (5.6) while Embella 733 (5.3) recorded the lowest
biomass weight (Table 1). Significant difference ware observed among
Number of leaves per plant the production systems as the greenhouse had highest biomass weight
Significant differences were observed among the number of leaves compared to the open field at both growth stages.

Plant girth (6 Number of leaves Biomass dry weight/ Days to 50% Number of fruits/
Variety PH (6 WAT) (cm) Yield (t/ ha)
WAT) (cm) (6 WAT) plant (g) flowering plant
Open Green Open Green Open Green Open Green Open Green Open Green Open Green
Field house Field house Field house Field house Field house Field house Field house
Caribbean R. 33.5 65.70 0.81 0.78 33.00 52.00 1.90 2.80 37.00 35.00 27.00 40.00 5.76 14.79
Crusader 38.9 59.80 0.85 0.94 33.90 43.00 3.20 3.40 27.00 23.00 11.00 12.00 10.56 17.29
California 29.70 53.50 0.88 0.79 29.00 41.00 2.70 3.00 28.00 22.00 9.00 13.00 12.57 20.99
Embella 27.00 42.10 0.85 0.79 34.00 33.00 2.10 2.80 27.00 23.00 9.00 13.00 7.05 13.76
F1 Nobili 33.60 43.30 0.84 0.79 28.00 30.00 2.50 2.90 29.00 22.00 8.00 13.00 6.31 9.23
Guardian 32.00 45.60 0.86 0.89 33.00 41.00 3.10 2.60 23.00 24.00 10.00 10.00 9.18 11.14
Kukulkan 43.90 93.70 0.89 1.00 39.00 94.00 3.90 5.30 34.00 32.00 30.00 33.00 9.22 21.34
Pepper I 26.70 44.50 0.79 0.83 30.00 41.00 2.30 2.40 29.00 22.00 7.00 12.00 5.02 14.82
Yolo W 28.50 43.40 0.80 0.76 29.00 37.00 2.10 2.30 26.00 25.00 9.00 10.00 7.53 8.20
LSD(0.05)
Var 7.2 0.10 9.5 0.4 1.6 7.6 2.29
PS 3.3 0.04 NS 4.5 0.2 0.7 3.6 1.08
Var × PS 9.9 0.14 NS 13.5 0.6 2.3 10.8NS 3.24
Var - variety, PS – production System, Var × PS – variety * production system, NS – Not significant
Table 1: Performance of sweet pepper under greenhouse and open field.

J Hortic, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 4 • 1000216

ISSN: 2376-0354
Citation: Nkansah GO, Norman JC, Martey A (2017) Growth, Yield and Consumer Acceptance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as Influenced
by Open Field and Greenhouse Production Systems. J Hortic 4: 216. doi: 10.4172/2376-0354.1000216

Page 4 of 8

Days to 50% flowering and number of fruits per plant Fruit length (cm)
Significant differences were observed among treatment both In the greenhouse, however, California Wonder (8.75) and
in the greenhouse and open field. In the greenhouse, California Crusader (7.11) had the longest fruit length followed by F1 Nobili
Wonder, Pepper 1, F1 Nobili (22) was significantly influenced by (6.91), The shortest fruit length therefore was Caribbean Red (3.23)
flowering. Caribbean Red and Kukulkan (32 and 35) were found to compared to open field significance difference was observed among
be late flowering varieties compared to the open field varieties, where the treatments. California Wonder (6.51) and Crusader (6.19) as well
significant difference were also observed and Guardian (23) and Yolo recorded the longest fruit length followed by Pepper 1 (5.63), Embella
Wonder (26) were found to flower early followed by Crusader (27) and 733 (5.61), F1 Nobili (5.49) and Yolo Wonder (5.37). But Caribbean
Embella 733 (27). Caribbean Red (37) and Kukulkan (34) showed late Red (3.00) and Kukulkan (3.39) had the shortest fruit length (Table
flowers (Table 1). Significant interaction existed between production 2). No significant interaction found among treatments. Khokhar et al.,
system and the varieties. i.e. the greenhouse showed earlier flowers [26] reported significant difference in fruit size both length and width
than the open field. in different tomato hybrids under study.

Number of fruits per plants Fruit width (cm)

In the greenhouse the width significantly increased with Pepper 1
Number of fruits per plants was significantly affected all the (6.34), Yolo Wonder (6.08) and Crusader (6.05) recording the longest
treatments both in greenhouse and the open field. Fruit number per fruit width followed by Guardian (5.66), EM (5.48), FN (5.42) and
plant differed significantly in the greenhouse among the varieties. California Wonder (5.36) while the shortest fruit width was observed
Caribbean Red (40) and Kukulkan (33) had the highest number of fruits in Caribbean Red (2.57) and Kukulkan (2.86) compared to the open
per plants. California Wonder, Embella 733, and F1 Nobili each had 13 field, significant difference were observed on all the varieties with
fruits per plant. Yolo Wonder and Guardian had the lowest number of Pepper 1 (5.54), Yolo Wonder (5.26) and California Wonder (5.24)
fruits per plants while Fruit number per plant differed significantly in had the longest fruit width followed by Crusader (5.18), F1 Nobili
the open field where, Kukulkan (30.0) and Caribbean Red (27.0) had (5.14), Guardian (5.08) and Embella 733 whereas Caribbean Red
the highest number of fruits per plants followed by Crusader (11.0) and (2.57) and Kukulkan (2.86) had the lowest width (Table 2). Significant
Guardian pepper (10.0). California Wonder, Embella 733 and Yolo difference was observed among the productions system, that is, both in
Wonder (9.0) each had equal number of fruits per plants. P1 (7.0) and the greenhouse and the open field. The greenhouse had longest fruits
FN (8.0) also had lowest number of fruits per plants (Table 1). There width compared to the open field. No significant interaction found
was significant difference observed between production systems that among treatments. Singh et al., [27], stated that hybrid Tanvi produced
showed that greenhouse recorded higher fruit number compared to the maximum fruit diameter, no. of fruits/plant, individual fruit weight
open field. There was no significant interaction between the variety and and yield in protected cultivation.
the location. Kanwar et al., [22] found higher number of fruits per plant
in bell pepper under greenhouse growing condition. Pericarp thickness (mm)
Fruit yield (t/ha) Highly significance difference was observed among the treatments
which influenced pericarp thickness both in the greenhouse and the
The highest fruit yield (t/ha) was significantly obtained by open field. Also the interaction effects highly significantly affected the
Kukulkan (21.34) followed California Wonder (20.99) and Crusader pericarp of the fruit. In the greenhouse pericarp thickness differed
(17.29) which was superior in its effect in the greenhouse. Caribbean significantly of which Guardian (4.0), Crusader (4.0), California
Red (14.79), Embella 733 (13.76) and Guardian (11.4) also differed Wonder (4.0), Embella 733 (4.0) had the thickest pericarp thickness
significantly with Yolo Wonder (8.20) and F1 Nobili (9.23) attained the followed by P1 (3.5) and the thinnest pericarp thickness was observed
lowest fruit yield in the greenhouse compared to the open field where in Caribbean Red and Kukulkan both had equal pericarp thickness
significant difference observed revealed that California Wonder (12.57) whereas in the open field, significant difference was observed among
recorded the highest yield followed by Crusader (10.57) and Kukulkan treatments. GD (4.2), Yolo Wonder (4.0) recorded the largest pericarp
(9.22). Low fruit yield recorded in the open field was observed in thickness. Significant difference also existed among Embella 733 (3.5),
Pepper 1 (5.02) and Caribbean Red (5.76) respectively. The greenhouse F1 Nobili (3.4), and Crusader (3.3) and California Wonder and Pepper
recorded the highest fruit weight compared to the open field. There 1 (3.0). Both Kulkukan and Caribbean Red (2.0) respectively had the
was significant interaction found between production system and the thinnest pericarp thickness (Table 2). There was significant interaction
varieties tested (Table 1). The greenhouse, however, had significant found between production system and the varieties. Chaudhry et al.,
results among all the varieties studied as this was in confirmation with [28] also found variation in pericarp thickness in tomato studies. Seed
Kurubetta and Patil [23] reported that sweet pepper hybrids under number per fruits differed significantly among all the varieties used in
different protected cultivation recorded significant results among all this study.
the tested hybrids. There was also a high yield difference between the
Number of locules per fruits
greenhouse varieties and the open field varieties ranging from 50%-
150% respectively and this may be due to the favourable environmental There was no significant difference observed among treatments. No
condition as Zakaria [24], revealed that the fully controlled greenhouse significant interaction among varieties and production system (Table
increased the fresh yield of sweet pepper by 176.8% and 228.5% as 2). Muhammad [29], confirmed that non-significant result recorded in
compared to partially controlled environment. Chandra et al., [15] case of number of locules at 0.05% level of significance but the results
Singh et al., [16,17] indicated that polyhouses and poly-tunnels are are contrary to the findings of Khokhar et al., [25].
most suitable solutions for yield increase of sweet pepper since the
crops are being protected. Brar et al., [25] reported highest yield in Seed number per fruits
Capsicum var. bombay under polyhouse condition. Seed number per fruits differed significantly among all the varieties

J Hortic, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 4 • 1000216

ISSN: 2376-0354
Citation: Nkansah GO, Norman JC, Martey A (2017) Growth, Yield and Consumer Acceptance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as Influenced
by Open Field and Greenhouse Production Systems. J Hortic 4: 216. doi: 10.4172/2376-0354.1000216

Page 5 of 8

used in this study. In the greenhouse, Embella 733 (193), F1 Nobili (164) because of its size (bigger), high quality and more appealing nature.
Crusader (124) gained the highest seed number. Yolo Wonder (99), Brightness of fruit; Significant differences were observed among the
Pepper 1 (76) and Caribbean Red (70) also varied significantly whereas acceptance level of fruits based on fruit brightness of which California
California Wonder (45) had the lowest seed number per fruits whereas, was highly accepted (8=Very strong to extremely strong quality) for
in the open field, highly significant difference was observed among the greenhouse varieties and same varieties were accepted at the rank
the treatments. The highest seed number was observed in Embella of 4 (Strong quality) in the open field varieties (Figure 2). Consumers
733 (228) and F1 Nobili (161). Significant difference was also seen accepted these sweet pepper fruits more from the greenhouse because
among Guardian (142), Crusader (119), Yolo Wonder (99), Caribbean of its more appealing nature.
Red (70) and Pepper 1 (76) with the least seed number observed in
Pericarp Number of
California Wonder (45) (Table 2). Significant difference was observed Fruit length Fruit diameter
thickness Locules per
among the productions system both in the greenhouse and the open (cm) (cm)
Variety (mm) fruit
field. The greenhouse varieties had the lowest seed number per fruits Open Green Open Green Open Green Open Green
compared to the open field which recorded the maximum seed number Field house Field house Field house Field house
per fruits. There was significant interaction found between production Caribbean R. 3 3.23 2.57 2.8 2 2 3 3
system and the varieties. Baer and Smeets [30] and Bakker [31] found Crusader 6.19 7.11 5.18 6.05 3.3 4 3 3
no correlation between seed number and fruit size in sweet pepper California 6.51 8.75 5.24 5.36 3 4 2 2
which confirms this research that there is no correlation between seed Embella 5.38 6.75 5 5.48 3.5 4 4 4
number and fruit yield. Marcelis and Baan [32] who reported that F1 Nobili 5.49 6.91 5.14 5.42 3.4 4 4 4
under normal growing conditions the amount of seed per fruit is highly Guardian 5.43 6.65 5.08 5.66 4.2 4 3 3
variable. Kukulkan 3.39 3.83 2.86 3.22 2 2 4 4
Pepper I 5.63 6.67 5.54 6.34 3 3.5 3 3
Acceptability of fruits
Yolo W 5.37 6.42 5.26 6.08 4 4 3 4
Size of fruit; Significant differences were observed among the LSD(0.05)
acceptance level of fruits based on fruit size of which California Var 0.98 0.34 0.15 0.0 NS
Wonder and Crusader were highly accepted (8=Very strong to PS 0.46 0.16 0.7 0.0 NS
extremely strong quality) for the greenhouse varieties but the same Var × PS 1.9NS 0.49NS 0.22 0.0 NS
varieties were accepted at the rank of 5 (Strong quality) and 6 (Strong
Var - variety, PS – production System, var *PS – variety * production system, NS
to very strong quality) in the open field respectively (Figure 1). – Not significant
Consumers accepted these sweet pepper fruits more the greenhouse Table 2: Performance of sweet pepper under greenhouse and open field.

Acceptability Test
9 Size of Fruit

8
Open Field Greenhouse
7

6
Size of fruits

0
Caribean R Crusader California Embella F1 Nobili Guardian Kukulkan Pepper I Yolo W
W 733
Varieties
Figure 1: Consumer acceptance of sweet pepper varieties based on fruit size, the results were an average of 2 levels of production systems and 9 sweet pepper
varieties.

J Hortic, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 4 • 1000216

ISSN: 2376-0354
Citation: Nkansah GO, Norman JC, Martey A (2017) Growth, Yield and Consumer Acceptance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as Influenced
by Open Field and Greenhouse Production Systems. J Hortic 4: 216. doi: 10.4172/2376-0354.1000216

Page 6 of 8

Acceptaility Test
Brightness
9

8
Open Field Greenhouse
7

6
Brightness of fruits

0
Caribbean Crusader California Embella F1 Nobili Guardian Kukulkan Pepper 1 Yolo W
R W 733
Varieties

Figure 2: Consumer acceptance of sweet pepper varieties based on brightness of fruits, the results were an average of 2 levels of production systems and 9 sweet
pepper varieties.

production system
Glossiness
9

8
Open Field Greenhouse
7

6
Glossiness of fruits

0
Caribbean Crusader California Embella F1 Nobili Guardian Kukulkan Pepper I Yolo W
R W 733
Varieties

Figure 3: Consumer acceptance of sweet pepper varieties based on glossiness of fruits, the results were an average of 2 levels of production systems and 9
sweet pepper varieties.

Glossiness of fruit; Significant difference were also observed accepted these sweet pepper fruits more especially the greenhouse
among the acceptance level of fruits based on fruit glossiness of which because of its smooth surface and more appealing nature. Caribbean
California Wonder and Crusader were highly accepted on the scale Red and Kukulkan (Rank 4 and 5) significantly recorded the lowest
of (8 = Very strong to extremely strong quality) for the greenhouse acceptance level both in greenhouse and open field at the rank of 5
varieties but same varieties were accepted at different rank of 5 (Strong and 4 (Moderate to strong quality and Moderate quality). (Figure 3)
quality) and 6 (Strong to very strong quality) respectively. Consumers The current results revealed that greenhouse specifically improved the

J Hortic, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 4 • 1000216

ISSN: 2376-0354
Citation: Nkansah GO, Norman JC, Martey A (2017) Growth, Yield and Consumer Acceptance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as Influenced
by Open Field and Greenhouse Production Systems. J Hortic 4: 216. doi: 10.4172/2376-0354.1000216

Page 7 of 8

physical appearance of the fruits in relation to the open field treatments. Also, a negative significant relationship between fruit yield (tons/
In general it was therefore found in the consumer acceptability was ha) and fruit width (cm) which showed width was significant yield
based on physical appearance characteristics such as colour, size, shape, component for measuring of sweet pepper yield (Figure 5).
lack of blemishes, and glossiness are the main indices of consumers
demand for particular products. Conclusion
Jovicich et al., [33] also reported similar research findings in Florida It is therefore concluded that, significant difference were observed
that an averaged year-round wholesale fruit prices went up three 3 times both in the greenhouse and the open field. In the greenhouse Kukulkan
greater than colored field-grown fruits and 5 times greater than field- recorded the highest yield (t/ha) followed by California Wonder and
grown green fruits. There is a report that greenhouse-grown colored bell Yolo Wonder had the least whereas the open field shown that the yield
peppers in Mexico established 60% premium over field bell peppers from of California Wonder gained the highest, followed by Crusader and
Mexico [34]. Jovicich et al. [35] found that greenhouse production is a pepper 1 had the least weight.
profitable venture which is in conformity with this research. Also, consumers demand for greenhouse sweet pepper is very high
Relationship between fruit yield and fruit length since large, high quality fresh pepper is produced and readily available
all year round.
The relationship between Fruit yield and Fruit length shows that
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ISSN: 2376-0354