Selection of Capsicum chinense Jacq. Genotypes Across Different Production Systems

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the response of habanero pepper cultivation under greenhouse and open-field conditions in the semiarid environment of Baja California, using experimental genotypes and a commercial control from two localities. Design/methodology/approach: A randomized complete block design with ten treatments and four blocks was established, following the methodology described by Steel and Torrie (1980). Sowing was carried out in January and February using polystyrene trays with 130 cells. Prior to sowing, seeds were treated with gibberellic acid at 40% concentration, resulting in an average emergence rate of 97.24%. Transplanting was conducted in March and April, and agronomic management was general and uniform throughout the entire crop development cycle. Results: The genotypes exhibited a favorable response in terms of growth and yield per plant under both protected and open-field conditions. The average yield per hectare exceeded the national mean reported for producing regions. Under greenhouse and open-field conditions, average yields of 61 and 18 tons per hectare were obtained, respectively. Findings/conclusions: The evaluated materials are well adapted to the different environments assessed in the semiarid agricultural regions of Baja California and show strong potential for selection for commercial purposes