Ornamental Pepper Growth and Fruiting Response to Uniconazole Depends on Application Time

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of concentration and application time of uniconazole as a spray for single- or double-pinched ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum L. `Holiday Cheer'). Concentrations from 5.0 to 15.0 mg·liter -1 gave adequate height control, except that 15.0 mg·liter -1 reduced height excessively when applied 8, but not 10, weeks after sowing. Increasing uniconazole concentration increased red fruit percentage when applied at 10, but not 8, weeks after sowing. These results indicate that the later application was beneficial and may lessen the overdosing problem associated with triazole growth regulators. Chemical name used: (E)-(S)-1-(4-chlrophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-pent-1-ene-3-oll(uniconazole).