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| Greenhouse layout of the sweet pepper production. A, B, C, and D represent the scenery at, 0, 30, and 250 days after transplanting, |
Tsukuba, Japan - A recent study published by the Institute of Vegetable and Floriculture Sciences identifies air temperature during anthesis as a key factor influencing fruit size in sweet pepper, providing growers with new insights into environmental management for improved yields.
Fruit size in horticultural crops is influenced by belowground factors (water and nutrient supply), aboveground factors (temperature, humidity, photosynthate availability, and fruit load), and cultivar differences. In hydroponic systems, water and nutrients can be optimized, making cultivar choice and aboveground conditions the primary determinants of fruit size. These aboveground factors are particularly important for sweet pepper fruit size, especially in widely grown bell-type cultivars.
.Researchers were motivated to clarify the causes of fluctuations in sweet pepper fruit size due to the variations observed at production sites in Japan, which span from subtropical to subarctic zones.
Researchers monitored sweet pepper development under varying temperature conditions to determine how the timing of heat or cooler periods affected fruit growth. The results showed that air temperature during the anthesis stage-the period when flowers are fully open and pollination occurs-played a decisive role in determining final fruit size.
Favorable temperatures during this critical stage supported better pollination, fruit set, and subsequent growth, leading to larger marketable peppers. In contrast, suboptimal temperatures during anthesis reduced fruit size, regardless of later growing conditions.
These findings emphasize the importance of closely managing greenhouse or field environments during anthesis to maximize pepper productivity. The research also provides a framework for breeders and growers to refine cultivation practices in the face of increasingly variable climate conditions.
Masaru Homma is Researcher in the Institute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science at
National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO). His work includes
greenhouse crop production physiology in especially for fresh vegetables, such as
sweet peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes.
Co-authors include Takafumi Watabe, Dong-Hyuk Ahn, Masahide Isozaki, and Tadahisa Higashide.
The full articles can be found on the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05495-25
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community - scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
