The effect of defoliation on net photosynthetic rate (P(N)), dry matter production and fruit growth was studied in bell-pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Arka Gaurav). Considerable differences in P(N) were observed between defoliated and non-defoliated plants. Defoliation influenced the total dry matter production, leaf area and the relative growth rate of the plants. The bell-pepper has the capacity, to compensate photosynthetically for a certain degree of defoliation without reducing the biological yield. No significant differences in the dry matter of fruits per plant were found between defoliated and non-defoliated plants.