Relations among plant density and yield variables in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum)

For bell pepper grown under greenhouse conditions and using two pruning systems (Spanish and Dutch), the objective of the research was to estimate Pearson correlations among plant density and the following variables: number of fruits (per plant and per m(2)), fruit weight, and total and commercial yield. For Dutch pruning system, the correlations between plant density and other tested variables were not significant. For Spanish pruning system, there were five statistically significant Pearson correlations (p <= 0,05). In those cases the linear regression statistic was calculated; these significant correlations were between plant density and: number of total fruits per plant (r=-0,63*); number of first quality fruits per plant (r=-0,87**); number of second quality fruits per m(2) (r=0,61*); second quality yield (r=0,76**); and commercial yield (r=0,64*). It is concluded that, for Spanish pruning system, the best option is the use of the highest plant density, from an economical point of view.