Performance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under Five Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The research on the performance of cubanelle, variety of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Zaria, Kaduna State of Nigeria was conducted in 2015 and 2016 in on station and on farm trials at Irrigation research station (IRS) farm village. The location is the Sudan savannah ecological zone, 11°39’N, 08°021’E at 500 m above sea level. The treatments evaluated consisted of five nitrogen rates, (A= 40, B = 60, C = 80, D = 100 and E = 120 kgN/ha) and three Stand density (1, 2 and 3 seedlings per stand). The combinations were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The gross plot size was 13.5 m2 and a net plot size of 9 m2 inter and intra- row spacing’s of 75 cm and 30 cm were adopted respectively. Seedlings were raised in the nursery bed by drilling in rows 10 cm apart at depth of 1 cm and covered lightly with top soil and then mulched with dry grass and watered regularly until seedling emerged (5 DAS). Inter- row mulching was carried out using dry grass to conserve moisture. The nursery seedlings were managed until the 5th week when they were transplanted to the field (on the 2nd week of November each year). The land was harrowed to a fine tilt and ridged 75 cm apart. Field was marked out into plots, separated by 1 m path and blocks were separated by a 2 m path. Transplanting was done 35 days after sowing. The recommended agronomic practices were dully observed at the appropriate time to ensure good crop performance. Parameters such as plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant fruit diameter (cm), fruit length (cm), total dry matter (TDM), days to 50% flowering and fresh fruit yield (kg/ha) were taken and subjected to statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) according to Gomez and Gomez (1984). Means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). The results showed that the best yield was obtained at 80 kgN/ha with average yield of 4 - 7 pepper/plant; 579 – 600 kg/ha while the 120 kgN/ha gave 2 or 3 pepper/plant; 418 – 420 kg/h and high values of 27.50 cm and 25.50 cm as evidence of luxurious growth. It is therefore recommended to apply 80 kgN/ha on farm and irrigation at the area under study for maximum output and economic returns to the farmers.