THE INFLUENCE OF SOWING TIME ON THE QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE INDICATORS OF DIFFERENT PEPPER CULTIVARS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of sowing time on the yield and fruit quality of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense) cultivars grown under greenhouse conditions in Lithuania. A two-factor experiment was conducted in 2025 in a polycarbonate greenhouse in Veliuona. The experiment included two pepper cultivars ('Habanero Lemon' and 'Habanero Chocolate') and four sowing dates (February 14, February 24, March 6 and March 16). Yield components such as the number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and total yield per plant were determined. Fruit quality parameters, including dry matter content and antioxidant activity, were also analyzed. Statistical evaluation of the data was performed using a two-factor analysis of variance. The results demonstrated that sowing time had a significant effect on the number of fruits and total yield. The highest yield was obtained from peppers sown on March 16 (approximately 1770 g per plant), while the earliest sowing date resulted in the lowest yield. In contrast, fruit weight and quality indicators were mainly influenced by cultivar characteristics. The cultivar 'Habanero Lemon' produced larger fruits, whereas 'Habanero Chocolate' exhibited higher dry matter content and antioxidant activity.