Abstract:
Knowledge of the required amount of irrigation and the time in the day
to irrigate is very important for the efficient use of irrigation water and the
maximization of vegetable yield and quality. In this experiment, the effect of
time of irrigation (morning and evening) and amount of irrigation (100%ETc,
90%ETc and 80%ETc) on the growth, yield, physicochemical quality, shelf
life, WUE and economic value of sweet pepper was investigated using
completely randomized design with 3 replications. Plant growth increased as
irrigation amount decreased from 100%ETc to 80%ETc for both crops
irrigated in the morning and evening but was high in irrigating in the evening
than in the morning. Fruit yield was significant and reduced as amount of
irrigation decreases (100% > 90%ETc > 80%ETc) in both morning and
evening irrigated crops. The yield was high in crops irrigated in the evening
than the morning counterparts. Physicochemical qualities were better in less
irrigated crops (80%ETc and 90%ETc) than full irrigated crops (100%ETc)
for both morning and evening irrigated crops. Fruits from crops irrigated in the
morning had better physicochemical qualities (Firmness, TSS, TA and pH)
than fruits of crops irrigated in the evening. Shelf life was significant and
increases as irrigation amount reduces for both morning and evening irrigated
crops. Irrigating in the evening with 90%ETc had the highest WUE of
6.5Kg/m3 and a cost-benefit ratio of 1:30.81. Irrigating sweet pepper in the
evening with 10% reduction in CWR (90%ETc) have no significant effect on
fruit yield and it improves fruit quality, extends shelf life as well as increase
WUE and maximize profit.
