Evaluación agronómica de cultivo de ají picante y su adaptación de las variedades jalapeño, cerezo, ratón y thai, (capsicum annuum) y (capsicum chinense) en el sitio chiquimblito.

Abstract

The study evaluated the agronomic characteristics and adaptability of four varieties of hot chili peppers (jalapeño, cerezo, ratón, and thai) at the "Chiquimblito" site in Pedernales. The main objective was to analyze the agronomic behavior (plant height, stem diameter, days to flowering, and fruits per plant) and adaptability of these crops under local conditions. An experimental, descriptive, and observational design was used, with a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD), consisting of four treatments and four replications, with a planting spacing of 0.5 m between plants and 1 m between plots. The research was conducted with an experimental approach, using agronomic and adaptation analysis methods, observing dependent and independent variables that influence the growth and yield of chili pepper varieties. The sample consisted of four experimental treatments, with a total of 16 experimental units, allowing for the comparison of varieties under controlled cultivation conditions. The results showed that the cerezo and ratón chilies were the most adaptable, presenting higher yields in terms of production per hectare and better performance in terms of agronomic characteristics. In comparison, the jalapeño and thai chilies, although with lower yields, proved to be viable complementary crops. Production costs per hectare were higher for cerezo and ratón chilies, with outstanding yields of $73,800 and $53,440, respectively. This study demonstrates that cerezo and ratón varieties are the most profitable and adaptable to the conditions in Pedernales. The findings imply that, to maximize income, producers should prioritize these varieties, while jalapeño and thai chilies can be considered as complementary crops. Correlations between agronomic variables allow for the optimization of management practices to increase productivity.