Morphological and Yield Evaluation of Some Capsicum Pepper Lines in Two Agro-Ecological Zones of Ghana

In this study, lines were evaluated different ecological zones to select those best suited for farmers and other stakeholders in the horticultural industry. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Capsicum species for their morphological, growth and yield in two different ecological zones of Ghana in two seasons (2008 and 2009). Ten pepper lines (ICPN16-1, ICPN16-2, ICPN16-3, ICPN16-4, ICPN16-5, ICPN16-6, ICPN16-7, ICPN16-8, ICPN16-9, ICPN16-10) and one local variety (Legon 18) were planted in a randomised complete block design with three replications in two ecological zones (Forest and Coastal Savanna zones). The results indicated that Line ICPN16-7 recorded the highest yield at the two ecological zones and in both years while the standard variety Legon 18 had the lowest yield. Fruit number per plant ranged from 56-267. Lines ICPN16-7, 4, 3, 6, 10 and 8 recorded very high yields above 20 t ha-1. ICPN-3, 7, 6 and 4 were selected for export based on their fruit colour and yield. The trial also showed that yield in the forest zone was higher than those recorded in the Coastal Savanna zone. From the studies, pepper lines ICPN-7, 4, 3, 6, 10 can be recommended for production in both the forest and savanna ecological zones.