Light Intensities Affect Canopy Architecture and Fruit Characteristics of Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.)

Mechanical harvesting in cayenne pepper is developing, however, factors affecting canopy architecture and fruit characteristics are still lack. Study aimed to evaluate the effect of shade intensities on canopy architecture and fruit position in cayenne pepper to support developing smart harvesting tools. The experiment was conducted in Babakan Sawah Baru Experimental Farm, IPB from September 2021 to March 2022. The experiment used nested design with shade levels (no shade, 25%, 30%, 50%, 60%, 90%, and 100%) as the main plot and time of shading application (4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after planting) as sub-plot. The canopy architecture and fruit position were affected by the shade level and its time application. Plant height increased and the canopy widened with increasing shade levels up to 50%. Thus, the shading level should be considered in the development of smart harvesting methodology.