Nonlinear modeling of the growth of ornamental pepper accessions under high-temperature stress conditions

Describing the growth of pepper plants is essential for efficient management and the selection of superior genotypes. The objective of this study was to fit nonlinear growth models for the height and crown diameter of ornamental pepper accessions under heat stress. Height and crown diameter were evaluated every four days in two environments: (i) a greenhouse with humidity and temperature control and (ii) a greenhouse without control of these factors. The Logistic, Exponential, Gompertz, Richards, and Von Bertalanffy models were fitted. The results indicate that the choice of model depends on the characteristic measured and on the environment. The Gompertz, Richards, and Logistic models satisfactorily described plant height, while the Von Bertalanffy ( R²= 0.99) model better represented the behavior of crown diameter under heat stress, characterizing a gradual deceleration of growth. These models should be used to estimate parameters that assist in the selection and management of ornamental pepper plants.