Ethephon and CPTA on Color Development in Bell Pepper Fruits1

Plants and detached fruits of mature green bell peppers ( Capsicum annuum L. cv. Yolo Wonder B.) were treated with (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon) and 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)triethylamine hydrochloride (CPTA) to enhance red color development. Ethephon sprayed on plants in the field greatly enhanced red color development in fruits in 1971. However, in 1972 when temperatures were cooler after spray treatments than in 1971, neither ethephon nor CPTA affected fruit color even though plants showed the effects of chemical treatment by turning slightly chlorotic. Furthermore, dipping detached fruits in ethephon had no effect, but fruits dipped in CPTA turned yellow instead of the usual red color.