Performance Evaluation of Large-pod Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) varieties in the midland areas of Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important spice and cash crop produced in Ethiopia. However, information related to potential of the midland areas of Guji zone for Hot pepper production and improved varieties is limited. This experiment was conducted in the Kiltu sorsa, Gobicha, Derartu at three farmers’ field and Adola sub site to evaluate the growth and yield performance of Hot pepper varieties and to select and recommend high yielding large-pod hot pepper variety (ies). Six improved Hot pepper varieties Oda haro, Melka shote, Melka zala, Melka awaze, Mareko fana, Bako local were evaluated. The treatments were arranged in randomized completed block design (RCBD) with three replications. Statically analysis indicated significant differences (P≤ 0.05) among the large pod hot pepper varieties for Pod length, pod diameter, Number of pods per plant, marketable dry pod yield. The highest marketable red dry pod yield was recorded from Melka Zala followed by Melka Awaze (44.31 and 43.55 qt/ha) respectively. But, the lowest marketable red dry pod yield 33.38 qt/ha was obtained from Bako Local improved Hot pepper variety. Therefore, two improved Hot pepper varieties i.e., Melka Zala and Melka Awaze are selected and recommended for midland areas of Guji zone and similar agro-ecologies.