Murray State University
Production Practices for Dwarf Capsicum annuum when grown as an alternative to Euphorbia pulcherrima
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Sophomore
Major
Agribusiness Economics
Minor
International Economics
Institution
Murray State University
KY House District #
2
KY Senate District #
32
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Alyx Shultz
Department
Hutson School of Agriculture
Abstract
Each year, tens of millions of Euphorbia pulcherrima are grown and sold in the United States during the winter holiday season. While beautiful and widely associated with this time of year, Euphorbia pulcherrima offer a very limited life span and require significant agronomic chemical inputs. This research looked at a potential alternative to Euphorbia pulcherrima, dwarf Capsicum annuum. In this initial phase of a four phase research portfolio, researchers evaluated various horticultural production practices for Capsicum annuum and the impact on days to finish, survivability, and visual appeal of plants. Rearchers grew 200 dwarf capiscum annuums under three different growing conditions - commercial fluorescent grow lights, LED grow lights, and greenhouse conditions. All plants were started in 200 cell trays and transplanted to 1801 flats before being moved to treatment conditions. Of the three growing conditions, commercial fluorescent grow lights produced the most marketable capsicum annuum plants with nearly 100 percent of plants in this treatment reaching marketable size and quality within the time period studied. Additional research is warranted concerning the impacts of ambient temperature on finishing time and factors that impact consumer acceptance of this Euphorbia pulcherrima alternative.
Production Practices for Dwarf Capsicum annuum when grown as an alternative to Euphorbia pulcherrima
Each year, tens of millions of Euphorbia pulcherrima are grown and sold in the United States during the winter holiday season. While beautiful and widely associated with this time of year, Euphorbia pulcherrima offer a very limited life span and require significant agronomic chemical inputs. This research looked at a potential alternative to Euphorbia pulcherrima, dwarf Capsicum annuum. In this initial phase of a four phase research portfolio, researchers evaluated various horticultural production practices for Capsicum annuum and the impact on days to finish, survivability, and visual appeal of plants. Rearchers grew 200 dwarf capiscum annuums under three different growing conditions - commercial fluorescent grow lights, LED grow lights, and greenhouse conditions. All plants were started in 200 cell trays and transplanted to 1801 flats before being moved to treatment conditions. Of the three growing conditions, commercial fluorescent grow lights produced the most marketable capsicum annuum plants with nearly 100 percent of plants in this treatment reaching marketable size and quality within the time period studied. Additional research is warranted concerning the impacts of ambient temperature on finishing time and factors that impact consumer acceptance of this Euphorbia pulcherrima alternative.