Nitrogen Fertigation in Habanero Chili Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Under open field conditions and throughout drip irrigation, the response of habanero chili pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq “Naranja”) at four doses of nitrogen fertigation was evaluated. The treatments compared (35, 70, 105 y 140 kg ha^-1) were applied under a random design with four replicates. Total and marketable yield were obtained at 120 days after transplant and during three harvests (early, intermediate and later). Quality of the fruit was measured by size as small, large and fruit with form defects not marketable. Additionally, the content of nitrates in cellular extract of petioles was quantified during the growth and development of the crop. Results shown a linear response with yields and the three harvest with the treatments applied, reaching maximum yield (3.0 ton ha^-1) at 140 kg de N ha^-1. On the other hand the quality was not affected by any treatment applied, indicating as not dependent factor within the nitrogen fertigation management. A lineal positively correlation (R²= 0.83-0.66) was founded among the nitrate in cellular extract and yield during three dates evaluated. In conclusion is possible to obtain major yields without affecting the quality expressed as size by the application of greatest nitrogen doses. On the other and is possible the use of nitrates test in extract cellular of petiole as a method in nutrimental diagnostic in habanero chili peppers.