Microenvironment.

In 2008, air temperature was measured with a temperature sensor located inside a WatchDog data logger (Model 12001; Spectrum Technologies). PAR and air, leaf, and root zone temperature for 2009 and 2010 were reported previously (Díaz-Pérez, 2013).

Leaf gas exchange and photosystem II efficiency.

Simultaneous measurements of leaf gas exchange were made with an IR gas analyzer (LI-COR 6400 IRGA with an integrated 6400-40 leaf chamber fluorometer; LI-COR, Inc., Lincoln, NE), as described by Díaz-Pérez (2013). Measurements were conducted on 11 and 20 Aug., 8 Sept., and 1 Oct. 2009 and 28 and 30 July and 12 Aug. 2010.

Plant insects and diseases in the field.

Insect populations and diseases were low. The only pesticide used was neem oil (GOS, Neem 7-Way; Neem Tree Farms, Brandon, FL). Plants were monitored weekly for presence of Phytophthora blight (caused by Phytophthora capsici Leon.) and TSW-symptomatic plants were tagged. Etiology of plant and fruit diseases was confirmed at the Plant Disease Clinic, Univ. of GA, Tifton campus. Presence of TSW virus in symptomatic plants was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on pepper leaves using a commercially available kit (Agdia Inc., Elkhart, IN).

Fruit mineral nutrients.

Fruit (five ripe fruit per plot) were dried at 70 °C for 2 d, ground, and analyzed for mineral nutrient concentration at the Univ. of Georgia Agricultural & Environmental Services Laboratories, Athens, GA.

Harvest.

In 2008, bell pepper fruit were harvested at the mature green stage on 9, 13, and 23 June, and 1, 16, 28 July, and 8 Aug. In 2009 and 2010, bell pepper fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored) and graded according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture standards (USDA, 2005) as marketable or cull. Fruit were harvested on the following dates: 2009 (31 July; 5, 12, 18, and 28 Aug.; 11 Sept.; and 7 Oct.) and 2010 (6, 12, 19, and 26 July; and 18 Aug.). Number and weight of marketable and cull fruit were determined. Among cull fruit, numbers of fruit with sunscald symptoms were determined only in 2010. Average fruit weight was derived mathematically from the total marketable fruit weight and the total number of marketable fruit.

Postharvest.

Postharvest attributes were measured in 40 fully ripe fruit per treatment (10 fruit per plot). Immediately after harvest, fruit were evaluated for skin color, soluble solids concentration, and percentage of fruit dry weight. Skin color was measured with a colorimeter (Minolta CR-300) and results were expressed as luminosity (L*), a*, and b* values. Soluble solids concentration was measured with a refractometer (Atago 3810 PAL-1, Livermore, CA). Fruit dry weight was determined by drying fruit at 70 °C. Percentage of fruit dry weight was calculated as:

View Expanded

where DW is fruit dry weight and FW = fruit fresh weight before drying.

Fruit water loss rate was measured by placing fruit on trays (10 fruit per plot) and kept in a controlled-temperature room at 20 °C, vapor pressure difference of 1.50 kPa, and air velocity of less than 0.2 m·s⁻¹. Fruit water loss was measured gravimetrically by weighing individual fruit daily for 7 d. The rate of water loss (WLR) was determined as a daily percent weight loss of the fruit with respect to the fruit weight the day before each measurement. The WLR was calculated as:

View Expanded

where ΔFW is change in fruit FW (g) and t is time period (day) between two consecutive fruit FW determinations; and FW_o is fruit FW at the beginning of the weighing period. Mean values of WLR were calculated for individual fruit from measurements made over a 7-d period. After the 7-d keeping period at 20 °C, fruit were evaluated for presence of bacterial soft rot (caused by Erwinia spp.), which was reported as percentage of incidence (percentage of infected fruit with respect to total fruit number).

Statistical analysis.

Data were analyzed using the General Linear Model and Regression Procedures from SAS (SAS Version 9.3; SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Data means were separated by Fisher’s protected least significant difference test at 95% confidence. Percentages were transformed to arcsin values before analysis. For clarity, non-transformed percentage means were used for presentation in tables and figures. Because data for 2008 came from a single cultivar, they were analyzed independently. Data from 2009 and 2010 were pooled when no year × treatment interactions were found.

Microclimate.

Maximal, mean, and minimal air temperatures for the season were 30.7, 25.3, and 19.8 °C in 2008; 30.1, 25.1, and 20.0 °C in 2009; and 32.0, 26.8, and 21.6 °C in 2010, respectively. Under unshaded conditions, PAR in clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Photosynthetically active radiation, air temperature, leaf temperature, and root-zone temperature decreased linearly with increasing shade levels (Díaz-Pérez, 2013). These results are consistent with previous reports indicating that shading reduces solar radiation and air and soil temperatures (Allen, 1975; Kittas et al., 2012; Zhang, 2006).

Plant disease incidences.

Incidence of Phytophthora blight decreased with increasing shade level in both 2009 and 2010 (Fig. 1). Among cultivars, incidence of Phytophthora blight was highest in ‘Lafayette’ (12.4%) followed by ‘Sirius’ (10.0%), ‘Stiletto’ (8.0%), and ‘Camelot’ (5.2%). Incidence of TSW was low in 2009 and 2010 and unaffected by shade level. Among cultivars, incidence of TSW was highest for ‘Camelot’ (1.5%) followed by ‘Lafayette’ (0.9%), ‘Sirius’ (0%), and ‘Stiletto’ (0%).

Incidence of Phytophthora blight (caused by Phytophthora capsici) in bell pepper plants as a function of shade level. Incidence calculated as percentage of infected plants relative to total number of plants. Data for spring–summer of 2009 and 2010 from cultivars Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA.

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Incidence of Phytophthora blight (caused by Phytophthora capsici) in bell pepper plants as a function of shade level. Incidence calculated as percentage of infected plants relative to total number of plants. Data for spring–summer of 2009 and 2010 from cultivars Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA.

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Incidence of Phytophthora blight (caused by Phytophthora capsici) in bell pepper plants as a function of shade level. Incidence calculated as percentage of infected plants relative to total number of plants. Data for spring–summer of 2009 and 2010 from cultivars Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA.

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Soil microbial populations can be affected by changes in light level under natural conditions. Forests gaps are known to influence trophic interactions, including the microbial densities in the soil (Reinhart et al., 2010). To our knowledge, effects of artificial manipulation of light in the field on plant–pathogen interactions such as by use of shading nets have not been reported. In this study, shaded conditions reduced root zone temperature to a value closer to optimal root zone temperature (≈27 °C) for bell pepper compared with unshaded conditions (Díaz-Pérez, 2013). Decreased disease associated with shading may be related to amelioration of heat stress of bell pepper plants. Tomato were found to have increased incidence of TSW associated with increased root zone temperature (Díaz-Pérez et al., 2006). Shading also reduced irradiation and, to a lesser degree, air temperature, leading to reduced plant transpiration and increased soil moisture (Díaz-Pérez, 2013). It is unclear whether increased incidence of Phytophthora blight under unshaded conditions was the result of an effect on the host, the pathogen, or their interaction with the environment. However, by reducing evaporative demand, shading likely provided some benefit to infected plants that had a limited capacity for water uptake and transport as a result of a damaged vascular system (Aguirreolea et al., 1995). Reduced incidence of Phytophthora blight indicates that shading may be a tool to manage soilborne diseases in bell pepper and other crops.

Yields in 2008.

Yields of mature green fruit of ‘Heritage’ were affected by shading level. Total and marketable fruit weight increased with shade level to a maximum at 27.6% and 34.3% shade, respectively, and then decreased with increasing shade level, whereas cull fruit weight and total fruit number decreased with increasing shade level (Fig. 2). Relative to unshaded plants, total and marketable yields were improved by up to 36% and 119%, respectively. The percent of marketable fruit (relative to total) was higher in shaded compared with unshaded conditions with no difference among shade levels. Number of cull fruit (majority scalded) decreased with increasing shade level up to 47% shade and then remained about constant with further increases in shade level. Based on the improved yield and quality of mature green bell pepper and season extension under shading in 2008, it was decided to evaluate the effect of shading on fruit yield and quality of ripe bell pepper fruit.

Bell pepper (‘Heritage’) fruit number (A) and fruit yield (B) as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the mature-green stage. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2008.

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Bell pepper (‘Heritage’) fruit number (A) and fruit yield (B) as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the mature-green stage. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2008.

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Bell pepper (‘Heritage’) fruit number (A) and fruit yield (B) as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the mature-green stage. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2008.

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Yields in 2009 and 2010.

Bell pepper yields and fruit weight were lower in 2009 than in 2010 (P < 0.01). There was a year-by-cultivar interaction for all yield variables except total number of fruit. Total number of fruit was highest for ‘Stiletto’ (362,000 fruit/ha) and total numbers in remaining cultivars were similar (mean = 290,000 fruit/ha). Incidence of sunscald was highest in cvs. Lafayette (36.5%) and Sirius (37.2%) and lowest in Camelot (24.6%) and Stiletto (24.0%). Numbers of marketable fruit produced were highest in ‘Stiletto’ in 2009 and ‘Camelot’ in 2010 (Table 1). Marketable yield was highest in ‘Camelot’ and ‘Stiletto’ in 2009 and ‘Camelot’ and ‘Lafayette’ in 2010. Number of culls was highest in ‘Sirius’ (2009) and ‘Stiletto’ (2010), whereas cull weights were highest in ‘Sirius’ (2009) and ‘Lafayette’ (2010). Total fruit weight was similar among cultivars in 2009; it was highest in ‘Lafayette’ and lowest in ‘Sirius’ in 2010. Individual fruit weight was lowest in ‘Stiletto’ in both years.

Table 1.

Bell pepper yields of ripe fruit as affected by cultivar, Tifton, GA, spring and summer of 2009 and 2010.^z,y

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In both 2009 and 2010, shading resulted in improved yield and quality of ripe bell pepper fruit (Fig. 3). Number of fruit with different marketable fruit grades varied in response to shade level. Number of Fancy, US1, and total marketable fruit increased to a maximum and declined with increasing shade level. Using the second derivatives from the equations in Figure 3, the calculated optimal shade levels were 62%, 42%, and 26% for number of Fancy, US1, and marketable fruit, respectively. The number of US2, culls, and total fruit decreased with increasing shading. Yield of Fancy, US1, US2, total marketable, and total fruit yield improved with increased shading to a maximum and decreased with further increases in shade level. The calculated optimal shade levels were 61%, 42%, and 35% for Fancy yield, US1 yield, and marketable yield, respectively. Relative to unshaded plants, total and marketable yields were improved by up to 10% and 43% by moderate shading, respectively.

Bell pepper fruit number (A–B) and fruit yield (C–D) in Tifton, GA, as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto harvested in spring–summer of 2009 and 2010 were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA.

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Bell pepper fruit number (A–B) and fruit yield (C–D) in Tifton, GA, as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto harvested in spring–summer of 2009 and 2010 were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA.

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Bell pepper fruit number (A–B) and fruit yield (C–D) in Tifton, GA, as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto harvested in spring–summer of 2009 and 2010 were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA.

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In the first two harvests in 2009 and 2010, the unshaded treatment yielded similarly as shade treatments 30%, 47%, and 63%, but as the season progressed, its fruit production decreased. In all treatments, production of marketable fruit was reduced after 18 Aug. 2009 (Julian Day 230) and 26 July 2010 (Julian Day 207) (Fig. 4). After these dates, supraoptimal temperatures affected fruit set, growth, and quality (Díaz-Pérez, 2010; Erickson and Markhart, 2001). Average maximal, mean, and minimal air temperatures during the period of fruit development before the last harvest of marketable fruit were 32.0, 27.0, and 22.0 °C in 2009 and 33.3, 28.1, and 22.8 °C in 2010, respectively. Lowest cumulative marketable yields were observed at 0% shade and 80% shade in 2009 and 80% shade followed by 0% shade in 2010.

Bell pepper cumulative marketable yield over time in 2009 (A) and 2010 (B) as affected by shade level. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cultivars Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Bell pepper cumulative marketable yield over time in 2009 (A) and 2010 (B) as affected by shade level. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cultivars Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Bell pepper cumulative marketable yield over time in 2009 (A) and 2010 (B) as affected by shade level. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cultivars Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Number of sunscalded fruit decreased with shade level (Fig. 5). Weight of sunscalded fruit decreased with shade level up to 47% shade and changed little with further increases in shade level. Sunscald was the major fruit preharvest defect, although blossom-end rot and decay (caused primarily by Colletotrichum spp.) were also present (data not shown). Like with sunscald, blossom-end rot and fruit decay declined with shade level.

Relationship between number (A) and weight (B) of sunscalded bell pepper fruit and shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Relationship between number (A) and weight (B) of sunscalded bell pepper fruit and shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Relationship between number (A) and weight (B) of sunscalded bell pepper fruit and shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Individual fruit weight improved with increasing shading level up to 47% shade and changed little at higher shade levels (Fig. 6). Increased fruit size was likely the result of reduced transpiration and improved plant water status and net photosynthesis under shaded conditions (Díaz-Pérez, 2013).

Individual weight of marketable bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Individual weight of marketable bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Individual weight of marketable bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Total fruit number increased with increasing net photosynthesis (Fig. 7), indicating that fruit number is determined by assimilate availability. Total fruit yield increased with increasing net photosynthesis up to ≈22 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ and remained about constant with further increases in net photosynthesis. Net photosynthesis in bell pepper was shown to be maximal between and 0% shade (PAR = 2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) and 30% shade (PAR = 1470 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) (Díaz-Pérez, 2013).

Bell pepper fruit number (A) and fruit yield (B) as a function of leaf net photosynthesis under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Bell pepper fruit number (A) and fruit yield (B) as a function of leaf net photosynthesis under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Bell pepper fruit number (A) and fruit yield (B) as a function of leaf net photosynthesis under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Among cultivars, ‘Camelot’ produced among the highest number of marketable fruit and fruit yields (Table 1). ‘Sirius’ had the lowest number and yield of marketable fruit and greatest number of culls. ‘Camelot’ had the lowest number and yield of cull fruit. ‘Stiletto’ produced the greatest number of fruit, whereas ‘Lafayette’ the highest total fruit yield. ‘Sirius’ produced the heaviest fruit followed by ‘Camelot’, ‘Lafayette’, and ‘Stiletto’. ‘Lafayette’ and ‘Sirius’ exhibited the greatest incidence of fruit sunscald. Net photosynthesis was highest in ‘Camelot’ and lowest in ‘Lafayette’ and ‘Sirius’. Highest yields in ‘Camelot’ were likely the result of its highest rates of net photosynthesis (Díaz-Pérez, 2013).

Bell pepper present leaf and stem morphological and physiological adaptations in response to shade (Björkman, 1981). Bell pepper plant height, plant leaf area, individual leaf area, individual leaf dry weight, and leaf weight ratio (fraction of total above-ground biomass allocated to leaves) increased, whereas the specific leaf weight (leaf dry weight per unit leaf area, an estimator of leaf thickness) decreased with increased shade level (Díaz-Pérez, 2013). Shading affected both bell pepper fruit yield and quality (fruit grade). Moderate shading (30% to 47%) increased total and marketable yields probably as a result of amelioration of heat stress (reduction in canopy and root zone temperatures) compared with unshaded plants. Excessive shading (80% shade) had the lowest bell pepper fruit yield as a result of reduced fruit number, which was probably associated with reduced photosynthesis and allocation of assimilates to fruits and increased allocation of assimilates to vegetative organs (Díaz-Pérez, 2013).

Variable responses of bell pepper yield to shade level may be attributed to the particular environmental conditions created by the shade net. Shading reduces PAR, which is necessary for photosynthesis; it also reduces IR radiation, which determines crop heating. Bell pepper showed no reduction in net photosynthetic rate (P_n) with up to 30% shading (Díaz-Pérez, 2013). Increased shading above 30% level will further decrease IR radiation and will likely result in reduced P_n. Optimal shade level will be that which maximizes the cooling effect as a result of reduction of IR radiation and minimizes the reduction in P_n resulting from reduction in PAR.

Studies around the world show positive effects of shading on bell pepper yield and quality. In Israel, bell pepper grown under 47% shade had a reduced number of fruit per plant in the summer, whereas at 25% shade, plants had increased flower drop in the winter. Shading led to increased yield of top quality fruit and during the summer reduced occurrence of sunscald (Rylski and Spigelman, 1986). Shaded bell pepper had increased yields and increased powdery mildew severity with disease being negatively associated with shading level (Elad et al., 2007). In Egypt, 63% shade level produced the highest bell pepper vegetative top fresh and dry weight, whereas 40% shade produced the highest total yield, average fruit weight, and number of marketable fruit (El-Aidy et al., 1993). In Serbia, bell pepper grown under colored nets with 40% or 50% shade had higher total yields compared with unshaded plants (Ilic et al., 2011). Beneficial effects (increased marketable yield and reduced incidence of sunscald) of shading are probably associated with a reduction in irradiation, air temperature, and soil temperature under shaded conditions resulting in amelioration of heat stress in the plants.

Sunscald is a solar radiation injury that causes fruit tissue necrosis or browning and is accompanied by changes in fruit pigments (Schrader, 2011). Bell pepper yellow fruit cultivars displayed greater incidence of sunscald than red fruit cultivars. This could be attributed to a likely increased concentration of carotenoids in red fruit cultivars. Carotenoids protect leaves and fruit tissues from photo-oxidative processes associated with sunscald disorder. In tomato, increased temperature and solar radiation diminish lycopene and β-carotene contents, resulting in induction of sunscald (Rosales et al., 2006).

Fruit mineral nutrients.

Shade level affected bell pepper fruit mineral nutrient concentration but the effect differed among nutrients. Fruit N, P, and K concentrations increased with shade level, whereas those of Ca, magnesium (Mg), and S were unaffected (Fig. 8). Among micronutrients, Al, Mo, and Ni concentrations decreased and sodium (Na) concentration increased with shade level (Fig. 9), whereas levels of boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and Zn were unaffected. Fruit nutrient concentrations were lower in 2009, except for concentrations of Ca, Mg, and Cu, which were higher in 2009 than in 2010; B and Fe levels were similar between years (Table 2). Reduced fruit yields were probably associated with decreased nutrient levels (2009). Cultivars differed in fruit mineral nutrient concentrations. ‘Lafayette’ had the highest fruit concentration of N, Ca, S, Mn, and Zn; ‘Camelot’, ‘Sirius’, and ‘Stiletto’ did not differ in concentrations for those nutrients (Table 2). There were no year × cultivar interactions for fruit nutrients, except for S, Fe, and Mn.

Nitrogen (A), phosphorus (B), and potassium (C) concentrations of ripe bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Nitrogen (A), phosphorus (B), and potassium (C) concentrations of ripe bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Nitrogen (A), phosphorus (B), and potassium (C) concentrations of ripe bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Aluminum (A), sodium (B), molybdenum (C), and nickel (D) concentrations of ripe bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Aluminum (A), sodium (B), molybdenum (C), and nickel (D) concentrations of ripe bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Aluminum (A), sodium (B), molybdenum (C), and nickel (D) concentrations of ripe bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

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Table 2.

Mineral nutrient concentrations of ripe fruit in four bell pepper cultivars grown in the field, Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.^z

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There are few studies on the effect of shading on mineral nutrition of vegetable crops. In greenhouse tomato, there was a linear decline in water, N and K uptake, and increase in foliar concentration of N, P, and K with increasing shade level; however, fruit mineral nutrient content was not tested (Gent, 2008). Shading increased foliar concentration of N, P, and K in tomato (Liu et al., 2003). In bell pepper, shading was found to augment mineral nutrient concentrations in shaded leaves (Díaz-Pérez, 2013). Augmented foliar nutrient levels with increased shading are consistent with the increased bell pepper fruit levels of N, P, K, and Na with increased shade level (Fig. 8).

Humans require more than 22 mineral elements, which can all be supplied by an appropriate diet. Diets often lack Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Zn (White and Broadley, 2005). Shading had no effect on bell pepper fruit concentration of these elements important for human nutrition.

Postharvest.

Fruit water loss rate (mean = 0.87%/day) was unaffected by shade level (Table 3). Fruit dry weight percent and soluble solids concentration (SSC) decreased with shade level (Fig. 10). Among cultivars, fruit WLR was highest in ‘Sirius’ and lowest in ‘Camelot’ (Table 3). Fruit dry weight percent was highest in ‘Camelot’ and similar among the other cultivars. Soluble solids concentration was highest in ‘Sirius’ and ‘Stiletto’. Across cultivar and shade treatments, ripe bell pepper fruit had reduced SSC (mean = 5.6%), possibly as a result of high fruit respiration caused by high air temperatures during the summer. In another study, ripe bell pepper fruit had a SSC of 7.9% (Fox et al., 2005).

Table 3.

Postharvest attributes of ripe bell pepper fruit as affected by cultivar, Tifton, GA, spring and summer of 2009 and 2010.^z,y

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Percentage of dry weight (A) and soluble solids concentration (B) in ripe bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

Citation: HortScience horts 49, 7; 10.21273/HORTSCI.49.7.891

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Percentage of dry weight (A) and soluble solids concentration (B) in ripe bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

Citation: HortScience horts 49, 7; 10.21273/HORTSCI.49.7.891

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Percentage of dry weight (A) and soluble solids concentration (B) in ripe bell pepper fruit as a function of shade level under field conditions. Fruit were harvested at the ripe stage (turning or fully colored). Data from cvs. Camelot, Lafayette, Sirius, and Stiletto were pooled. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on clear days was ≈2100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in Tifton, GA, spring–summer of 2009 and 2010.

Citation: HortScience horts 49, 7; 10.21273/HORTSCI.49.7.891

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Bacterial soft rot incidences (mean = 20%) were highest at intermediate shade levels in all cultivars, except in ‘Stiletto’ (Table 4). Cultivars had no linear or quadratic relationship of bacterial soft rot incidence with shade level, except in ‘Camelot’, which had a quadratic relationship (P = 0.022). Bacterial soft rot incidences were highest in ‘Lafayette’ and ‘Sirius’, the yellow cultivars, and lowest in ‘Camelot’ and ‘Stiletto’, the red cultivars.

Table 4.

Incidence of bacterial soft rot as affected by shade level in ripe fruit of four bell pepper cultivars, Tifton, GA, summer of 2010.^z,y

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Shade affected fruit skin color differently among cultivars. Fruit L* value increased in ‘Camelot’ and decreased in ‘Lafayette’ with increased shade level (Table 5). Fruit a* value decreased in ‘Lafayette’ and ‘Sirius’ with increased shade level. Fruit b* value increased in ‘Camelot’ and decreased in ‘Lafayette’ and ‘Sirius’ with increased shade level.

Table 5.

Skin color of ripe bell pepper fruit as affected by shade level and cultivar, Tifton, GA, summer of 2010.^z

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Bell pepper fruit epidermis lack stomata and water loss is primarily through the cuticle (Díaz-Pérez et al., 2007). Light and temperature can affect cuticle morphology, composition, and quality (Hull et al., 1975). Rate of fruit water loss or transpiration can differ among species and cultivars (Ben-Yehoshua and Weichmann, 1987; Lownds et al., 1993, 1994; Parsons et al., 2013). A high rate of fruit water loss may be associated with reduced shelf life as a result of fruit softening (Ben-Yehoshua and Weichmann, 1987). Bell pepper fruit WLR declines with increased fruit size and as ripening progresses (Díaz-Pérez et al., 2007). Some factors affecting fruit transpiration are fruit surface area/volume or surface area/mass ratio (Ben-Yehoshua and Weichmann, 1987; Díaz-Pérez, 1998), structure of fruit surface, including number and size of stomata and lenticels, and the thickness and composition of the cuticle (Ben-Yehoshua and Weichmann, 1987; Lownds et al., 1993). In bell pepper, fruit transpiration is influenced by cuticle composition more than by cuticle amount (Parsons et al., 2012). Lack of effect of shading on bell pepper fruit WLR indicates that shading had no effect on fruit cuticular conductance to water vapor. It is not possible to ascertain from this study, however, whether shade levels had any effects on cuticle amount or composition.

Shade nets may improve not only yield and quality, but also postharvest shelf life of bell pepper. Yellow shade netting was found to maintain bell pepper fruit quality and reduce decay incidence during storage (Fallik, 2009). For bell pepper, compared with black net, pearl net reduced WLR, decay incidence, and titratable acidity and increased fruit firmness, ascorbic acid content, and antioxidant activity (Kong et al., 2013).

In a greenhouse study using aluminized screens at 40%, 50%, or 60% shade level, tomato plants under 60% shading had fruit with reduced SSC and increased firmness (Callejón-Ferre et al., 2009). Similarly, shading was reported to decrease SSC and incidence of fruit cracking and increase titratable acidity in tomato (Wada et al., 2006). Decreases in fruit dry weight percent with shade level indicate that fruit had reduced specific fruit weight (fruit dry weight per unit fruit surface area) or a thinner pericarp or that fruit may have undergone changes in cell structure or cell size under shade. In bell pepper, individual leaf area increased and specific leaf weight decreased with increased shade level (Díaz-Pérez, 2013). The decline in SSC with increased shade level may be a result of dilution effect caused by a possible increased fruit and whole-plant water status as a result of decreased plant and fruit transpiration under shaded conditions.

Red bell pepper fruit cultivars (Camelot and Stiletto) had higher a* values compared with yellow fruit cultivars (Lafayette and Sirius), indicating there were increased carotenoid levels in red fruit cultivars (Itle and Kabelka, 2009). Decreased a* and b* values with increasing shade levels in ‘Lafayette’ and ‘Sirius’ may indicate that carotenoids were decreased with increased shade level.

In summary, shade level affected fruit yield and quality and postharvest attributes of both mature green and ripe bell pepper fruit. Marketable yield improved with increased shading to a maximum at ≈35% shade and then decreased with further increases in shade level. Weight of individual marketable fruit increased with increasing shade level up to 47% shade and changed little at higher shade levels. Bell pepper yields depend on total number of fruit and fruit size. Number of fruit produced declined with increasing shade level. Thus, increased total fruit yield under moderate shading was caused by increased fruit size. Increased marketable fruit yield was also caused by increased fruit size, but it was also strongly determined by reduction in number of cull fruit, which resulted in increased percent of marketable fruit relative to total fruit number. Increased shade level was associated with reduced incidences of Phytophthora blight and fruit sunscald. Shade level affected bell pepper fruit mineral nutrient concentration but the effect differed among nutrients. Fruit water loss rate and bacterial soft rot incidence were unaffected by shade, whereas fruit dry weight percent and SSC decreased with shade level. Optimal shade level for maximal fruit yield and quality of bell pepper was between 30% and 47%.