Assessing the impact on growth and yield in different varieties of chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) intercropped with chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)

Abstract. Gustiar F, Lakitan B, Budianta D, Negara ZP. 2023. Assessing the impact on growth and yield in different varieties of chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) intercropped with chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius). Biodiversitas 24: 2639-2646. Intercropping plants is advantageous as it can boost land productivity increase farmer income. However, plant more likely to be hampered by shade formed canopy plant. Therefore, this study aimed investigate response identify that thrive intercropping systems. The experiment was arranged based a split-plot design planting pattern main plot, consisting monoculture, chaya-chili, pruned-canopy chili. Three varieties, i.e., Rajo, Taruna, Bara, were subplots four replications. Chaya planted at distance 200 x cm. Chaya-chili done inserting two rows 50 cm between plants. results showed an system exhibit etiolation effect indicated taller stem but fewer leaves than cultivated monoculture system. shading resulted lower leaf temperature peppers Pruning treatment shoots positively impacted plants, which biomass weight fruit yield. Bara variety harvested weeks earlier produced higher yields compared Rajo Taruna varieties. relatively comparable if pruning carried out, especially variety.