Re: [CH] Temperature Ranges
Jim Campbell (jim@wildpepper.com)
Fri, 13 Nov 1998 21:33:34 +0000
Here's my take on it: In Jamaica the practice of mulching was widely
used in the more successful fields we saw (right, Dave?) However, this
was done after the plants had reached a pretty good height. This does
seem to help protect the roots & plant even in the presence of high
temps & they did produce. In the northern climes of IN paradoxically, I
use black mulching to increase soil temps. This is put down however,
when the fields are barren to help increase soil temps.
Blossum drop at high temps most often occurs in my fields if I disturb
the plant. I try to avoid picking on hot days because the sound of
blossoms (future pods!) hitting the mulching like rain disturbs me :-)
Avoiding plant abuse (& providing shade on smaller plots) lessens drop.
I believe that in hot climes (especially those with high humidity) the
practice of planting in full sun is detrimental. In Jamaica the most
vigorous plants we saw were in a research agencys' inadvertantly created
micro climate- grown outdoors under insect netting (to prevent viral
spread) caused greatly diffused lighting. The chiles (Scotch Bonnet) in
this netting were outstanding. Empirically, I've seen the same results-
partial shade in high temps is a good thing.
Hope this helps!
-Jim C
http://www.wildpepper.com