Production and Storability of Capscium Baccatum, A Novel Specialty Pepper

Farmers in Kentucky are looking for ways to diversify their production and marketing. High value crops, such as specialty peppers may provide one avenue for diversification. However, storability of certain specialty peppers has not been determined, and if the peppers can not be stored, the opportunities for shipping to distant markets may be serverely limited. Opportunities for diversification may be expanded by production in high tunnels, which extend the seasonal availability of fresh vegetables. A main purpose of the project is to better understand how C. baccatum can be profitably produced in Kentucky, especially with regard to production in high tunnels. Another purpose is to understand the storage characteristics of the fruit, with regard to shipability, and to establish whether C. baccatum is susceptible to bacterial leaf spot.