Abstract
In this study, the effect of field dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunck.) on the phenological and pomological characteristics of Dila pepper (Capsicum annum L.) was investigated. At the same time, dodder density in the trial area was 19.58/m2 in the seedling stage, 10.90 branch/plant in flowering stage and 14.75 branch/plant in fruit stage. It was calculated that the field dodder was very dense in all three stages according to the density scale. The effects of dodder on the phenological and pomological properties of the pepper were investigated in 3 different periods (seedling, flowering and fruit formation stage). The sum of phenological and pomological losses caused by field dodder in pepper was calculated as 100 % in seedling stage, 52.97 % in flower stage and 27.73 % in fruit stage. The rate of loss caused by field dodder in pepper yield is 100% loss in seedling stage, 34.22 % in flower stage and 17.02 % in fruit stage. The effect of field dodder on the phenological and pomological characteristics of Dila pepper was found to be significant and different according to the results of statistical analysis. Dila pepper has been shown to be sensitive to field dodder in this study.