Maximum Yield USA 2009 March | Page 56

by Lee McCall Aeroponic Technology versus Premium Organic Soil Cultivation Part IV: Habanero Chile I was hoping this would be the final edition of the habanero side-by-side experiment. These plants have set into an immense fruiting cycle and are refusing to cease production, making it difficult to attain an earlier harvest. Every week new foliage and pre-flowers emerge from freshly developed internodes creating more possibilities for fruit abundance, delaying the time for the yearned 12 week harvest. The density of the canopy is lush and filled with micro pre-developed fruit. Compared to previous pepper plant crops in my personal past, this particular strain of habanero is definitely proving it thrives in areas indigenous to tropical, long growing seasons. As an avid gardener in this industry, this experiment is the perfect example of a crop that refuses to be rushed for the sake of time. Instead of ripening techniques I must implement direct attentiveness to maintain a healthy rhizosphere, deter harmful crop pests and boost the overall biomass of the existing fruit while avoiding blossom end rot. I anticipate a fifth edition to this series in order to complete the plants to harvest. 56 MAXIMUM YIELD USA - March 2009