The presence of seeds in fruits can be dispensable or undesirable for consumption and cooking, as for example, in some peppers. The effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) on parthenocarpic fruit production and fruit traits in "escabeche" pepper was evaluated (Capsicum baccatum L.). Seeds were sown in polystyrene trays and seedlings were grown in greenhouses. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with four treatments (0; 700; 1,400 and 2,800 mg L-1 GA3). GA3 was sprayed at flowering stage and 10 days after the first application. The results showed that GA3 increased the percentage of parthenorcapic fruits (94.6% with 2,100 mg L-1 GA3), decreased fruit production (87,1 g fruit/plant with 2,250 mg L-1 GA3). increased plant height (168.0 cm with 2,450 mg L-1 GA3), and reduced the fruit quality. It is possible to produce parthenocarpic fruits through GA3 application on "escabeche" pepper, however this technique is not recommended for commercial production.
Capsicum baccatum; Solanaceae; seedless; plant growth substance
