Abstract
Vegetative development of 12-month-old Smooth Cayenne plants was observed as affected by planting position, slip pruning and slip size. Data taken included plant height, spread, leaf number and "D"-leaf weight, length, width and thickness. Results showed that vegetative development was not affected by planting in a vertical or inclined position. Plant height, number of green leaves, and "D" leaf weight were negatively affected when slip leaves were pruned although reduction in leaf area is supposed to affect fruit yield. There was no difference among the three pruning treatments. Size of slips showed highly significant differences in all variables observed with the exception of leaf width. Vegatative development was proportional to slip size even though climate and soil conditions were very favorable to growth and development. Growth was vigorous and succulent. Correlation coefficients between all variables studied were highy significant. Plant weight, slip weight, stem weight and stem diameter showed consistent correlation values. Mean comparisons present data grouping on two levels. Slip weight under 200 grams did not show good development.