| Edmond Kwekutsu |
This study investigates the effect of varying soil moisture levels on the physiological performance and heat intensity of
three chili pepper varieties—Habanero, Lantern, and Helios—grown under controlled greenhouse conditions. Irrigation
treatments were categorized into low (12–15%), medium (15–18%), and high (18–20%) soil moisture. Using the LI-COR
6800 photosynthesis system, key parameters such as photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance were
measured, along with Scoville Heat Units (SHU) to assess pepper heat intensity. Data visualization was performed using
SAS Viya. Results showed that medium irrigation produced the highest SHU (1.8M), followed by low (1.6M) and high
(1.5M). The use of bubble charts revealed nuanced physiological responses—showing that similar stomatal conductance
and transpiration rates could result in different photosynthesis levels, highlighted by bubble size. Gauge charts visually
depicted SHU intensity through color-coded zones, making differences in heat levels immediately clear. Together, these
visualization tools made complex plant responses more digestible, highlighting the unexpected finding that medium
irrigation, not high or low, yielded the highest SHU. This dual-chart approach was not only innovative but also enhanced
the clarity and depth of interpretation. |