-Ibadan.

In chili pepper plants, fruit development is regulated by hormonal balance, particularly the interplay of auxins, gibberellins, and ethylene. When mature fruits remain on the plant, ethylene production increases, signaling the plant to slow down flowering and focus on seed maturation. This process reduces further fruit set, ultimately limiting yield.

However, frequent harvesting interrupts this cycle by reducing ethylene accumulation and stimulating auxin and gibberellin activity, which promote continued flowering and fruit development. Also, removing mature fruits redirects the plant’s resources (such as carbohydrates and nutrients) toward new reproductive growth rather than seed maturation.

As a result, consistent harvesting maintains an active fruiting cycle, leading to prolonged productivity and increased overall yield in chili pepper plants.