The effect of defolíation on net photosynthetic rate (Pn), dry matter production and fruit growth was studied in bell-pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Arka Gaurav). Considerable differences in were observed between defoliated and non-defoliated plants. Defolíation influenced the total dry matter production, leaf area and the relative growth rate of the plants. The bell-pepper has the capacity to compensate photosynthetically for a certain degree of defolíation without reducing the biological yield. No significant differences in the dry matter of fruits per plant were foímd between defoliated and non-defoliated plants.