Effect of different nutrients levels and mulches on fruit quality and chlorophyll content of bell pepper (Capsicum annum l.)

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrients and mulching on fruit quality and chlorophyll content of Bell pepper at Horticulture farm, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan (West Bengal) during Rabi season 2014-15. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) consisting of nine treatments. The treatment comprising of different combinations of nutrients and mulches i.e. Nitrogen (150Kg ha-1and 200 Kg ha-1), Phosphorous (80 Kg ha-1 and 120 Kg ha-1) and mulches (Paddy straw and water hyacinth each @ 7t ha-1) with three replications. The statistical analysis indicated that the fruit quality of bell pepper was significantly influenced by different nutrients levels and mulches. The bio-chemical parameters viz. Highest total soluble solids (7.410Bx), chlorophyll content (63.28 SPAD) and Vitamin –C (197.64 mg/100g) were observed in treatment T8 with 200kg N ha-1 + 120kg ha-1 P₂O₅ + Paddy straw mulch @ 7 t ha-1. Control condition indicated significantly lowest result than all other treatment.