Combination effect of mulch and irrigation schedule on performance of Chilli under drip irrigation condition

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out during Rabi season of 2017-2018 at the Horticulture complex, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.). The treatments consisting of two-coloured polyethylene mulch (black, silver/black) and with bare soil (without mulch) as controls. Results showed that soil temperature under the various coloured mulches was 2 to 4˚C warmer compared to bare soil. The highest soil temperature was recorded under black mulch (20.63). The plants grown on silver/black mulch produced Maximum plant heights (48.83 cm.), primary branches/plant (13.74), secondary branches/plant (21.13), early flowering (17.19), fruit length (8.74 cm), Fruit diameter (0.88 cm), average weight of fruit (4.49 g), number of fruits/plant (155.25), fruit yield/plant (744.14 g), Fruit yield per plot (11.82 kg), Ascorbic acid (269.07 mg/100 g), water use efficiency (4.96 kg ha -1 -mm), moisture depletion pattern % and soil temperature under different stages. Under without mulch condition, recorded maximum days taken to 50% flowering (24.58), maximum total soluble solids (2.38 o Brix), weeds fresh weight (41.49 g) and weeds dry weight (11.48 g).In an attempt to reducing chemical input for weed control and increase to yield of chilli black and silver/black plastic mulch may be a good alternative for conventional without mulch.