Influence of organic nutrient sources on growth and yield of green chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

To validate the effect of organic manures on growth and yield of green chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) a field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during December 2021- June 2022. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with thirteen treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments include basal application of organic inputs viz. FYM (25 t ha-1), Vermicompost (5 t ha-1), Ganajeevamrutha (200 kg ha‑1), Humic acid (25 kg ha-1), Ganajeevamrutha (200 kg ha‑1) + Jeevamrutha (500 l ha-1) along with standard check (recommended dose of NPK fertilizers with micronutrient spray). Foliar spray of Panchagavya (3%) and banana pseudostem sap (2%) at 45, 60 and 75 days after transplanting was done in all the treatments as separate sets. Growth and yield parameters were observed in randomly selected 5 plants from each treatment plot. Application of recommended dose of NPK fertilizers + Panchagavya @ 3% foliar spary (T11) recorded highest plant height (34.33 cm, 55.33 cm, 61.00 cm), number of branches plant-1 (6.53, 9.50, 11.00) on 30, 60, 90 DAT respectively. Number of flowers plant-1 (59.33, 80.00, 76.33) on 60, 75 and 90 DAT. Fruit length (8.41cm), fruit weight (3.82 g), number of fruit plant-1 (158.8) and yield plant‑1 (511.3 g) than all other approaches. Followed by organic treatment viz. application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + Panchagavya @ 3% FS (T1) recorded highest plant height (27.67 cm, 46.67 cm, 51.50 cm), number of branches plant-1 (5.53, 7.10, 8.97) on 30, 60, 90 DAT respectively. Number of flowers plant-1 (49.00, 71.27, 65.60) on 60, 75 and 90 DAT. Fruit length (7.66 cm), fruit weight (3.50 g), number of fruit plant-1 (133.0) and yield plant‑1(419.9 g plant-1) than control (T13). Hence these organic strategies can be adopted in organic chilli cultivation.