Influence of seed pelleting with zinc, insecticides and fungicides on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) seedling performance in rooter trays

Abstract

The study entitled “Influence of seed pelleting with zinc, insecticides and fungicides on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) seedling performance in rooter trays” was undertaken to assess the effects of zinc pelleting combined with insecticides and fungicides on seedling emergence, growth and transplant quality in chilli (var. Rudra). Here the experiment included eight treatments, namely, T1: Control (Unpelleted seed), T2: Plain pellet, T3: Pellets with ZnSO4 (250 mg/kg),T4: T3 + Thiamethoxam 30% FS (3 ml / kg) + {Penflufen 13.28% W/W + Trifloxystrobin 13.28% W/W FS (1 ml / kg)},T5: T3 + Thiamethoxam 30% FS (3 ml / kg) + {Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP (2.0 g/ kg)}, T6: T3 + Imidacloprid 600 FS (48% W/W) (1 ml/ kg) + {Penflufen 13.28% W/W + Trifloxystrobin 13.28% W/W FS (1 ml / kg)},T7: T3 + Imidacloprid 600 FS (48% W/W) (1 ml / kg) + {Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP (2.0 g/ kg)} and T8: T3 + Sedaxane 12.61% W/W + Azoxystrobin 3.15% W/W + Thiamethoxam 22.06% W/W (3 ml / kg). These treatments were evaluated in an RBD with four replications during kharif 2024 - 25 at University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur. Seed pelleting with zinc integrated with plant protection agents significantly improved the nursery performance over unpelleted and plain pelleted seeds. The treatments T4 and T5 showed superior emergence (92.09% and 91.84%), larger leaf area, higher chlorophyll content, greater seedling length and increased biomass. These treatments also recorded minimal pest and disease incidence, resulting in highest usable transplant (89.11%). Overall, the study demonstrates that zinc-based pelleting integrated with suitable insecticides and fungicides substantially improves early seedling vigour, reduces biotic stress and enhances transplant quality in chilli. Pelleting with ZnSO4 + Thiamethoxam + either (Penflufen + Trifloxystrobin) or (Carbendazim + Mancozeb) can be recommended for efficient nursery management in chilli.