Effect of organic manures as INM component on growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2019 at farmer’s field in Panruti near Cuddalore district (Tamil Nadu) to study effect of organic manures as INM component on growth, yield and quality of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) in a randomized block design. The treatments consisted of recommended dose of fertilizers at two levels (160:60:30 and 120:45:22.5 kg NPK ha-1) and organic manures (20 t FYM ha-1, 50 kg Bio ash ha-1, 5 t press mud granules ha-1, 20 kg Sea weed extract granules ha-1 and 5 t neem cake ha-1) and replicated three times. The growth and yield parameters of chilli were significantly influenced due to application of organic manures. Among the treatments, 75% RDF + 20 t FYM + 20 kg Sea weed extract granules + 5 t neem cake ha-1 (T8) exhibited better performances of growth and yield parameters of chilli cv. Indus 13. The maximum values of growth parameters such as plant height, leaves plant-1, branches plant-1, canopy volume, chlorophyll content in the leaves and net photosynthetic rate were observed in this treatment (T8). The yield parameters such as days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, flowers plant-1, fruit set, fruits plant-1, fruit length, fruit girth, pericarp thickness, pulp seed ratio, single fruit weight, total fruit yield (28.18 t ha-1) and quality parameters like capsaicin content (0.76%) and ascorbic acid content (171.3 mg g-1) were highest in this treatment (T8) suggested this is the best integrated nutrient management combination for chilli. Application of 100% RDF (160 : 30 : 30 kg ha-1) proved inferior in respect of growth and yield of chilli.