Integration of panchagavya, neemcake, and vermicompost improves the quality of chilli production

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted in a factorial randomised block design to evaluate the performance of two chilli varieties (V1: CH-27 and V2: Eagle-53) after application of various organic (neem cake, panchagavya and vermicompost) and inorganic nutrient sources. Among the treatments, T10 (neem cake @ 250 kg/ha with recommended fertiliser doses of 100:50:50 kg of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium per ha) produced the highest average plant height (86.28 cm) and average fruit weight (4.36 g). The application of T8 (vermicompost @ 1 ton/ha with neem cake @ 250 kg/ha) resulted in the highest fruit yield (465.73 g/plant and 172.46 q/ha), while the application of T6 (panchagavya at 3 percent with neem cake at 250 kg/ha) resulted in the highest capsaicin content (0.46 g/g). However, the interaction between the nutrient treatments and varieties was significant, with T8V1 having the highest yield (188.75 q/ha) and benefit:cost (B:C) ratio (4.3). The application of vermicompost @ 1 ton/ha in combination with neem cake @ 250 kg/ha was found as the best treatment for high economic yield with no significant deviation in fruit quality. The CH-27 cultivar was superior because of its high yield, superior fruit quality, and high income.