Weed Management Efficacy of Mulches, Planting Methods and NAA Application in Capsicum annuum L. under Mid Hills of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Sweet pepper is one of the most popular vegetables cultivated worldwide, which yield and quality is highly affected by weeds. Synthetic mulches and raised beds are a part of a wide strategy of integrated weed management in vegetable production systems. Methods: A field experiment was carried out in Dr YSP UHF, Nauni, Solan (HP) for two years to evaluate the effect of polythene mulches, planting on raised beds (RB) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) application on weed management and yield of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) crop. Result: The interaction effect of raised bed (RB) + black polythene mulch (BPM) + NAA has recorded less weed density, greater weed control efficiency (64.12%) and lower dry weed biomass (117.83 g/m2). However, highest yield (38.47 t/ha) of sweet pepper was recorded with raised bed (RB) + silver polythene mulch (SPM) + Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).