California Wonder Research Articles

Isolation, identification and multi-locus sequence typing of Phytophthora capsici from capsicum fields and its cross-infectivity in different crop species

Phytophthora capsici is a major soil-borne oomycete plant pathogen, which severely affects the productivity of peppers including Capsicum annuum L., by causing fruit rot, root rot, and foliar blight diseases. It has a broad host range beyond Capsicum species and evolves rapidly to find new potential hosts for survival under different climatic conditions. In the present study, P. capsici was isolated from soil using castor seed baiting, and characterized through growth patterns and spore morphology. The species identification and molecular characterization were achieved through multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis of three genomic loci (ITS, tef1 and cox), and also attributed given P. capsici isolate Pc_UHF into India-specific ITS-based evolutionary lineage Pc-X. Interestingly, dN/dS estimates revealed reasonably high positive selection in the tef1 gene, which could have possible implications on the pathogen's adaptation and/or virulence. Pathogenicity of this isolate was tested in three commercially growing bell pepper varieties and also in other crop species using detached leaf and/or in planta disease screening. Differential disease symptoms were induced by Pc_UHF in three bell pepper varieties, such as both collar rot and foliar blight symptoms observed in "Yolo Wonder" and "California Wonder", whereas only foliar blight symptoms were recorded in "Solan Bharpur". Furthermore, cross-pathogenicity was also recorded in tomato, citrus, cucumber and eggplant. This is the first report of molecular characterization and cross-pathogenically assessment of P. capsici isolate from farm soils in the North Western Himalayan region of India, which has a dynamic virulence profile and distinct host range.

Combined Effect of Potassium Fertiliser, Saline Irrigation Water and Humic Acids On Soil Acidity and Yield Components of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L)

A field experiment was conducted to adapt seedlings of sweet pepper, also called “California Wonder”, to salinity and the role of humic acid and potassium fertiliser in reducing the effect of salinity on the plant. A three-factorial field experiment was conducted according to the Complete Random Block Design, with three replications during the spring season of 2018 to study the humic acid and potassium fertiliser role in enhancing the salt tolerance of pepper plants. The first factor included four levels of saline water irrigation, namely 2, 4, 6 and 8 dS.m-1. The second factor included a foliar application of three levels of humic acids i.e., 0, 25 and 50 kg.h-1. The third factor represents the addition of three levels of potassium fertiliser (potassium sulphate of 50% K2O according to the fertiliser recommendation of 0, 75 and 150 kg. h-1. The considered plant and soil traits were branch per plant, stem diameter (mm), percentage of protein in the fruits and soil pH. The results obtained from the experiment can be summed up above the treatment of air conditioning at saline level 6 ds m-1 in branch per plant with 12.3 and the most significant results obtained from the experiment can be summed up above the treatment of air conditioning at saline level 4 ds m-1 in stem diameter 2.03 mm. The results showed a decrease in branch per plant and stem diameter (mm) by increasing the salinity of irrigation water by 8 ds m-1 and the increase in the addition of humic acid and potassium fertiliser. The results showed a decrease in soil acidity (pH) increasing the salinity of irrigation and increasing fruit protein content by increasing the salinity.

Walk Under the Midnight Sun

Walk Under the Midnight Sun is a large-scale carpet installation originally designed for the Hungarian Pavilion of the 2023 Venetian Architecture Biennale, part of an exhibition proposal by Fuzzy Earth design studio and BÜRO imaginaire curator collective. The project invites the public to explore the entangled historical, social and architectural relationships within greenhouse cultivation practices. The protagonist of the installation is a regionally unique capsicum cultivar, the Hungarian wax pepper, known in Hungary as the Cecei paprika. The themes of the exhibition were inspired by Fuzzy Earth’s ‘Not Quite a California Wonder’ research project.

Evaluation of Sweet Pepper Genotypes for Yield and Quality in Open Field Using Plastic Mulch in Mid Hill Condition of Nepal

Sweet pepper is an emerging high value vegetable crop. There are few numbers of varieties recommended in Nepal despite of having immense commercial farming potentiality. An experiment was conducted during 2020 and 2021 at National Horticulture Research Centre, Khumaltar, in open field condition to identify high yielding capsicum genotype with longer postharvest shelf life. The field experiment was done by using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications for each treatment and the lab experiment for postharvest shelf life was studied in first year using Completely Randomized Block Design (CRD) with three replications for each treatment. The six elite capsicum genotypes under study were HRDCAP-001, HRDCAP-003, HRDCAP-004, HRDCAP-005, HRDCAP-006, and California Wonder (standard check variety). The research plot was mulched with 25-micron plastic and 4-6 leaf stage seedlings transplanted making holes in mulch at the spacing of 60 cm x 45 cm. Among the tested genotypes, HRDCAP001 and HRDCAP005 were found to be promising in terms of fruit length, fruit weight, yield per plant and yield per hectare followed by HRDCAP006 during a two-year experiment. The genotype HRDCAP001 was rich in vitamin C content with less spoilage loss while HRDCAP006 was observed most fresh followed by California Wonder and HRDCAP001 respectively. Overall, the genotype HRDCAP001 was found to be the superior among all the genotypes in terms of yield and quality parameters. However, a multi-location farmer’s field trial should be conducted for further verification and varietal development purpose.

Plant-based monitoring techniques to detect yield and physiological responses in water-stressed pepper

Today, the use of sensors and imaging techniques, which are used to obtain information about plants and soil in smart irrigation systems, is rapidly becoming widespread. This study aimed to investigate the usability of leaf turgor pressure and thermal images from plant-based monitoring techniques to detect water stress and the irrigation time of pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. "California Wonder") and to determine their relationship with physiological traits in Canakkale/Türkiye in 2017 and 2018. The four irrigation treatments (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) were applied in the experiment. Leaf turgor pressure (Pp), thermal images and physiological measurements were carried out during the growing season. Soil moisture and Pp were monitored in real time by remote. Thermal and physiological measurements were made before each irrigation. As a result of the study, the average evapotranspiration (ETc) was 697 mm, and the yield value was 83.7 t ha−1 under non-stress conditions. Depending on the decrease in ETc, yield values also decreased significantly. Leaf water potential and stomatal conductivity values were statistically different in all irrigation treatments. The change in the activity of catalase (CAT) due to water stress was greater than that of superoxide dismutase (SOD). In this case, it can be said that other physiological traits are more successful than SOD in distinguishing water stress. According to the regression models, significant relationships were determined between both the indices calculated from the thermal images and Pp, yield, and physiological traits. The predictive ability of Pp values has been strengthened with the addition of meteorological properties to the model in general. The highest correlation (R2 =0.63) was between Pp + meteorological properties and CAT. All the regression models between physiological traits and indices calculated from thermal images were statistically significant. The highest R2 values were obtained in August. In this month, the highest correlations were between Crop Water Stress Index (CWSIp) and leaf water potential / stomatal conductivity (R2 =0.91), IGp and stomatal conductivity (R2 =0.80). The predictive power of CWSIp was higher than Stomatal Conductivity Index (IGp). The experiment illustrated that Pp and temperature data, which are plant-based monitoring methods, have the potential to detect water stress in peppers.

Techniques of Arbuscular mycorrhiza as a Biofertilizer and an Anti-Transpiration for Promoting Plant Growth and Fruit Chemical Features of Pepper

The experiment was conducted in one of the fields in the Al-Azzawiya region - Al-Musayyib district 40 km north of the center of Babylon province, during the spring season 2022. The experiment included two factors, two types of mycorrhizae Glomus sp. and G. intraradices, and two concentrations of potassium silicate 3 ml.L−1 and 5 ml.L−1 in addition to control treatments to study their effect on the growth and chemical traits of the fruits. Sweet pepper plant California Wonder. The results showed that there were significant differences between the treatments of the two types of mycorrhiza. The addition of the imported mycorrhizal species G. intraradices significantly excelled on the local mycorrhiza Glomus sp in all studied growth traits. intraradices was distinguished by its significantly excelled in the type of structures causing colonization, the dendritic structure was 15.66 and the mycelium 1.18. As for the treatment of spraying with potassium silicate, it achieved spray treatment at a concentration of 5 ml. L−1 had a significantly excelled in most of the studied growth traits. As for the bi-interaction between G. intraradices and spraying at a concentration of 5 ml.L−1, it achieved the best results in study parameters. The experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design, according to the split plot system, with a rate of three replications.

Combining ability and heterosis in bell pepper grown in the north-western hills of India

In this study, 51 hybrids were developed using Line × Tester mating design, including 17 lines and 3 testers. Analysis of variance for combining ability indicated that differences among parents were significant for all the characters under study except for days to first picking. The σ2 SCA were higher in magnitude than σ2 GCA for almost all the traits except for days to first picking, which indicates the predominant role of non-additive gene action. Lines viz., UHF CAP-23, UHF CAP-1 and UHF CAP-22 and 2 testers viz., Yolo Wonder and California Wonder were the most promising for yield per plant and the majority of yield contributing traits. The SCA effects for fruit yield per plant were significantly desirable in UHF CAP-30 × California Wonder, UHF CAP-2 × Solan Bharpur and UHF CAP-29 × Solan Bharpur. Heterosis over the standard check and other genetic parameters 3 cross combinations viz., UHF CAP-30 × California Wonder, UHF CAP-23 × Yolo Wonder and UHF CAP-22 × California Wonder performed well for a majority of yield and yield contributing traits. These hybrids can be recommended for cultivation after multi-locational testing.

Over environments evaluation of bell pepper hybrids developed through modified triple test cross mating design for earliness, yield and quality under North-Western Himalayas

Hybridization among diverse parents is a great way to create variability within a genus with a narrow genetic base. During Kharif, 2021 and 2022, an experiment was conducted in bell pepper at the research farm of Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, CSKHPKV, Palampur (HP) using randomized complete block design under open field conditions to evaluate 15 diverse parents (12 lines and three testers) and their 36 F1 hybrids developed through triple test cross mating design along with two standard checks for eight yield and quality traits. Significant variations were noticed among all the genotypes for all the characters under study. Based on the overall mean performance in pooled environments, cross-combinations viz., HPB-7 × California Wonder, HPB-7 × HPB-39-CW, HPB-2-16 × HPB-39, HPB-6-1 × California Wonder and HPB-29 × HPB-39 were found top highest yielders. Besides the highest yielders, they were reported earliest in flowering and picking, containing more primary branches and a good amount of capsanthin, TSS and ascorbic acid content. Hence, these cross-combinations can be directly released as hybrids after multi-location/farmers’ field testings or can be used in further breeding programmes.

Survival of Intervarietal Grafts of Sweet and Serrano Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) on Pasilla 18M as a New Rootstock Against Phytophthora capsici Leo

The genus Capsicum has been distinguished by its lack of compatible rootstocks with commercial cultivars to successfully protect against Phytophthora capsici. Criollo de Morelos 334 (CM334) has been used worldwide in crosses and as a rootstock to protect against P. capsici. However, novel sources of resistance to this pathogen, such as ‘Pasilla 18M’ have not yet been explored as rootstocks. A good rootstock should be highly compatible with the scion and also maintain the quality and/or provide a benefit to the grafted cultivar. Our objectives were 1) to evaluate grafting survival using ‘Pasilla 18M’ and CM334 as rootstocks of two susceptible commercial cultivars: Sweet Pepper California Wonder (CW) and Serrano Coloso; and 2) to evaluate the efficiency of ‘Pasilla 18M’ as rootstock against P. capsici using CM334 as a resistant control. Grafting survival was analyzed over 58 days after grafting in sets of 60 plants per varietal combination. Disease severity and incidence were recorded during 24 days after inoculation with P. capsici (DAI). Incidence was also evaluated at 54 and 84 DAI. A severity scale from 0 (healthy plant) to 4 (dead plant) was applied to evaluate root rot per plant. Incidence was recorded as the percent of diseased plants (severity >0). Grafting survival of intervarietal grafts was 87% to 94%, similar to ungrafted cultivars, and exceeding autograft survival. Ungrafted and autografted Sweet Pepper and Serrano showed root rot severities 2.3 to 3.3, with 89% to 100% incidence. In contrast, intervarietal grafts remained almost free of infection (severity 0.14; incidence 0% to 4%). CM334 and ‘Pasilla 18M’ rootstocks are highly compatible with ‘Serrano Coloso’ and ‘Sweet Pepper CW’. ‘Pasilla 18M’ confers the same level of protection against P. capsici as CM334.

Effect of Adding Fulzyme plus and Spraying with Green Tea Extract on Vegetative Growth and Yield of Pepper cv. California Wonder

A filed experiment was carried out at one of the private farms at Al-Suwaira District, Wasit Governorate during the spring season 2021, in order to evaluate the effect of adding Fulyzme plus (biofertilizer) and the foliar application of green tea extract (organic nutrient) on growth and yield of pepper plant cv. California wonder. A factorial experiment (43) was carried out using RCBD Design with three replicates. The Fulyzme plus treatment was applied with four concentrations (0, 10, 20. and 30 g. L-1). The foliar application of green tea extract was applied with three concentrations which were 0, 2 and 4 ml. L-1. Results revealed significant effects of Fulyzme plus at 30 g. L-1 and the foliar application of green tea extract at the 4 ml. L-1 in plant height (89.62 cm), number of branches (9.44 branch. Plant-1), number of leaves (38.28 leaf. Plant-1), leaves area (40.79 dcm2. Plant-1), number of flowers (35.77 flower. Plant-1) and fruits set (62.45%), number of fruits (17.96 fruit. Plant-1), plant yield (4.16 kg. plant-1), productivity (137.93 t. ha-1) and Vitamin. C in fruits (34.74 ml.100g-1). Therefore adding bio-fertilizer and spraying with organic nutrient improved vegetative growth and increase yield of pepper plants.

On-Station and On-Farm Evaluation of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Sylhet

Two experiments were conducted with sweet pepper during the winter season of 2015-2016. One experiment was on-station evaluation of sweet pepper variety ‘California Wonder’ under two different protective structures (Net and Net + polythene), two different miticides application (Intrepid and Vertimec) and Open field (Control) at the Horticulture Research Field of Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Another experiment was on-farm evaluation of sweet pepper variety ‘BARI Mistimoric-1’ under Net + polythene protective structure in the farmer’s field of Moulvibazar and Sunamganj district. In case of on-station study, Net and Net + polythene protection had significant influence on growth and yield of sweet pepper. The highest and almost similar performance were recorded from Net and Net + polythene in terms of plant height at first harvest (72.67 and 72.83 cm), harvest duration (34.33 and 34.33 days), individual fruit weight (76.45 and 75.95 g), fruit length (8.40 and 8.51 cm) and fruit diameter (7.33 and 7.07 cm). Next to Net and Net + polythene protective structures, individual fruit weight (46.80 g) of Intrepid treated plants was statistically higher than Vertimec and Open field treated plants. The number of fruits per plant (11.57), fruit yield per plant (893.90 g) and fruit yield per decimal (178.78 kg) were significantly higher for Net + polythene protected structure followed by Net protected structure. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of Net (5.4) and Net + polythene (5.6) protected structures were measured more than half of the Open field condition (2.5) indicating bright scope of sweet pepper cultivation under protective structures in the Sylhet region. Although BCR of Intrepid treated plants (4.0) was little less than the protective structures, but considering the economic condition of the farmer sweet pepper cultivation in the open field with Intrepid as a miticide can be suggested. In case of on-farm study, the fruit yield per decimal of Moulvibazar district (163.13 kg) was little higher than the Sunamganj district (155.93 kg), therefore, BCR of Moulvibazar district (4.1) was obtained little higher than the Sunamganj district (3.9). The on-farm adaptive trial also revealed that sweet pepper cultivation can be spread to the farmer’s field of the Sylhet region.

Sero-RAPD makers based evaluation of chilli pepper germplasm for resistance to chilli veinal mottle virus

BackgroundChilli veinal mottle virus is a remarkable threat to chilli crops worldwide including Pakistan. MethodsIn the present study, 18 chilli pepper genotypes were catalogued against ChiVMV ATIPK isolate by using DAS-ELISA with virus-specific polyclonal antisera. ResultsOut of 18 genotypes, four genotypes viz., Loungi pepper, Sanam, Red Pepper, and CV-1 were categorized as highly susceptible followed by three susceptible (Soofi, Royal Wonder, Pepper PLSQ) and four (Yolo wonder, Bhakkar Local, CIM-506, CR-25) were moderately susceptible. The plants of these genotypes exhibited characteristic symptoms of ChiVMV and accumulated a high level of virus titer. The rest of three (California wonder, Gola Peshawar, Red top) and four (CV-7, Hot Pepper, Doni Pepper, Ghotki) genotypes were grouped as resistant and moderately resistant, respectively. Three resistant and three highly susceptible genotypes were further appraised for genetic diversity by RAPD markers and a total of 75 bands were scored, 76% of them unveiled polymorphism with an amplification range of 5–9 bands. Genetic analysis revealed 44–78.67% similarities with Mean Similarity Index (MSI) ranging from 59.46 to 65.86%. Most of the primers were highly informative with PIC value fluctuated from 0.388 to 0.666, with an average value of 0.512. Cluster analysis further confirmed and clustered both groups of genotypes in a separate clade. ConclusionIt is concluded that genotypes; California Wonder and Red Top showed diverse response from other genotypes, not only based on symptoms and ELISA but also on markers' basis. Therefore, these genotypes could be useful as ChiVMV resistant sources in the chilli breeding program.

The Response of Growth and Yield of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum Annuum) to the Spraying with Nano-amino Acids and Potassium Silicate

Current study was carried out in the Department of Horticulture and Forestry, Directorate General for Agriculture in Najaf province, during 2021 spring season to determine the response of growth and yield of (Capsicum annuum L.) to the spraying with nano-amino acids and potassium silicate. 12 treatments including four concentrations of nano-amino acids as a foliar feed (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5ml.L-1) and three concentrations of potassium silicate (0, 2 and 4ml.L-1) were applied by spraying these concentrations of the vegetative growth of sweet pepper cv. California Wonder. A factorial experiment was arranged using randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with three replicates and the ANOVA analysis was done using least significant difference test (L.S.D.) at 5% level of significance (P>0.05). Results showed that treatment of spraying 1.5ml.L-1 of Nano amino acids was exceled other treatment of foliar spraying in all studied traits, and gave the highest average of growth, yield including plant height, total number of leaves, leaf area, dry weight of total vegetative, dry weight of root, fruits number, the yield of a single plant and total yield. The treatment of spraying 4ml.L-1of potassium silicate was significantly exceled other concentrations and gave the highest increasing in vegetative and quantitative indicators.

Effects of Different Pruning Systems on Fruit Quality and Yield in California Wonder Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) Grown in Soilless Culture

This study was conducted to determine the effects of four pruning methods (Non-pruned, two, three and four stem pruning) on some growth parameters, yield and fruit quality in California Wonder Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The experiment was carried out between April and September 2020 in a climate controlled venlo type glass research greenhouse with automation system.In this study, two commercial pepper Rapido and Roxy California Wonder type (Rapido: red color Roxy: yellow color) varieties were used. Seedlings transplanted in cocopeat slabs were grown in soilless culture. The experiment was designed according to randomized plots with 3 replicates each including 8 plants. Pruning applications-leaving two, three and four branches in pepper varieties significantly increased plant height, plant fresh weight and stem diameter compared to the non-pruned plants. Pruning methods significantly increased fruit weight, fruit length and diameter. SPAD of leaves value, fruit flesh thickness, fruit firmness, fruit Brix and fruit EC values were positively affected by pruning methods. However, no effect of pruning methods on fruit color and pH was determined. Total yield per plant was reduced compared to non-pruned plants, except for 4 branch pruning. However, the reduction in the number of branches left with pruning significantly increased the rate of marketable fruit. To conclude, it was determined that the decrease in the number of branches left in California Wonder pepper varieties significantly decreased the number of non-marketable fruits, especially three and four branch pruning increased fruit quality as well as marketable yield.

Identification of the race of root knot nematode by differential host test method

Root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) cause major damage to the fruit crops, vegetable crops and field crops. Infected plants showed declined symptoms and poor fruit yield also displayed stunting and yellowing symptoms. In order to choose appropriate management control techniques, nematode diagnosis and specimen identification must be accurate, quick and precise. The population of the nematode obtained from the experimental field of Post Graduate Institute, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri were assessed for their host-race status by the differential host test which relies on the combination of resistant and susceptible reactions of six differential hosts to the nematode population. Result revealed that the nematode population infected tobacco (NC 95), pepper (California Wonder), watermelon (Charleston grey), tomato (Rutgers) and unable to reproduce on cotton (Deltapine- 16) and peanut (Florunner) which indicated presence of race 2 of Meloidogyne incognita.

Combining ability studies to develop superior hybrids in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum L.)

General combining ability (GCA) among parents and specific combining ability (SCA) of crosses were studied to identify best crosses for growth and yield traits in bell pepper. Experimental material included 21 F1 hybrids developed by crossing seven parents in half di-allel mating design. Parents and crosses were planted in randomized block design during Rabi 2019 for estimating their combining ability. Among parents, Arka Mohini showed good GCA effects for most of the traits (number of secondary branches, early flowering and harvesting, fruit weight and yield). Among crosses, Arka Mohini × CW308, Arka Mohini × California Wonder and Yolo Wonder × California Wonder were identified as potential one for yield attributing traits based on SCA effects.

Genotype-Dependent Antioxidative Response of Four Sweet Pepper Cultivars to Water Deficiency as Affected by Drought-Tolerant Bacillus safensis SS-2.7 and Bacillus thuringiensis SS-29.2 Strains

We examined the effect of drought-tolerant Bacillus safensis SS-2.7 and B. thuringiensis SS-29.2 strains on the response of four (133, 274, California Wonder—CalW, and Matica) sweet pepper genotypes to water deficiency conditions. Pepper seeds were sown in pots with (treated) and without (control) bacterial strain inoculation. After four weeks of growth under controlled conditions and regular watering, drought was imposed by completely withholding watering for seven days. Under conditions of normal watering, genotype 274 showed better seedling establishment than genotype 133 and CalW, while the slowest was genotype Matica. Antioxidant enzyme activity under drought conditions was genotype and bacterial treatment-dependent. The best response to bacterial treatment in order to cope with severe drought was found in the CalW genotype, while in genotype 133, we determined even faster plant decay during water deficiency in treated seeds. Inoculated seeds of the Matica genotype did not show different antioxidant enzyme activity under normal and drought conditions. According to the obtained results, we concluded that under drought conditions, the most susceptible was genotype 274, moderate susceptibility was detected in genotype 133, and CalW and Matica were the most tolerant genotypes. Our study demonstrates (1) that drought-tolerant Bacillus strains showed a plant growth-promoting effect on some selected pepper genotypes; (2) that there were genotype-dependent antioxidant enzyme activities under drought conditions in response to treatment with a particular bacterial strain; and (3) that we could expect a genotype-dependent response during biostimulant application, especially under stress conditions.

Photosynthetic Responses of Greenhouse Ornamentals to Interaction of Irradiance, Carbon Dioxide Concentration, and Temperature

Supplemental lighting, temperature control, and CO2 enrichment can improve the productivity of greenhouse crops, but operating costs for greenhouse control systems to maintain environmental parameters at desired setpoints can be expensive. To balance operating costs with productivity, growers need to be able to predict how a crop will perform as a function of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), CO2 concentration, and temperature. The objective of this study was to explore the response of net photosynthetic rate (Pn) to PPFD and CO2 concentration, for plants acclimated to different growth environment temperatures or light intensities. We measured Pn at all combinations of 14 irradiances and four CO2 concentrations of calibrachoa (Calibrachoa ×hybrida ‘Superbells Lemon Slice’), petunia (Petunia ×hybrida ‘Supertunia Mini Strawberry Pink Veined’), and verbena (Verbena ×hybrida ‘Superbena Royale Whitecap’) grown at three light intensities, and of geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum ‘Maverick Red’), pepper (Capsicum annuum ‘California Wonder’), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus ‘Pacino Gold’) grown at three different temperatures. Sunflower, pepper, and geranium were fit to a model representing Pn as a function of PPFD, CO2 concentration, and leaf temperature. Photosynthetic light response curves, at each CO2 concentration, were fit for each species and growth environment using a nonrectangular hyperbola. These models can be used to identify multiple combinations of PPFD, CO2 concentration, and leaf temperature that would result in equivalent rates of photosynthesis, allowing the most cost-effective combination to be chosen.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Fruit Quality, Soil Nutrient Status and Economics of Capsicum under Low Cost Polyhouse Condition

The field experiment was conducted during 2010-11 at the Experimental Farm of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema, Nagaland to study the effect of different sources of manuring on growth, yield and quality of capsicum cv. California Wonder under low cost polyhouse condition. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Application of different levels of fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers either alone or in combination significantly increased the quality of capsicum as compared to control. The maximum TSS (9.55 oBrix) and vitamin C (126.31 mg 100-1g) were recorded with the combined application of 50% NPK + 50% FYM + biofertilizers. There was a significant build up of organic carbon in the soil after harvest of the crop with 50% NPK + 50% FYM + biofertilizers. It also recorded highest net return of Rs. 7,93,858.00 /ha and the cost: benefit ratio 1:8. These results indicated that the optimum production and quality of capsicum with higher monetary returns can be obtained with integrated application of 50% NPK + 50% FYM + biofertilizers. This integrated nutrient management saved about 50% of chemical fertilizers without any reduction in yield and quality parameters of capsicum.

Impact of integrated crop management (ICM) technology on production and profitability of capsicum under protected and field condition of Uttarakhand

Farmer participatory field trials were conducted for assessing the effects of an Integrated Crop Management (ICM) technology for the management of major pests of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.). The experiment was conducted during two consecutive years 2020 and 2021 at Matela village of Almora district in Uttarakhand. The trial was based on comparative analysis among Open field, Poly house and farmer's field conditions which serve as control. The total treatments were eight with three replications conducted under different conditions i.e. Polyhouse (Indra, Radha, Kaveri), open field (Indra, Radha, Kaveri), farmer's polyhouse (California Wonder) and farmer's field condition (California Wonder). Among all the conditions, T1 (Polyhouse + Indra) performed very well and gave best response in terms of yield and net income. The yield was maximum under polyhouse condition for T1 (795 q/ha) whereas in Farmer's polyhouse (T7), it was 346 q/ha. In open field conditions highest yield was recorded in T4 (152 q/ha) and minimum in T8 (118 q/ha). Net return was highest in T1 (Rs. 27.41 lacs/ha) and minimum in T7 (Rs. 13.27 lacs/ha) under farmer's poly house. The Net return calculated in various treatments in open and farmer's field indicated that T4 exhibited maximum Net return i.e. Rs. 3.90 lacs/ha whereas minimum return in T8 (Rs. 3.20 lacs/ha). B:C ratio lies in between 3.92 to 4.27 under polyhouse condition and 2.76 to 2.80 in open field conditions. The findings of above study revealed that in prevailing agroclimatic conditions of Uttarakhand, capsicum cultivation has vast scope in terms of production and profitability. Among all the varieties Indra is the best suited variety for Uttarakhand hills.