Capsicum Crop Research Articles

Response of drip irrigated spring capsicum crop to pan evaporation-based irrigation levels in combination with varying nitrogen doses

Response of drip irrigated spring capsicum crop to pan evaporation-based irrigation levels in combination with varying nitrogen doses

Fertilizing the Flame: Effects of AB Fertilizer Concentration on Vegetative Growth, Fruit Yield, and Capsaicin Biosynthesis in Capsicum frutescens

The Capsicum crops, known for their diverse phytochemical composition and pungency, are significantly influenced by agricultural practices. This study presents research on the 'cili padi' variety of Capsicum frutescens, a relatively unexplored species, grown hydroponically on a cocopeat medium using a high-quality AB fertilizer with varied nutrient concentrations. The research focused on analysing plant growth patterns, fruit yield, and capsaicinoid levels throughout the growth cycle. This involved detailed morphological measurements, productivity assessments, and the use of cyclic voltammetry for capsaicinoid quantification. The findings revealed that vegetation growth, yield, and metabolite parameters were closely linked to fertilizer concentration. Notably, an increase in nutrient availability led to improvements in plant growth metrics, fruit yield, and capsaicin levels. However, these benefits peaked within a specific fertilizer concentration range (1.5-2.1 E.C.-mS/cm) before declining, indicating the existence of toxicity thresholds. The study highlights the critical importance of balanced fertilization in hydroponic cultivation of C. frutescens, as it simultaneously enhances productivity and pungency quality. Interestingly, the research uncovered a threshold in nutrient concentration that optimizes nitrate conversion into capsaicin, beyond which overall plant growth continues to increase with higher fertilizer quantities. This finding necessitates further investigation into the metabolic and transport pathways that limit phytochemical production in these plants. Additionally, the capsaicinoid concentrations achieved in this study resulted in only moderately pungent Scoville ratings, suggesting a variance in biosynthetic capacity between this specific local species and more commonly studied pepper types. In summary, this research underscores the importance of a well-calibrated fertilization strategy to effectively boost both yield and pungency quality in C.frutescens . The insights gained from this study contribute significantly to our understanding of optimal hydroponic cultivation practices for enhancing the desirable traits of this unique chili variety.

Economics of Capsicum and Tomato Crops Production under Protected Cultivation in the Regions of Kalyana-Karnataka, India

Protected cultivation is an important initiative for cultivating the high value horticultural crops especially during the off-season which enables the farming communities to generate higher revenues in the limited area. In this context, a study has been undertaken to find out the viability of the protected cultivation structures for the cultivation of horticulture crops of capsicum and tomato in the regions of Kalyana-Karnataka. The research study was conducted in the district of Koppal and Ballari in regions of Kalyana-Karnataka based on the existence of highest number of protected structures. The study was based on primary data through personal interview method of the farmers who have adopted protected cultivation technology. A sample of 60 farmers were drawn as respondents from each district based on their size and composition of the structures and also on the basis of crops grown under protected condition. The data collected from the farmers with respect to the cost and return of capsicum and tomato under protected cultivation were analysed using cost and returns analysis techniques. The results reported that, the net returns of capsicum and tomato crops in protected cultivation were Rs. 2,92,768 and Rs. 2,28,289 respectively in an area of of 1008 sqm and the B:C ratios of capsicum and tomato crops were reported as 1:3.40 and 1:2.89 respectively. Thus, the protected cultivation structures in the regions of Kalyana-Karnataka for the cultivation of tomato and capsicum crops were found as economically viable unit. Hence, effort may be needed from the farmers of this region with further government support for increasing the adoption of protected cultivation structures in the cultivation of high value horticultural crops like tomato and capsicum.

A light-blocking greenhouse film differentially impacts climate control energy use and capsicum production

High-tech protected cropping holds great potential to improve global food security, but high cooling energy costs in warm climates pose difficulties in propagating the industry. Emerging technologies, such as diffuse glasses fitted with photoselective thin films, have interactions with crops and other cooling technologies which are not well-characterized for warm-climate glasshouses. A light-blocking film (LBF) was chosen as a high-tech, climate-controlled greenhouse cover permitting transmission of 85% of photosynthetically-active light and blocking heat-generating radiation. Two consecutive 7-month trials of two capsicum crops were grown under warm climate conditions partially impacted by bushfire smoke, with 2 cultivars (Gina and O06614) in the first trial, and 2 cultivars (Gina and Kathia) in the second trial. Capsicum fruit yield decreased by 3% in Gina and increased by 3% in O06614 for the first trial, and decreased by 13% in Gina, 26% in Kathia for the second trial. Cooling energy use increased by 11% and 12% for both capsicum crops in AE and SE respectively, with small but insignificant decreases in fertigation demand (2%–5%). Cooling potential was significantly different from material specifications, with indications that convection from LBF interfaces was responsible for higher heat loads. LBF and similar absorptive glasses may still be beneficial for reducing nutrient, water, and energy use in warm climate glasshouses. However, yield is cultivar-dependent and may decrease with below-optimal crop lighting, whereas energy savings are more dependent on LBF orientation and building geometry than outside climate.

Agricultural Produce Supply Chain Network of Capsicum: Empirical Evidence from India

Vegetables are important for both nutritional and economic stability and contribute significantly to the agricultural landscape of India. The demand for vegetables is rising, driven by population growth and increased awareness of their benefits. This empirical study highlights the dynamics of agricultural production supply chain networks of capsicum crops in the northwestern Himalayan region, specifically Himachal Pradesh, India. The study employs the Acharya approach to analyse the various marketing channels utilized by farmers in the capsicum supply chain. This methodology sheds light on the economic nuances at each stage and examines marketing channels, costs, margins, price spread and marketing efficiency. Simultaneously, the Garrett ranking method is applied to discern and prioritize constraints faced by farmers. This comprehensive approach ensures a nuanced understanding of the economic and logistical intricacies of capsicum marketing. The analysis of marketing channels reveals five distinct pathways employed by farmers, with Channel-C (Producer–Commission Agent–Retailer–Consumer) standing out as the most dominant, representing 47.25% of the total quantity. Moreover, Channel-A (Producer–Consumer) proves to be the most cost-effective for producers and boasts the highest producer price, while Channel-C, involving commission agents, incurs higher costs. This suggests a preference for intermediaries, emphasizing factors like market access and negotiation skills, whereas Channel-D (Producer–Local Trader–Wholesaler–Retailer–Consumer) has the highest gross marketing margin, emphasizing the trade-offs between efficiency and transaction volume. The results indicate that while Channel-A is the most efficient, it is not the preferred choice due to the lower transaction quantity. Further, the absence of market consultation services, inadequate road infrastructure, high commission charges, nonremunerative prices and untimely availability of vehicles are the major constraints in marketing. The findings of the study call for targeted interventions to create a more robust and farmer-friendly marketing environment for capsicum crops in the region. The study proposes targeted recommendations, emphasizing collaborative efforts between stakeholders, government bodies and farmers. This research contributes to the academic discourse and also offers actionable insights for researchers and policymakers, fostering sustainability, profitability and equity within the capsicum supply chain.

Viruses infecting Capsicum crops in Poland and molecular characterization of newly detected bell pepper alphaendornavirus (BPEV)

Viral diseases are one of the main factors limiting the cultivation of Capsicum annuum L. worldwide, causing yield losses of up to 80%. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a prevalent virus affecting the quality and yield of pepper; however, the presence of other viruses has been also noticed. In this study, pepper fruits originated from retail chains, home gardens and greenhouses were analysed to determine the occurrence of viruses infecting sweet pepper crops in Poland. A total of 32 symptomatic and asymptomatic fruit samples were tested for the presence of: CMV, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and potato virus Y (PVY). The presence of viruses in single and mixed infections, with a predominance of CMV, was confirmed. In addition, two symptomatic pepper samples that were negative in RT-PCR for common viruses were subjected to high-throughput sequencing and the presence of new viruses in Poland: bell pepper alphaendornavirus (BPEV) and pepper cryptic virus 2 (PCV2) in a mixed infection with other viruses was demonstrated. The presence of new viruses was verified in all tested samples and BPEV was the most prevalent. The phylogenetic analysis of the BPEV population showed that the Polish isolates are diverse and grouped within two clusters. Although BPEV does not pose a direct threat to pepper crops, its presence may cause changes in the physiology of the host, as well as may interact with other viruses in mixed infections.

Response of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) Hybrids to Micro-nutrients under Protected Conditions

The field experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022 at Vegetable Research Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur to find out the response of capsicum hybrids to micronutrients under protected conditions. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design (SPD) with 15 treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The experiment comprised three hybrids viz., Indira, Swarna and Bomby and five levels of micronutrients viz., control (no micronutrients application), soil application of Zn, Fe & B, fertigation of EDTA of Zn & Fe and solubor at 15 days interval, foliar application of vegetable special @ 5g/lit at 15 days interval and foliar application of chelated combo micronutrients @ 1g/lit at 15 days interval. Recommended package of practices for the crop were followed except treatments. Results of the experiment revealed that the hybrid Indira recorded significantly highest plant height (91.30 and 94.89 cm), number of branches (11.87 and 12.30), stem girth (4.31 and 4.60 cm), number of leaves (102.94 and 106.43), internode length (13.82 and 14.01 cm), number of flowers per plant (38.22 and 38.36), fruit set (55.10 and 55.44%), no. of fruits per plant (20.99 and 21.22), fruit weight per plant (3.69 and 3.74 kg) and fruit yield per 1000 m2 (70.36 and 71.35 q) while fruit length (11.45 and 11.71 cm), fruit diameter (10.54 and 10.66 cm), weight of placenta (18.51 and 18.71g) and average weight of fruit (193.31 and 195.90g) were significantly highest in Swarna. In case of micronutrients, foliar application of vegetable special @ 5g/at 15 day recorded significantly highest value of plant height (93.72 and 96.77cm), no. of branches (12.66 and 13.39), stem girth (4.75 and 5.12 cm), no. of leaves (105.52 and 108.68), internode length (14.75 and 15.04cm), no. of flowers per plant (41.34 and 41.95), fruit set (56.66 and 57.45%), no. fruits per plant (20.56 and 20.73), fruit length (11.85 and 12.07cm), fruit diameter (10.62 and 10.80cm), weight of placenta (18.31 and 18.46g), average fruit weight (189.03 and 191.33g), fruit weight per plant (4.12 and 4.17 kg) and fruit yield (78.64 & 79.60q/1000 m2). Hence, hybrid Indira and foliar application of vegetable special @ 5g/at 15 days may be recommended for higher productivity from capsicum crops under protected conditions.

An energy-saving glasshouse film reduces seasonal, and cultivar dependent Capsicum yield due to light limited photosynthesis

Glasshouse films can be used to reduce energy costs by limiting non-productive heat-generating radiation, but the impact on yield of greenhouse horticultural crops remains unknown. The effects of energy-saving film ULR-80 (ultra-low-reflectivity film with 80 % light transmission referred to as Smart Glass; SG) designed to block long wavelength light that generates heat also reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) consequently affecting crop morphology, photosynthesis, leaf pigments, and yield of two hydroponically grown capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars (Red and Orange). The crops were grown in four high-tech glasshouse bays over two seasons of similar daily light integrals (DLI) during ascending [Autumn Experiment (AE)] and descending [Summer Experiment (SE)] photoperiods. The Red cultivar exhibited higher photosynthetic rates (light saturated - Asat) and yield than the Orange cultivar in control glass but displayed stronger reductions in modelled photosynthetic rates at growth light and yield in SG without changes in photosynthetic capacity. Foliar pigment ratios of chlorophyll a/b and carotenoid:chlorophyll remained unaffected by the SG during both seasons indicating that chloroplast homeostasis was similar between SG and control. The seasonal differences in photosynthetic pigments and xanthophyll de-epoxidation state (DPS) revealed that cultivars were able to sense the SG-altered light environment during the AE, but not SE. The SE correlated with a lower daily light level and a substantial yield reduction of 29 % and 13 % in Red and Orange cultivars, respectively. Thus, SG-induced higher reductions in yield during the SE indicate that SG may be more beneficial for capsicum crops planted during AE.

Mitigating the Adverse Effects of Semi-Arid Climate on Capsicum Cultivation by Using the Retractable Roof Production System.

Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is an economically important vegetable crop. However, the crop is very sensitive to adverse weather conditions such as high temperatures and excessive sunlight, which cause flower and young fruit to drop and sunscald to mature fruits. Using protected cultivation such as shade covers or net houses is a feasible agronomic approach to protect the crop from high light intensity, which increases plant growth, reduces fruit damage, and increases marketable fruit yield and quality. Low-cost protected cropping options such as fixed-roof net houses have proved cost-effective and suitable for fruiting vegetable production in semi-arid climatic regions. However, this structure type is unable to protect the crops from rainfall, is prone to cyclone damage and is inflexible to accommodate various vegetable crops which have different requirements for healthy and productive growth. This study was conducted in Carnarvon, which has semi-arid climatic conditions and is a key horticultural district of Western Australia, to compare the Retractable Roof Production System (RRPS) and open field (OF) conditions in the production of capsicum. The data showed that the RRPS modified the internal light, temperature and humidity in favour of the capsicum crop. The RRPS-grown capsicum had higher plant height and lower canopy temperature on hot days than those in the OF. The mean marketable fruit yield of capsicum varieties grown in the RRPS was significantly higher than those in the OF with fruit yields of 97 t ha−1 and 39.1 t ha−1, respectively, but the fruit quality remained unchanged. Overall, the data suggest that the RRPS altered the internal microenvironment and enhanced capsicum crop growth, physiology and fruit yield by setting climatic parameters to automatically control the opening and closing of the roof, the insect net and side curtains, and activation of the fogging system. The future perspective of the deployment of RRPS for capsicum production under climatic conditions in Carnarvon was also discussed.

Integrated omics analysis identified genes and their splice variants involved in fruit development and metabolites production in Capsicum species.

To date, several transcriptomic studies during fruit development have been reported; however, no comprehensive integrated study on expression diversity, alternative splicing, and metabolomic profiling was reported in Capsicum. This study analyzed RNA-seq data and untargeted metabolomic profiling from early green (EG), mature green (MG), and breaker (Br) fruit stages from two Capsicum species, i.e., C. annuum (Cann) and C. frutescens (Cfrut) from Northeast India. A total of 117,416 and 96,802 alternatively spliced events (AltSpli-events) were identified from Cann and Cfrut, respectively. Among AltSpli-events, intron retention (IR; 32.2% Cann and 25.75% Cfrut) followed by alternative acceptor (AA; 15.4% Cann and 18.9% Cfrut) were the most abundant in Capsicum. Around 7600 genes expressed in at least one fruit stage of Cann and Cfrut were AltSpli. The study identified spliced variants of genes including transcription factors (TFs) potentially involved in fruit development/ripening (Aux/IAA 16-like, ETR, SGR1, ARF, CaGLK2, ETR, CaAGL1, MADS-RIN, FUL1, SEPALLATA1), carotenoid (PDS, CA1, CCD4, NCED3, xanthoxin dehydrogenase, CaERF82, CabHLH100, CaMYB3R-1, SGR1, CaWRKY28, CaWRKY48, CaWRKY54), and capsaicinoids or flavonoid biosynthesis (CaMYB48, CaWRKY51), which were significantly differentially spliced (DS) between consecutive Capsicum fruit stages. Also, this study observed that differentially expressed isoforms (DEiso) from 38 genes with differentially spliced events (DSE) were significantly enriched in various metabolic pathways such as starch and sucrose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, cysteine cutin suberin and wax biosynthesis, and carotenoid biosynthesis. Furthermore, the metabolomic profiling revealed that metabolites from aforementioned pathways such as carbohydrates (mainly sugars such as D-fructose, D-galactose, maltose, and sucrose), organic acids (carboxylic acids), and peptide groups significantly altered during fruit development. Taken together, our findings could help in alternative splicing-based targeted studies of candidate genes involved in fruit development and ripening in Capsicum crop.

Yield and Yield Attributes of Capsicum annum as Influenced by Coloured Shade Net and Shading Intensity

An experiment was conducted at the Precision Farming Development Centre, ARS, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner during 2015-16 to -2017-18 on loamy sand soil. The experiment comprised of four coloured shade net viz., green, red, white and black and three shading intensity (35%, 50% and 75%) under Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. Based on the three season pooled data the result revealed that capsicum gave maximum average fruit weight (86.77 g), average fruit length (25.91) and yield (558.24 q/ha) in red color shade net which is significantly higher over green and black colored shade net and remained at par with white colored shade net. Whereas, in shading intensity the maximum average fruit weight (87.14 g), average fruit length (26.15) and yield (542.44 q/ha) of capsicum was recorded with 50 percent of shading intensity which is closely followed by 75 percent shading intensity and significantly higher over 35 percent shading intensity. From the study it can be concluded that red coloured shade net with 50 per cent shading intensity would be ideal for cultivation of capsicum crops under protected conditions of shade net.

Interpolation of Microclimatic Parameters Over Capsicum Under Open Ventilated Greenhouse

A network of 12 grid points was recorded over capsicum crop to interpolate different weather parameters in the open ventilated greenhouse, an environment that differs markedly from open sites. The microclimatic condition was observed at 4.75-meter interval ground area in 4×3 regular grids. The series analyzed consisted of weekly observations recorded for a season. Most part under greenhouse had PAR distribution in range of 200−250 μ mol m-2 s-1. Regressions model were used to describe relations between photosynthetically active radiation, Relative Humidity, Air Temperature and Soil Temperature under open ventilated greenhouse to predict inside microclimatic condition. As the air temperature prevailed under greenhouse and open field condition was close during most observations, there was strong association (r =0.96**). Relative humidity also showed significant association (r=0.8**) and functional relationship with coefficient of determination R2=0.63. PAR and soil temperature also showed highly significant association with correlation coefficient r=0.79** and r=0.9**, respectively.

Effects of mulching and irrigation levels on greenhouse capsicum (Capsicum annuum)

The experiment was conducted during 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 under naturally ventilated greenhouse condition at Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology (CPCT), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. The capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) variety California Wonder was planted under colored plastic mulches (silver, yellow and black) and non-mulched (control) condition in combination with three levels of irrigation, viz. 100%, 80%, and 60% ETc.. The yield of capsicum was observed significantly higher under silver mulch (63-71.6 t/ha) followed by yellow mulch (60.04-67.04 t/ha) at 100% ETc and silver mulch (59.72-70.8 t/ha) at 80% ETc for three consecutive years. Growth parameters were significantly affected by different combination of treatments. The highest and lowest plant height (149.9 cm and 56.5 cm), leaf area (1.98 m2/m2 and 1.09 m2/m2) and total dry matter (120.4 g and 57 g) were observed under silver mulch with 100% and non-mulched with 60% ETc respectively during all the three years of experiment. Highest growth parameters were at par with silver mulch with 80% ETc treatment. Significantly higher crop water productivity (43.30-36.53 kg/m3) in silver mulch with 80 % ETc treatment was observed compared to other combination of treatments. The results revealed that, capsicum cultivation under silver coloured plastic mulch in the naturally ventilated greenhouse not only saved irrigation water but also enhanced yield, crop growth and crop water productivity at reduced level of irrigation (80% ETc). Silver colour plastic mulch was found to be best suitable for growing capsicum crop inside the naturally ventilated greenhouse.

ICP-MS based analysis of mineral elements composition during fruit development in Capsicum germplasm

Capsicum fruits are rich sources of mineral nutrients with several health benefits. However, a thorough investigation of mineral elements in Capsicum fruits at green, breaker and mature developmental stages in comparatively larger germplasm has not been reported yet. This study reports profiling of 9 mineral elements i.e. Mg, P, K, Ca, B, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn in 20 Capsicum accessions belonging to Capsicum annuum, C. chinense and C. frutescens from Northeast India. Briefly, the highest content of P (1798 ± 39) and K (7560 ± 76 mg 100g−1) at the green and breaker stages of Capsicum accession Acc-Ca9, Fe (13 ± 2) and Zn (4 ± 0.1) at the breaker stage of Acc-Ca2; and Cu at the mature stage of Acc-Cc2 (3 ± 0.4) and Acc-Cc3 (3.4 ± 0.04 mg 100g−1) were observed and showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between the developmental stages. Overall, with fruit maturation, the K content increased in C. frutescens while K and P content decreased in C. chinense and C. annuum. Statistical analysis showed significant correlations (p < 0.01) among mineral elements in the three fruit development stages. The data from this study suggests that accessions having high mineral content can be used as rich sources of dietary mineral nutrients and potential donors for biofortification of Capsicum crops.

Allocative Efficiency Analysis of Capsicum Cropping System under Tunnels

The focus of this study was to analyze the allocative efficiency of the capsicum cropping system under tunnels. The data is collected from those farmers that were cultivating the capsicum crops under the tunnels in Pakistan. Cultivation of the crops under tunnels has a rising trend in Pakistan. To achieve the best possible output with a minimum cost of newly opted farm technology can be beneficial if farmers have proper skill and know-how regarding the application of balanced use of inputs. The sample size was around 150 capsicum farms. The Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) was used to examine the allocative efficiency of capsicum farms in Pakistan. The result of the study demonstrated that the average allocative efficiency of capsicum cropping systems under tunnels in Pakistan was around 65%. Around 35% of allocative inefficiency is present in the capsicum cropping system. Mismanagement of resources related to the utilization of farm inputs i one of the main reasons for allocative inefficiency. After removing the mismanagement of resources, most farms have another way of reducing allocative inefficiency. It is linked with reallocating inputs or changing the input combination used, to achieve an optimum level of capsicum output at a given level of input prices. Hence, the objective of adoption of advanced farm technologies along with balanced application of farm inputs will result in higher farm productivity and allocative efficiency.

Indigenous Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria and Chemical Fertilizers: Impact on Soil Health and Productivity of Capsicum (Capsicum Annuum L.) in North Western Himalayan Region

ABSTRACT At present, no commercial indigenous plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is available for Capsicum crop in North-Western Himalayan Region. Therefore, PGPR were isolated from rhizosphere and root samples of capsicum collected from 28 locations of agro-climatic zones I, II and III of Himachal Pradesh. Thirty-four morphological distinct isolates were screened for multifarious plant growth-promoting traits. Four best PGPR isolates (MAT8, KAN11, JHA6 and ROH14) exhibiting maximum increase in capsicum seed germination were further screened at 80, 60 and 40% of recommended chemical doses of nitrogen (75 Kg ha−1) and phosphorus (70 Kg ha−1) fertilizer (RDNP) for capsicum growth and yield under net-house conditions. Two isolates, ROH14 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Accession number KX447671) and JHA6 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Accession number KX447673), alone and in consortia along with 60 and 80% RDNP were further selected for two-year field experimentation. The conjoint application of PGPR isolate (JHA6 and ROH14) along with 80% RDNP brought a significant increase in yield (25.9%), plant height (8.2%), biomass (9.4%), nitrogen (47.1%) and phosphorus uptake (34.0%) over 100% of recommended doses of chemical fertilizers. In addition, the treatment also resulted in enhanced soil properties in terms of available contents of nitrogen and phosphorus, enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase and phytase), microbial population and microbial biomass-carbon besides providing net return of Rs 4484170. The study, therefore, indicates the potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (ROH14) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (JHA6) in partial replacement of nitrogen and phosphorus (~20%) applied through chemical fertilizers, providing Benefit/Cost ratio 2.73 along with sustainable crop production.

Yield and net income derived by the farmers from capsicum crop under protected vegetable cultivation

Yield and net income derived by the farmers from capsicum crop under protected vegetable cultivation

Comparative evaluation of actual evapotranspiration of capsicum inside and outside of naturally ventilated polyhouse

This study was conducted to study the relationship between capsicum crop evapotranspiration inside (ETCin) and crop evapotranspiration outside (ETCout) the naturally ventilated polyhouse (NVPH) using meteorological parameters. Polyhouse has a straightway impact on air temperature and relative humidity while it indirectly influences soil temperature and soil moisture inside the structure. Under this study, crop evapotranspiration was estimated by conventional method i.e., obtaining reference evapotranspiration from weather data recorded inside the polyhouse and multiplying it with crop coefficient values of capsicum crop. Reference crop evapotranspiration inside and outside the polyhouse found as 745.19 mm and 590.22 mm, respectively whereas capsicum crop evapotranspiration inside and outside the polyhouse was 868.40 mm and 694.16 mm, respectively. The results of the study revealed that the relationship between weekly ETCin and ETCout can be expressed mathematically as ETCin = 0.84 ETCout. This implies that, there was approximately 15 % lower crop evapotranspiration requirement for the capsicum crop inside the naturally ventilated polyhouse as compared to outside the polyhouse.

Influence of Deficit Irrigation on Biometric Parameters of Capsicum Crop under Polyhouse Conditions

The influence of different deficit irrigations on capsicum crop biometric parameters and fruit yield were assessed in an experiment the variety ‘Indra’ was tested using completely randomized block design with three deficit irrigations (0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 ETC) and 5 replications in polyhouse and 1.0 ETC in open field conditions. The biometric parameters namely plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of days to flowering; number of days to harvesting, number of fruits per plant, individual fruit weight and fruit yield are measured. From the results, observed that, average of plant height (91.23 cm), number of leaves (91.3), number of branches (6.9), number of days to flowering (32.7), number of days to harvest (71), fruit number per plant (7), individual fruit weight (75.99 g) and yield (6466.66 t ha-1) parameters found higher in 1.0 ETC (T1), but in case of water productivity (12.4 kg ha-1 mm-1) in the treatment (T2) 0.75 ETC showed superiority. From the results, it is determined that by adopting the 0.75 ETC (T2) we can save the water up to 25%.&#x0D; Aims: The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of deficit irrigation in biometric parameters of capsicum.&#x0D; Study Design: Completely randomized block design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Experiment conducted during January to May 2018 at Agriculture farm, College of Agricultural Engineering, Madakasira located in Rayalaseema region.&#x0D; Methodology: Physical and chemical properties of field were found by using standard methods. The experiment was arranged using CRD design with three levels of irrigation and five replications. Fertigation was done with 250:150:150 kg/ha recommended doses of N:P:K to capsicum crop. Based on climatological approach (evapotranspiration basis) the quantity of water applied. All the recommended cultural practices selection of cultivars, nursery raising, land preparation, laying drip lines, fumigation, fertilizer application, transplanting, pruning, training and plant protection measures are removing affected plant parts, flowers, fruits and for thrips and aphids management are dicofol (2 ml/L) and imidacloprid (0.5 ml/l) standardized for polyhouse were followed time to time to ensure a healthy crop stand. Crop water requirement was determined by using AquaCrop model. The parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves per plant and number of branches per plant were recorded at 30, 60, 90, 120 days after transplanting and at harvest. The collected data of different parameters during the course of research were analysed as per the completely randomized design (CRD) by applying the technique of analysis of variance procedure.&#x0D; Results: Among all the treatments, Irrigation with 100% Crop Evapotranspiration (1.0 ETc) (T1) registered the highest plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of days required to harvesting, number of days required to flowering, fruit number, average fruit weight and fruit yield, followed by 0.75 ETc (T2), 0.5 ETc (T3) and open field conditions. This might be due to good soil moisture distribution in drip irrigation compared to the open field. From the observed parameters it is exhibited that drip irrigation 0.75 ETC recorded as the higher water productivity (12.4 kg ha-1 mm-1) followed by drip irrigation scheduled at 1.0 ETC (11.49 kg ha-1 mm-1), 0.5 ETC (11.07 kg ha-1 mm-1) and open field (1.38 kg ha-1 mm-1) recorded very less.&#x0D; Conclusion: By adopting T2 (0.75 ETC) irrigation treatment we can save the water up to 25%, by using saved water additional quantity of vegetables can be produced.

Evaluation of Different Enriched Composts under Protected Organic Farming in Capsicum-pea based Cropping System

Background: For the successful adoption of organic farming especially under protected cultivation conditions there is a dire need to enrich and fortify the different composts for meeting out the requirements of crops. Experiments were conducted at Model Organic Farm, Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming, CSKHPKV, Palampur and at farmers field in Akrot, Una and Rajol Kangra of HP with an objective to evaluate different enriched composts under protected organic farming conditions.Methods: The experiments were conducted with 9 treatments viz. Matka khad (M) + Rock phosphate (RP), Matka khad + Gypsum (G), Matka khad + Patent kali (PK), Matka khad + Lime (L), Matka khad + control, Matka khad + Combination of RP,G,PK,L + Tricoderma + Rhi/Azoto + PSB, Panchgavya + Combination of RP,G,PK,L + Tricoderma + Rhi/Azoto + PSB, Jeevamrit + Combination of RP,G,PK,L + Tricoderma + Rhi/Azoto + PSB and Vermicompost. These treatments were selected after preparation of enriched and fortified FYM and its evaluation by microbial and nutrient analysis. Pea crop variety Pb-89 and Capsicum crop variety California wonder were selected for the experiments under polyhouse at research farm and at farmer’s field. Result: Results showed that inoculation of biomass with matka khad along with additives i.e. rock phosphate, gypsum, patent kali and lime @ of 1% and fortification with Tricoderma, suitable biofertilizer (Rhizobium/Azotobacter) along with PSB increased the yield of Pea crop more than 40% at organic farm and farmers fields, whereas in case of capsicum the increase in yield was to the tune of 14% at model organic farm and more than 40% at two different sites of farmers field.