Performance of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) as influenced by NK Ratio, biofertilizer and shade.

Abstract

The experiments on the ‘Performance of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) as influenced by NK ratio, biofertilizer and shade’ was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during January to May 2003. The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD with two factors, in six treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The factors included were NK ratio viz., 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 and biofertilizer treatment viz., Azospirillum inoculation and control. Three separate experiments were carried out in open, 25 and 50 per cent shade. Artificial shade was provided using high density polyethylene shade nets. Results of the experiment revealed that the NK ratio as well as Azospirillum inoculation had positive influence on plant height, number of branches, stem girth, DMP and leaf area index. The growth parameters showed an increasing trend with increase in level of shade, while stem girth reduced with shade. Yield parameters like number of flowers plant-1and number of fruits plant-1 vary significantly with NK ratio and Azospirillum inoculation. With regard to days for flower initiation and 50 per cent flowering, higher NK ratio hastened this phyto phase. Shading prolonged vegetative phase and delayed flowering. Yield in open and 25 per cent shade were on par but NK ratio did not significantly influence the yield. Quality parameters of chilli significantly improved as a result of Azospirillum inoculation and shade. Plants treated with 2 : 1 NK ratio and Azospirillum was found to be significantly superior in ascorbic acid and capsaicin. There was significant reduction in incidence of leaf curl and wilt under shade. The nutrient uptake showed a significant increase with increase in dose of NK, Azospirillum inoculation and shade. Combined application of biofertilizer with higher NK ratio increased the N and K status of soil after the experiment while P status of soil decreased with increase in shade. Lower levels of shade with higher dose of nitrogen and potassium registered highest benefit cost ratio. However upto 25 per cent shade economic yield was obtained.