Biodynamic practices in chilli

Abstract

The research project entitled ‘Biodynamic practices in chilli’ was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during October 2004 to February 2005. The study was conducted on chilli cv, Jwalasakhi. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomised block design with two replications. The treatments consisted of two levels of biodynamic calendar – factor A (A1 is the cultivation practices based on biodynamic calendar and A2 is cultivation practices without considering biodynamic calendar) and six levels of manurial schedule – factor B (B1 – BD 500 + organic manures on nutrient equivalent basis, B2 – BD 501 + organic manures on nutrient equivalent basis, B3 – B1 + B2 + organic manures on nutrient equivalent basis, B4 – Panchagavyam + organic manures on nutrient equivalent basis, B5 – organic manures alone on nutrient equivalent basis, B6 – package of practices recommendations of Kerala Agricultural University (FYM 20 t ha-1 + 75 : 40 : 25 kg N: P2O5 : K2O ha-1) Results of the experiment revealed that POP recommendations of Kerala Agricultural University significantly increased the growth characters like plant height, number of branches, leaf area index, root length and root spread while root-shoot ratio was higher in organic manure treatments. Similar trend was also observed for yield and yield attributing characters. The post harvest nutrient content in soil showed a significant increase with panchagavyam + organic manures on nutrient equivalent basis which was on par with other treatments receiving biodynamic preparations and organic manures. Quality parameters of chilli significantly improved as a result of application of biodynamic preparations and organic manures. Panchagavyam + organic manures increased the shelf life while organic manures alone on nutrient equivalent basis increased ascorbic acid content. POP of Kerala Agricultural University was found to be significantly superior in capsaicin content. There was significant reduction in the incidence of damping off by POP of Kerala Agricultural University while the highest incidence of fruit rot was observed in the same treatment. Eventhough the cost of cultivation is higher for POP recommendations of Kerala Agricultural University, it was rated as more economic in terms of net returns and B:C ratio.