Influence of nitrogen and potassium on growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted during 2019-20
and 2020-21 to study the effect of nitrogen and potassium
on growth, yield of chilli. The experiment was conducted in
randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. The
experiment comprised twelve treatments combination of four
nitrogen doses (0, 75, 100 and 125 kg/ha) and three potassium
(0, 30 kg /ha as basal and KNO3 @ 2% as spray). Two equal
splits of nitrogen i.e., one at the time of transplanting and
remaining at first picking were applied in case of 75 kg/ha N.
However, for 100 and 125 kg N/ha application was applied in
three equal splits i.e., first at the time of transplanting, second
and third at first and third picking of chilli. Foliar application
of KNO3 was applied thrice i.e., at the time of flowering, first
and third picking of chilli. Potassium nitrate (KNO3) @ 2%
along with nitrogen 100 kg/ha and potassium 30 kg/ha was
proved to be significantly higher in growth and yield
contributing parameters such as plant height, leaf area index,
days to 50% flowering, average fruit weight, and number of
fruits/plant. There was higher green and red ripe fruit yield
of 8-18 % and 20-22 % respectively in chilli during both
seasons. So, 100 kg nitrogen per hectare in three splits and
30 kg potassium per hectare along with three foliar sprays
of KNO3 @ 2% in chilli was proved suitable for production
of chilli under North Indian conditions.