Effect of mulching on growth and yield on different varieties of chilli (Capsicum annum L.) in northern dry Zone of Karnataka

The field experiment on effect of mulching on growth and yield on different varieties of chilli (Capsicum annum L.) in northern dry zone of Karnataka was conducted at the Vegetable Science Research Block, University of Horticultural Sciences Bagalkot, Karnataka. The results revealed that among six varieties with mulching treatment, highest plat height was recorded in Megha (80.00 cm), followed by Harith (79.33 cm) and Kyati (75.00 cm). Number of primary branches per plant was noticed highest in the variety Trisha and Gg 6409 (2.67), same like that, number of secondary branches per plant was more in Megha (19.67), followed by Gg 6409 (18.00). In fruit character like fruit height, Megha variety reported highest fruit length (21.00 cm), followed by Gg 8107 (17.00 cm). Yield parameters like in fruit weight, maximum was recorded in variety Gg 8107 (13.00 g). The number of fruits per plant was more in variety Megha (184 fruits), followed by Gg 6409 (172.67 fruits) and Harith (160 fruits). Finally, maximum yield per plant was found highest in variety Megha (2.15 kg), followed by Trisha (1.38 kg) and Gg 8107 (1.36 kg) and also, maximum yield per hectare as calculated, was found highest in Megha (60.33 t/ha) followed by Gg 6409 (58.00 t/ha) and lowest in the variety Trisha (39.00 t/ha). Thus, yield was more in mulched condition Megha and Gg 6409 varieties gives higher yield in mulch treatments compared to other varieties. From this study, it clearly depicted that mulching for chilli cultivation increased growth and yield parameters.