Sustainable production of bell pepper in West Bengal

An experiment was carried at Horticultural Research Station, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mondouri, Nadia, during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-2019 to study effect of intercropping on of bell pepper. Most of the growth and yield attributes were significantly influenced by intercropping system. Maximum plant height (88.06 cm) was recorded from sole capsicum followed by capsicum+ French bean treatment (85.79 cm) and lowest value was observed in capsicum + spinach intercropping system (79.10 cm). Capsicum+ French bean recorded significantly maximum capsicum equivalent yield (31.16 tons ha^-1). Capsicum +French bean model recorded maximum TSS, ascorbic acid and beta carotene content of capsicum i.e. 6.27° Brix, 181.15 mg 100g^-1 and 1.90 mg 100g^-1, respectively. The total and reducing sugar content of capsicum is triggered when, coriander crop grown as inter crop. Capsicum + coriander treatment recorded highest total (5.15 %) and reducing sugar (2.83 %) content. Capsicum grown with French bean valued maximum land equivalent ratio about 1.62 and minimum of 1.29 was recorded for spinach grown as intercrop in capsicum. Maximum B: C ratio (3.02) was obtained in capsicum+ French bean model .Inclusion of French bean in the interspaces of capsicum may be a viable option for sustainable production of bell pepper.