Department of Basic Sciences, YSP University of Horticulture and Forestty, Solan 173 230
Combined effects of mulching materials and plant regulator/potassium significantly lessened the deleterious impacts of water stress in bell pepper. Height, leaf area and leaf area index were comparatively more than un-mulched, untreated plants at 50% water deficit. Double spray of potassium (1%) plus mulching was most effective. Flower number and fruit yield were significantly higher in mulched and treated plants. Plastic mulch in combination with double spray of 1% potassium maintained fruit yield 2–3 times more than that in un-mulched, un-treated plants at 50% water deficit. Photosynthesis and water use efficiency were significantly higher in treated mulched plants. Light transmission ratio declined markedly in treated plants under mulching conditions. Drought tolerance efficiency was substantially enhanced by combined effects of mulching materials and triacontanol or potassium at 50% water deficit.
