Effect of polythene mulch on growth, yield and economics of Green Chilli (Capsicum annuum)

The present investigation was conducted at farmer’s field during Zaid season of 2019-20 and 2020-21 to assess the effect of plastic mulch on growth, yield and economics of chilli crop. Two treatments i.e. T₁-Farmers’ practice (without mulch) and T₂ (25 micron Silver black double coloured plastic mulch) replicated at twenty farmers’ field. The use of plastic mulch as a soil cover was found effective in improving growth, yield and economics of chilli (Capsicum annum L.). The Treatment T₂ (double coloured plastic mulch) recorded minimum weed intensity (5.06), maximum plant height (49.66 cm), number of primary branches/ plant (11.62), green fruit yield/plant (530g) and yield/ha (256.59 q). The maximum net return per hectare (Rs 2,90,422/-) and benefit cost ratio (4.15) were also recorded under treatment T₂ whereas, in farmers’ practices net return and benefit cost ratio were found Rs. 2,37,932/- and 3.90, respectively. Therefore, silver-black mulching appears to be a viable tool to increase the chilli production and recommended for cultivation.