Effect of Tillage and Weed Management Practices on Growth and Oleoresin Yield in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L)

Field experiments carried out on chilli (Capsicum annuum L) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute during 2012 and 2013 revealed that the conventional (CT) and zero (ZT) tillage resulted in comparable weed density, dry weight, chilli oleoresin yield, plant height and plant dry matter, during both the years. Tank-mix pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha⁻¹ + imazethapyr 0.075 kg ha⁻¹ was next to weed-free check and superior to all other weed control treatments in the reduction of weed density during both the years. Weedy check had the shortest chilli plant and the lowest dry matter during both the years. Among the herbicide treatments, the tank-mix pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha⁻¹ + imazethapyr 0.075 kg ha⁻¹ resulted in tallest chilli plants with the highest dry weight, which were significantly different from the other herbicide treatments at 90 DAT during both the years. The oleoresin content (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) also improved in the tank-mix pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha⁻¹ + imazethapyr 0.075 kg ha⁻¹ as compared to the other herbicide treatments.