Impact of various micro climates on the physiological parameters and yield of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine effect of different micro climate on physiological parameter and yield of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) at Plasticulture Farm, CTAE, Udaipur, Rajasthan. There were four small structures (1, 2, 3, and 4) of 64 m2 (16 m x 4 m) area each with varying cladding materials i.e. 75% shade net, 40 mesh insect net, 200 micron LDPE UV stabilized sheet air vent on side and top provided with 75% shade net, and 200 micron LDPE UV stabilized sheet and air vent on side and top provided with insect net, respectively. It was observed that maximum plant height (174.7 cm), leaves per plant (64) and first harvesting (57.3 DAT) was found in Structure-1. Early flower initiation (29 DAT) was found in Structure-2. Maximum number of flower per plant (23.7), cumulative number of flower per plant (18.20), highest individual fruit weight (94.4 g), highest fruit yield (1720 g plant-1) were found in Structure-4. The water use efficiency (WUE) was found 14.62, 13.52, 15.17, and 18.91 kg m-3 under Structure-1, Structure-2, Structure-3 and Structure-4, respectively. Based on the results, Structure-4 was found best in respect of yield, physiological yield, physio-logical parameters, maximum net income (` 13813/- per structure i.e. ` 215.83 m-2 area) and B:C ratio (1.87).