Evaluation of different growing media on the growth and development of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings in the mid-hill region of Nepal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2025.1004010Keywords:
Chilli, CRD, Growing media, Nursery, SeedlingsAbstract
The experiment evaluating different growing media on the growth and development of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings in the mid-hill region of Nepal was conducted under polyhouse conditions using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatments and four replications in Tehrathum district. The treatments included various combinations of organic and inert components, i.e. soil, FYM, cocopeat, vermicompost, poultry manure, vermiculite, and perlite in different ratios. Parameters recorded included germination percentage, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root length, secondary root number, fresh weight, and dry weight at different growth stages. Results revealed significant differences among treatments for all parameters except for germination. All treatments demonstrated high and comparable germination rates, ranging from 92.66% to 96.66% with the highest germination recorded in T2 (cocopeat + soil, 4:1) at 96.66% and the lowest in T4 (vermicompost + poultry manure + soil, 1:1:2) at 92.66%. The combination of vermicompost + poultry manure + soil (1:2:1) i.e. T4 produced the most vigorous seedlings, with maximum seedling height (18.65 cm), leaf numbers (9.46), stem diameter (0.38 cm), fresh weight (2.47 gm), dry weight (0.27 gm), root length (86.12 cm) and secondary root numbers (13.87). Seedlings grown in T2 (Soil + cocopeat, 1:4) exhibited the poorest performance across all parameters, with significant differences at the 5% level of significance. The findings suggest that nutrient-rich organic growing media with proper aeration and moisture-holding capacity are optimal for nursery production of chilli in the mid-hill region of Nepal.
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