54. Effect of different mulching materials on weeds and yield of Chili cultivars
Abstract
To evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on the weeds and yield of chili cultivars, an experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm at University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the year 2014. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication.. There were two factors i.e. mulching materials (Wheat straw, Saw dust, Transparent plastic, Black plastic, Unmulched) and chili cultivars (PusaJawala, Sky Star, Hot Green, Green Star).Minimum weed density m-2 (19), maximum yield tons ha-1 (3.07) were found when black plastic was used, while maximum weed density m-2 (209), were found, when transparent plastic was used. Highest soil moisture content (%) was found under black and transparent plastic mulch. Wheat straw and saw dust also increase growth and yield components of chili as compare to Unmulched plots. Lowest soil moisture content (16.1 %) and minimum yield tons ha-1 (0.70) were recorded from Unmulched plots. In case of cultivars maximum yield tons ha-1 (2.33) were noted in cultivar Sky Star. It is concluded from the results that cultivar Sky star along with black plastic mulch proved better with respect to weed control and yield and should be used for higher production of chili under the agro climatic conditions of Peshawar.
Keywords: Chili, Soil moisture (%), Number of Fruits, Fruit length, Fruit weight
