Effect of Partial Shade and Weeding Intervals on Growth and Yield Performance of Chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.) is one of the most important cash crop cultivated in the Sri Lanka. Though, chilli cultivation has been tremendously influenced by the adverse climatic conditions and weed infestations. To solve these issues, a field experiment was conducted at Integrated Farm and Training Center, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Kanagarayankulam, during February 2017 to July 2017, to evaluate the impact of partial shade and effect of different weeding intervals on growth and yield performance of chilli. The treatments consisted of two shade levels (partial shade and full sun) and four weeding intervals (weeding at one week, two week, three week intervals and no weeding) in split plot arrangement with three replicates. Light intensity was statistically significant (p < 0.05) between shade levels. The lowest light intensity and the highest relative humidity were recorded in partially shaded treatment as 22.50 klux and 85.42 %, respectively at 8.00 a.m. Weed density was significantly (p < 0.05) differed by shade and weeding interval treatments. The lowest weed density was recorded in full sun (control) and weeding at one week interval treatment. Shade treatments and weeding interval treatments have shown a significant (p < 0.05) effect on plant height, leaf numbers, leaf length, fruit length, fruit fresh weight and total yields. Partial shade and weeding at one week interval have shown significantly higher growth and yield performance compared to the other levels of treatment. Therefore, these results can be recommended for adoption by the farmers to improve the performance of chilli.