Research Article
Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield
and quality of chilli (Capsicum annum L.)
under the agro climatic condition of
Peshawar, Pakistan
Taskeen Hasan Khan
1, Faiza Aman
1, Muhammad Noman Khan
1*,
Dawood, Syed Qasim Shah
1, Babar Said
1, Irfanullah Irfan
1and
Kalimullah
21. Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar-Pakistan 2. Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Anbar-Pakistan
*Corresponding author’s email: nomanhort@aup.edu.pk
Citation
Taskeen Hasan Khan, Faiza Aman, Muhammad Noman Khan, Dawood, Syed Qasim Shah, Babar Said, Irfanullah Irfan and Kalimullah. Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of chilli (Capsicum annum L.) under the agro climatic condition of Peshawar, Pakistan. Pure and Applied Biology. Vol. 8, Issue 1, pp856-865.
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80027
Received: 02/11/2018 Revised: 21/02/2019 Accepted: 01/03/2019 Online First: 12/03/2019
Abstract
The experiment was conducted to evaluate the “Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of chili (Capsicum annum L.)” at Horticulture Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during April 2017. The experiment was laid out in Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors, vermicompost levels (0, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 t ha−1) and cultivars (Magma and Himaliya). The data related to vermicompost showed that growth, yield and quality parameters increased with increasing level of vermicompost. Maximum plant height (93.83 cm), stem diameter (1.69 cm), number of branches (12), leaf area (1337.3 cm2), fruit length (10.92 cm), fruit weight (4.80 gm), root length (23.11 cm), yield
(8.26 tons ha-1), highest ascorbic acid content (193.33 mg 100-1 g fruit) were recorded at @ 2.5 tons ha-1 of
vermicompost,. In case of cultivars maximum plant height (89.58 cm), stem diameter (1.55cm), number of branches (10.67 fruit weight (4.27 gm), fruit length (10.33 cm), root length (21.07 cm) and yield (6.55 tons ha-1) and minimum ascorbic acid content (165.50 mg 100-1 g fruit) and leaf area (1102.2 cm2) were recorded
in Magma cultivar. However highest ascorbic acid content (184.08mg 100-1g) and maximum leaf area
(1211.6 cm2) were recorded in cultivar Himaliya. It is found that Magma cultivar along with 2.5 tons ha-1
vermicompost showed better growth, yield and quality parameters and hence may be recommended under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Further research is suggested to explore vermicompost benefits and other high yielding chili cultivar for Peshawar.
Keywords:Chili; Growth; Quality; Vermicompost; Yield
Introduction
Chili (Capsicum annum L.) belongs to family
Solanaceae. The origin of chili is Brazil and tropical South America. It consists of about 20 species and only four species are grown.
In South and Central America Capsicum
pubescens and Capsicum pendulum are
limited. The other two species i.e. Capsicum
annuum and Capsicum frutescens are
counted first, while China is ranked second in production. Pakistan is relatively low in production as compared to other countries. Pakistan also produces and exports chili. In Pakistan, chili was grown in an area of 62456 hectares with total production of 139667 tons. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) produces 475 tons chili on an area of 412 ha [2]. Chili requires tropical and sub-tropical environment for better production, where there is less danger of injury due to long warm growing season and frost. It requires an optimum temperature of 20 to 25°C. Unfavorable temperature effect blossom, bud and fruits drop. Chili takes 120 to 150 days to maturity. It requires moderate (60 to 120 mm) rainfall. It best grows on well drained silt, loam soil. Generally 1.5- 2 kg seeds of chili required to plant on hectare land. Its nursery can be raised from February to April, which takes 4 to 8 weeks to be transplanted in to the field [3].The fruit of chili is one of the most important condiments and is pod like berry. In Pakistan chili is used at any stage, fresh or matured in variety of dishes. The important function of the chili as a condiment is to make the food tasty and attractive color and flavor [4]. It has been confirmed that chili produces alkaloid compounds called capsaicinoids. Pungency in chili is due these capsaicinoids. In pharmaceutical industry Capsaicinoids are important for neurological efficiency [5]. Chilies are very high in vitamin C, E, carotenoids and provitamin A. They are powerful antioxidants [6]. Chili also contains sufficient quantity of phosphorous, calcium and iron [7]. Chili fruit can be used in different forms. It is used as salad or coloring agent in various dishes and its powder is used in cosmetics and as colorant [8].In Pakistan chili is important summer vegetable crop and is broadly grown with high use rate. To increase yield, farmers use large amounts of mineral fertilizers. The use of large amount of different fertilizers are concerned to
human health, environment as well as to aquatic ecosystem. Organic fertilizers play important role in hormonal activity, soil aeration and in overall soil structure improvement. They supply nutrients to plants and increase water holding capacity of the land. Vermicompost as organic fertilizer is considered a good alternative of these fertilizers. It could be used as an excellent soil amendment for main fields and nursery beds, has been good in raising nursery plants
[9].
Vermicomposts are products derived from the accelerated biological degradation of organic wastes by earthworms and microorganisms. The end product is peat-like material with high porosity, aeration, drainage, water-holding capacity [10]. It contains of many essential nutrients that play important role to improve chemical, physical and biological, properties as well as growth and yield of chili [11]. Vermicompost has readily available nutrients in the form of nitrates, phosphates and exchangeable calcium and soluble potassium nitrate and play role in exchangeable calcium. Using of vermicompost in small quantity improves the crop growth and yield as compared to farm yard manure [12]. It is a rich source of Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S), Phosphorus (P) and nitrates which play an important role in the improvement of plant growth and yield
[13].
following objectives. To optimize the dose of vermicompost for better growth, yield and quality of chili, to identify the suitable cultivar of chili for Peshawar valley, to find out the interactive effect of various vermicompost levels and chili cultivars.
Materials and methods
The experiment was conducted on “Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of chili (Capsicum annum L.)” at Horticulture Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during April, 2017.
Experimental design
The trial was laid out in RCBD with factorial arrangement having two factors i.e. different chili cultivars as one factor while different levels of vermicompost as another factor. Treatments were replicated three times with row to row and plant to plant distance was 75 and 45 cm respectively (Table 1).
Soil Analysis
Soil samples were taken randomly from different parts of the field with the help of Auger (30, mm diameter) and analyzed in the Soil Science Laboratory, The University of Agriculture Peshawar (Table 2).
Table 1. Shows factors
Factor A Factor B
cultivars Vermicompost
Magma 0.0
Himaliya 1.5
2.0 2.5
Table 2. Results of soil analysis
Soil Analysis Concentration
pH 7.3
Electrical Conductivity 0.32 dSm-1
Organic Matter 1.2 %
Nitrogen 0.12 %
Phosphorous 0.04 %
Preparation of the field
The field was ploughed and leveled to have well-organized supply of irrigation water. The experimental plot was divided into small plots according to statistical design keeping plot size of 2.7 m2. Ridges were made with 75 cm row to row distance in each plot for transplanting.
Fertilizer application
Nitrogen and phosphorous was applied as basal dose to all plots including control at the rate of 50 kg ha-1. (No additional use of synthetic fertilizer, but replaced by vermicompost).
Transplantation of seedlings
Five weeks old seedlings were transplanted to the field on first April. Before transplantation field was irrigated.
Application of vermicompost
Vermicompost was applied at the time of transplanting to plants in all the treatments excluding control. A thick layer of 5 cm vermicompost was spread and incorporated in the soil around each plant according to the levels maintained in factor B.
Chemical analysis of vermicompost
University of Agriculture Peshawar (Table 3).
Table 3. Chemical analysis of vermicompost
Property Values %
Organic matter 25 – 30
Nitrogen 1.5 – 2.5
Phosphorus 0.5 – 1.2
Potash 0.85-1.5
Sulphur 0.4 - 0.5
Magnessium 0.2 – 0.3
Parameters
Days to 50% flowering, Plant height (cm), Stem diameter (cm), Number of branches plant-1, Leaf area (cm2), Fruit length (cm), Fruit weight (gm), Root length (cm), Fruit weight (gm) plant-1, Yield (tons ha-1), Ascorbic acid content, Results and discussions, Days to 50% flowering.
Data concerning days to 50% flowering are presented in (Table 4), statistical analysis showed that vermicompost levels and interaction between vermicompost and chili cultivars was found non-significant, while cultivars showed significant effect. Vermicompost did not affected days to flowering. This may be due to the fact that vermicompost is an organic fertilizer which release nutrients slowly as compared to mineral fertilizers. Cultivars showed significant difference in their days to flowering which may be due to genetic variation between cultivars. Similar results were found by [17]
who stated that cultivars have different genetic potential with respect to their vegetative and reproductive growth.
Plant height (cm)
Data in the (Table 4), showing plant height, the mean (Table) showed that vermicompost levels and chili cultivars affected plant height significantly, while interaction was found non-significant. In case of vermicompost highest plant height (93.83 cm) was recorded in plants treated with 2.5 tons ha-1of vermicompost, followed by plants (88.33 cm)
supplied with 2 ton ha-1of vermicompost which was statically similar to the plant height, supplied with 1.5 tons ha-1 of vermicompost. However the lowest plant height (79.00 cm) was found in the control treatment. In case of cultivars highest plant height (89.58 cm) was found in cultivar Magma while lowest plant height was recorded (83.58 cm) in cultivar Himaliya. Increase in plants height by vermicompost might be due to availability of reason of essential plant nutrients supplied by vermicompost. The above results are similar to [18] and [19] who reported that vermicompost increased all the growth, yield and quality parameters such as plant height, leaf area and fruit length significantly as compared to control in tomato and chili respectively. Differences in plant height between different cultivars might be due variation in genetic makeup and its adaptation ability to environment. This may be due to moderate supply of nutrients which has shown positive response and let the plants to grow according to their genetic makeup. These resulting are agreement with [20]who concluded that the variation in genetic makeup surrounded by different cultivars may be attributing adaptation ability to environment.
Stem diameter (cm)
significantly affected stem diameter, while interaction was found non-significant. The largest stem diameter (1.69 cm) was produced with 2.5 tons ha-1 of vermicompost, followed by (1.54 cm) supplied with 2 tons ha-1of vermicompost, while the smallest stem
diameter (1.33 cm) was noted in the control treatment. In case of cultivars maximum stem diameter (1.56 cm) was noted in cultivar Magma, while least stem diameter (1.46 cm) was recorded in Himaliya. The reason for increase in stem diameter with the increase in vermicompost level might be due to availability of vital nutrients for plant growth by vermicompost which resulted more photosynthate formation and let the plant to increase its vegetative growth. Similar findings are in line with [21] and [22] who found that application of vermicompost increased stem diameter in tomato plants. Variation among the cultivars in stem diameter might be due to their genetic makeup. The results are similar to the findings of [23] who found differences among okra varieties in stem diameter.
Number of branches plant-1
Data regarding branches plant-1 are given in (Table 4) statistical analysis showed that various vermicompost levels and cultivars affected number of branches plant1
significantly. However interaction between vermicompost and cultivars remained non-significant. In case of vermicompost maximum number of branches plant-1 (12) were recorded in plants received 2.5 tons ha
-1 of vermicompost, which were statistically
similar to the number of branches (10) obtained with the application of 2 ton ha-1of vermicompost. Less number of branches plant-1 (8) was noted in the control treatment.
In case of chili cultivars more number of branches (10) was recorded in Magma while less number of branches (8.92) in Himailya. Increase in number of branches plant-1 might be due to regular supply of nutrients added by vermicompost that enhanced vegetative
growth, while deficiency of nutrients resulting in poor growth. Comparatively similar results were obtained by [24] who found that vermicompost had positive effect on vegetative growth in term of number of branches in chili crop. Genetic makeup might altered yield production between cultivars. Similar results were found by [17]who stated that cultivars have different genetic potential with respect to their vegetative and reproductive growth.
Leaf area (cm2)
Data regarding leaf area is placed in (Table 4) analysis of variance showed that vermicompost levels and cultivars affected significantly leaf area, while interaction was found non-significant. Maximum leaf area (1337.3 cm2) was recorded where 2.5 tons ha
-1 of vermicompost was used, which was
statistically similar to the leaf area (1236.7 cm2), supplied with 2 tons ha-1 of
vermicompost, while the minimum leaf area (981 cm2) was noted in the control treatment.
In case of cultivars maximum leaf area (1211.6 cm2) was noted in Himaliya, while minimum leaf area (1102.2 cm2) was
observed in Magma. Increase in leaf area with increased levels of vermcompost might be due to the essential plant nutrients supplied to the plant by vermcompost. The observed results are in line with the findings of [25], who stated that vermicompost contains nitrogen and phosphorous which significantly increased vegetative growth in terms of leaf area. Different cultivars showed different leaf area that might be due to differences in their genetic makeup or varietal characteristics.
Fruit length (cm)
vermicompost, followed by plants (9.95 cm) supplied with 2 ton ha-1 of vermicompost, while the minimum fruit length (8.42 cm) was observed in the control treatment. In case of cultivars maximum fruit length (10.34 cm) was observed in cultivar Magma while smallest fruit length (8.94 cm) was observed in cultivar Himaliya. Increase in fruit length with increasing levels of vermicompost might be due to the presence of plant essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. These results are in confirmation with [26] who reported that vermicompost
contains macro nutrients such as phosphates, exchangeable calcium, and soluble potassium with sufficient quantity of microorganisms, vitamins and hormones which increased the growth and yield of plants. In case of cultivars variation in fruit length might be due to genetic makeup and environmental condition. These results are supported by [27]
who reported that different cultivars showed difference in fruit length due to varietal variation because of genetic makeup among the cultivars.
Table 4. Plant height (cm), Stem diameter (cm), Number of branches plant-1, Leaf area (cm2), Fruit length (cm), Fruit weight (gm)
Factors: Level:
Plant height
(cm)
Stem diameter
(cm)
Number of branches
plant-1
Leaf area (cm2)
Fruit length (cm)
Fruit weight (gm)
0.0 45.00 1.33c 8.00 c 981.0b 8.42c 3.37c
1.5 44.67 1.47bc 9.00bc 1072.7b 9.25bc 3.77bc
2.0 43.67 1.54ab 10.16ab 1236.7a 9.95ab 4.23ab
2.5 42.00 1.69a 12.00a 1337.3a 10.93a 4.80a
LSD (P≤0.05) 0.185 2.01 144.09 1.21 0.438
Magma 42.66 b 1.56a 10.67a 1102.2b 10.34a 4.28a
Himalya 45.00 a 1.46b 8.92b 1211.6a 8.94b 3.81b
LSD (P≤0.05) 2.2149 0.094 1.49 101.89 0.93 0.6075
Fruit weight (gm)
The experimental data of fruit weight is placed in (Table 4) the mean (Table) showed that vermicompost levels and cultivars affected significantly fruit weight, while interaction between cultivars and vermicompost remained non-significant. Maximum fruit weight (4.80 gm) was noted in treatments received vermicompost at the rate of 2.5 tons ha-1, followed by plants (4.23 gm) received vermicompost at 2 ton ha-1,
while the minimum fruit weight (3.37 gm) was recorded in the control treatment. In case of cultivars increased fruit weight (4.28 gm) was recorded in cultivar Magma while least fruit weight was observed (3.8 gm) in cultivar Himaliya. Increase in fruit weight with
increase in vermicompost level was due to more readily available macro and micro nutrients in the root zone which resulted in better plant growth and maximum production. These results are similar to previous findings of [28] who reported that chili yield and fruit weight increased with increasing quantity of vermicompost. Different chili cultivars have different growth characteristics that had resulted in difference in fruit weight might be due varietal characteristics of the cultivars. Similar results were reported by [29]who observed variation in fruit weight among different cultivars.
Root length (cm)
analysis showed that vermicompost levels and cultivars significantly affected root length, while interaction between vermicompost and cultivars remained non-significant. It was noted that root length was increased linearly with the increased levels of vermicompost. More root length (23.12 cm) was noted in plants obtained vermicompost at the rate of 2.5 tons ha-1, while the smallest root length (16.92 cm) was recorded in the control treatment. In case of cultivars highest root length (21.07 cm) was noted in cultivar Magma, while lowest root length (19.08 cm) was observed in Himaliya. Root length increased with the increased application of vermicompost. This might be due to the fact that vermicompost improved soil physical properties, structure, aeration and nutrient status of the soil that ultimately enhanced root growth. These results are supported by
[18, 30] who reported that application of vermicompost enhance physical properties of the soil and provide essential plant nutrients which significantly increased growth and yield parameters including root length. Variation among cultivars might be due to variation in genetic makeup of the cultivars or climatic condition.
Fruit weight plant-1 (g)
Data on fruit weight plant-1 (g) is presented in
(Table 5), statistical analysis showed that yield plant-1 was affected significantly by vermicompost levels and chili cultivars, while interaction remained non-significant. The mean (Table) showed that maximum fruit weight (280.33 g) was received with application of 2.5 tons ha-1 of vermicompost, followed by plants fertilized with 2 tons ha-1 of vermicompost, while the lowest fruit weight (134.67 g) was obtained in plots with no amendment of vermicompost. In case of cultivars the greatest fruit weight (222.33 g) was obtained in cultivar Magma while the lowest (195.5 g) was obtained in cultivar Himaliya. Chili fruit weight plant-1 was significantly increased with the application of
vermicompost. The reason might be that vermicompost which is a rich source of macro and micro nutrients, enzyme and growth hormones that promoted growth of plant as well as fruit yield. These results are similar with that of [12] who found that pepper produced greater fruit yield with the application of vermicompost.The variation among cultivators in fruit weight plant-1 might be due to their varietal characteristics, genetic makeup or climatic condition.
Yield (tons ha-1)
Data on yield is shown in (Table 5), statistical analysis showed that yield was affected significantly by vermicompost levels and chili cultivars, while interaction remained non-significant. In case of vermicompost levels maximum yield (8.26 tons ha-1) was received when vermicompost was supplied at the rate of 2.5 tons ha-1 followed by plants (6.8 tons ha-1) receiving vermicompost at the rate of 2 tons ha
-1, while the lowest yield (3.6 tons ha-1) was
obtained in plots with no amendment of vermicompost. In cultivars, highest yield (6.5 tons ha-1) was obtained from cultivar Magma while the lowest yield (5.5 tons ha-1) was
obtained in cultivar Himaliya. Chili yield was significantly increased with the application of vermicompost. The reason might be that vermicompost which is a rich source of macro and micro nutrients, enzyme and growth hormones that promoted growth of plant as well as fruit yield. These results are similar with that of [12] who found that pepper produced greater fruit yield with the application of vermicompost. Differences in yield between cultivars might be due to varietal characteristics and genetic makeup. Present results are similar with the finding of [31]who reported that cultivars resulted in better yield due to its adaptability to local condition.
Ascorbic Acid (mg 100-1 g fruit)
difference in ascorbic acid whereas, the interaction effect was found non- significant. In case of vermicompost maximum ascorbic acid content (193.33 mg 100-1 g fruit) was recorded in plants fertilized with vermicompost at the rate of 2.5 ton ha-1 which
was statistically similar to the ascorbic acid content of chili fruits obtained from plants supplied with 1.5 and 2 tons ha-1 of vermicompost. However the minimum ascorbic acid content (156.17 mg 100-1 g fruit) was recorded in fruits in the control treatment. Among the cultivars maximum
ascorbic acid content (184.08mg 100-1g fruit) was noted in cultivar Himaliya while minimum ascorbic acid was observed (165.50 mg 100-1 g fruit) in the cultivar Magma. Increase in ascorbic acid content in the fruit with the application of vermicompost is supported by the findings of
[25, 32] who reported high ascorbic acid content in fruits of chili supplied with organic fertilizers. The variation among the cultivators in ascorbic acid content might be due to their varietal characteristics.
Table 5. Root length (cm), Fruit weight plant-1 (g), Yield (tons ha-1), Ascorbic Acid (mg 100 -1 g fruit)
Factors: Level:
Root length (cm)
Fruit weight
plant-1 (g) Yield (tons ha
-1) Ascorbic Acid (mg 100
-1 g fruit)
0.0 16.92c 134.67d 3.61d 156.17b
1.5 19.57b 186.55c 5.50c 167.50ab
2.0 20.72ab 234.17b 6.88b 182.17ab
2.5 23.12a 280.33a 8.27a 193.33a
LSD (P≤0.05) 2.59 32.100 1.065 35.46
Magma 21.07a 222.33a 6.55a 165.50b
Himalya 19.08b 195.50b 5.57b 184.08a
LSD (P≤0.05) 1.83 22.698 0.753 18.51
Conclusion and recommendations
From the experimental results it is concluded that application of vermicompost @ of 2.5 tons ha-1 significantly affected all the growth, yield and quality parameters. Cultivar Magma showed best results with respect to growth and yield as compared to Himaliya under the prevailing condition of Peshawar. Application of vermicompost @ of 2.5 tons ha-1 is recommended to obtain better growth, yield and quality of chili. Cultivar Magma is recommended for obtaining higher yield as compared to Himaliya cultivar under agro climatic condition of Peshawar. Further research is suggested to explore vermicompost benefits and high yielding chili cultivar for Peshawar and other areas of KP.
Authors’ contributions
Conceived and designed the experiments: TH Khan & F Aman, Performed the experiments: TH Khan, MN Khan & Dawood, Analyzed the data: TH Khan, SQ Shah & I Irfan, Contributed materials/ analysis/ tools: B Said & K Ullah, Wrote the paper: TH Khan & MN Khan.
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