Ms. Reenu Noushad, Research Technician, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture ICBA, Dubai UAE, explains how to improve chilly cultivation productivity.
The local names of chilli include mirchi, lal mirchi, and mirchiya. The plant’s botanical name is Capsicum annuum, belongs to the family of Solanaceae, and has its origin in Mexico. It is a variable herb with erect shoot, branches, strong tap root system, simple leaves variable in size, and flowers borne singly. It is indehiscent and multi-seeded. Chillies are the most valuable spice crop. India is the largest producer with Andhra Pradesh leading in production. The fruit secretes capsaicin on the outer side. The red colour of the chillies is due to capsanthin. The Green chillies are rich in Vitamin A and C. About 5 species of capsicum are grown in the world, and India grows 2 species out of these types.
For better growth and development of chilli, warm or humid climate are required. Dry weather is best for maturing of the fruit. The crop has a wide range of adaptability, can withstand het and moderate cold to some extent. It can be grown at an altitude of 2100 m. The chilly crop can be grown all through the year under irrigation. Black soil is good for the crop with pH between 6.5 and 7.5 under irrigated condition.
How can bio-stimulants help in chilli cultivation? Bio-stimulants are a type of agriculture additive product that many European countries have used and found to be helpful in improved plant growth and yield. It does not act directly against pests and does not fall under the category of pesticide. It helps to stimulate the plant growth, better yield, and increase the potential to grow healthy. It improves crop biofortification, and hence the original composition of the plant such as sugar and protein content. They are substances or microorganisms that are applied to plants to enhance the growth development and productivity by improving the nutrient update. It enhances the stress tolerance and plant metabolism by infusing the bio stimulants to the plants.
Bio-stimulants do not have any negative impact on the environment and human health as we can reduce the usage of fertilisers, pesticides, and insecticides. It is easy to use and adapt the process and to increase the sustainability. The harmful chemicals and pesticides are restricted in usage. The stimulants have seaweed extracts that contain cytokinin, auxin, other components, and hormones used in agriculture and soil conditioners for plant growth stimulation, and cell division for better yield, quantity, and quality. Seeking ecofriendly and sustainable way to produce fertilisation inputs of natural origins have become the main objectives of agriculture now.
Bio-stimulants have direct impact on pests with higher tolerance and plant resilience towards abiotic stress. Many studies have been done on evaluating the effectiveness of bio-stimulants on growth and yield of chilli. The roots can be grown vigorously, and plants gain height with the help of bio-stimulants. Increased cell division, plant metabolism, and cell elongation can be achieved with auxin or auxin like components. It has combination of substances such as amino acids, humic acid, seaweed extracts can promote growth and nutrient absorption to support overall plant development including height.
Increased number of branches can be achieved by foliar application of bio-stimulants and essential nutrients in the stimulants. The components can enhance plant growth, root development, and lateral branching. Flowering and fruiting depend on the bio-stimulant application which initiates flowering, improving pollination, and fertilisation for increased fruiting. The seaweed content promotes flower bud differentiation, enhanced flower viability, and increased yield of fruits per plant are achieved by application of bio-stimulants which improves better nutrient absorption.
The yield depends on the bio-stimulants which have seaweed for a positive effect on plant productivity. When appropriate quantity of bio-stimulants is applied to the plant, it also helps in better water uptake, plant vigour, and enhance the activities of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. The TSS and ascorbic content can increase the synthesis of secondary metabolism, including capsaicinoids which are the compounds responsible for the pungency of chilli pepper. Augmentation of the fruit diameter can be due to elongation and presence of amino acid. The balanced application in liquid form increases ascorbic acid and better nutritional value and quality of the crop.
Due to the composition of protein hydrolysate which has essential amino acid, micronutrients, and growth factors improve the plant and aquatic organism growth and development. It enhances nutrient uptake, root development, and stress tolerance, and vigour. Seaweed has beneficial compounds like cytokinin, auxins, and gibberellins apart from trace elements. So bio-stimulants are essential for plant growth and productivity.
What is the total cost of cultivation and profits approximately?
It depends on the area we want to cultivate. We have to buy seeds and land for cultivation. There are other expenses too.
Are you able to control pests and diseases in chilli crop in a sustainable manner?
We can use organic fertilisers and neem oil, neem cake, and synthetic regulators for the plants. We can also add phosphate and potassium for better plant growth. Neem oil helps in controlling mites and insects on the crop.
What are the key factors that significantly impact chilli cultivation and productivity, and how can farmers address them?
The main factor is the growth of the plants which depends on temperature, water, and soil type We need temperature and light density for the photosynthesis for crop and also water for the growth. During drought conditions, we have to plan water supply plants for the growth and nutrient availability. Adequate amount of nutrients is needed for plants at regular intervals.
Can you recommend specific varieties that have shown enhanced productivity in varied climatic conditions?
During my research on chili, I found that NS 1705 G which is a dark variety of chilli can yield quite high, and the plants do not gain height. Within 3 months, irrespective of what we apply, the production increases. Within 6 months, we can produce maximum yield from one plant.
How can precision farming techniques be applied to optimise chilli cultivation and increased yields?
By using greenhouse and polyhouses, the climatic condition can be improved for the ideal cultivation. Here we can control the temperature and reduce insect attack. The water level is reduced leading to conservation of water.
What irrigation methods are most effective for chilli cultivation, considering water efficiency and plant health?
In areas reeling under drought, we can use sprinkler or drip irrigation. When we get sufficient water, we can give irrigation facility like drench through the channels. We can give one channel water irrigation twice a day for better growth and yield.
Are there specific soil management practices to improve productivity and quality of chilli crops?
Yes. Before sowing the seeds or seedlings, we have to plough the land very well. It increases the aeration of soil. All harmful organisms or pests in the soil or in the residue of earlier cultivation can be removed from the field. It enhances the root penetration of the plant to the depth of the soil, to take nutrients from the soil by giving the best soil management. We can improve the root health by such treatments.
How do pests and disease management strategies contribute to the increase of chilli productivity, and are there any organic alternatives available?
We can use synthetic fertilisers and organic fertilisers. We can use neem oil emulsion, FYM, and so on. For preventing pest attack, we can remove the pest attacked leaves or stem portion. If the flowers are damaged, we can remove them too to prevent any further spread of insects in the deep field. We can use dolomite lime we can prevent fungal and pest attack. We can also use light traps, attract the pests, and kill them.
Are the technology innovation of tools that farmers can leverage to monitor and enhance chilli cultivation productivity?
Using tractors and modern innovated agriculture equipment can be used. Agriculturists are using innovative equipment for digging and plucking fruits. This can greatly help the farmers.
What role can crop rotation play in sustaining the chilli productivity, and what are the recommended crop rotation practices?
Crop rotation helps in chilli cultivation, and intercropping with marigold helps control pests throughout the crop duration. Leguminous crops enhance the soil and nitrogen fixation. It helps the next generation of plants to get enough nutrients and nitrogen. Sufficient quantity of nutrients and nitrogen are preserved in the soil.
Can you provide insight into best practices for chilli crop nutrition and to maximise yields?
We can add bio-stimulants that contain seaweed extract and protein solvents. It can be applied by the field to increase the agriculture potential and product yield.
How can farmers get training and support to stay updated on the latest development and practice in improving chilli cultivation and productivity?
Farmers can get knowledge by using various apps available on the social media. They can get useful advices and accurate update on weather and climatic conditions. The farmers can use these apps to promote the agriculture without any difficulties to the farmers. All the KVKs and agriculture organisations are giving the classes to the farmers for better ideas and programs and for better yield.
CONTACT: Ms. Reenu Noushad
Email: reenunoushad@gmail.com
Phone: 8859402723 ( Whatsapp only)
The local names of chilli include mirchi, lal mirchi, and mirchiya. The plant’s botanical name is Capsicum annuum, belongs to the family of Solanaceae, and has its origin in Mexico. It is a variable herb with erect shoot, branches, strong tap root system, simple leaves variable in size, and flowers borne singly. It is indehiscent and multi-seeded. Chillies are the most valuable spice crop. India is the largest producer with Andhra Pradesh leading in production. The fruit secretes capsaicin on the outer side. The red colour of the chillies is due to capsanthin. The Green chillies are rich in Vitamin A and C. About 5 species of capsicum are grown in the world, and India grows 2 species out of these types.
For better growth and development of chilli, warm or humid climate are required. Dry weather is best for maturing of the fruit. The crop has a wide range of adaptability, can withstand het and moderate cold to some extent. It can be grown at an altitude of 2100 m. The chilly crop can be grown all through the year under irrigation. Black soil is good for the crop with pH between 6.5 and 7.5 under irrigated condition.
How can bio-stimulants help in chilli cultivation? Bio-stimulants are a type of agriculture additive product that many European countries have used and found to be helpful in improved plant growth and yield. It does not act directly against pests and does not fall under the category of pesticide. It helps to stimulate the plant growth, better yield, and increase the potential to grow healthy. It improves crop biofortification, and hence the original composition of the plant such as sugar and protein content. They are substances or microorganisms that are applied to plants to enhance the growth development and productivity by improving the nutrient update. It enhances the stress tolerance and plant metabolism by infusing the bio stimulants to the plants.
Bio-stimulants do not have any negative impact on the environment and human health as we can reduce the usage of fertilisers, pesticides, and insecticides. It is easy to use and adapt the process and to increase the sustainability. The harmful chemicals and pesticides are restricted in usage. The stimulants have seaweed extracts that contain cytokinin, auxin, other components, and hormones used in agriculture and soil conditioners for plant growth stimulation, and cell division for better yield, quantity, and quality. Seeking ecofriendly and sustainable way to produce fertilisation inputs of natural origins have become the main objectives of agriculture now.
Bio-stimulants have direct impact on pests with higher tolerance and plant resilience towards abiotic stress. Many studies have been done on evaluating the effectiveness of bio-stimulants on growth and yield of chilli. The roots can be grown vigorously, and plants gain height with the help of bio-stimulants. Increased cell division, plant metabolism, and cell elongation can be achieved with auxin or auxin like components. It has combination of substances such as amino acids, humic acid, seaweed extracts can promote growth and nutrient absorption to support overall plant development including height.
Increased number of branches can be achieved by foliar application of bio-stimulants and essential nutrients in the stimulants. The components can enhance plant growth, root development, and lateral branching. Flowering and fruiting depend on the bio-stimulant application which initiates flowering, improving pollination, and fertilisation for increased fruiting. The seaweed content promotes flower bud differentiation, enhanced flower viability, and increased yield of fruits per plant are achieved by application of bio-stimulants which improves better nutrient absorption.
The yield depends on the bio-stimulants which have seaweed for a positive effect on plant productivity. When appropriate quantity of bio-stimulants is applied to the plant, it also helps in better water uptake, plant vigour, and enhance the activities of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. The TSS and ascorbic content can increase the synthesis of secondary metabolism, including capsaicinoids which are the compounds responsible for the pungency of chilli pepper. Augmentation of the fruit diameter can be due to elongation and presence of amino acid. The balanced application in liquid form increases ascorbic acid and better nutritional value and quality of the crop.
Due to the composition of protein hydrolysate which has essential amino acid, micronutrients, and growth factors improve the plant and aquatic organism growth and development. It enhances nutrient uptake, root development, and stress tolerance, and vigour. Seaweed has beneficial compounds like cytokinin, auxins, and gibberellins apart from trace elements. So bio-stimulants are essential for plant growth and productivity.
What is the total cost of cultivation and profits approximately?
It depends on the area we want to cultivate. We have to buy seeds and land for cultivation. There are other expenses too.
Are you able to control pests and diseases in chilli crop in a sustainable manner?
We can use organic fertilisers and neem oil, neem cake, and synthetic regulators for the plants. We can also add phosphate and potassium for better plant growth. Neem oil helps in controlling mites and insects on the crop.
What are the key factors that significantly impact chilli cultivation and productivity, and how can farmers address them?
The main factor is the growth of the plants which depends on temperature, water, and soil type We need temperature and light density for the photosynthesis for crop and also water for the growth. During drought conditions, we have to plan water supply plants for the growth and nutrient availability. Adequate amount of nutrients is needed for plants at regular intervals.
Can you recommend specific varieties that have shown enhanced productivity in varied climatic conditions?
During my research on chili, I found that NS 1705 G which is a dark variety of chilli can yield quite high, and the plants do not gain height. Within 3 months, irrespective of what we apply, the production increases. Within 6 months, we can produce maximum yield from one plant.
How can precision farming techniques be applied to optimise chilli cultivation and increased yields?
By using greenhouse and polyhouses, the climatic condition can be improved for the ideal cultivation. Here we can control the temperature and reduce insect attack. The water level is reduced leading to conservation of water.
What irrigation methods are most effective for chilli cultivation, considering water efficiency and plant health?
In areas reeling under drought, we can use sprinkler or drip irrigation. When we get sufficient water, we can give irrigation facility like drench through the channels. We can give one channel water irrigation twice a day for better growth and yield.
Are there specific soil management practices to improve productivity and quality of chilli crops?
Yes. Before sowing the seeds or seedlings, we have to plough the land very well. It increases the aeration of soil. All harmful organisms or pests in the soil or in the residue of earlier cultivation can be removed from the field. It enhances the root penetration of the plant to the depth of the soil, to take nutrients from the soil by giving the best soil management. We can improve the root health by such treatments.
How do pests and disease management strategies contribute to the increase of chilli productivity, and are there any organic alternatives available?
We can use synthetic fertilisers and organic fertilisers. We can use neem oil emulsion, FYM, and so on. For preventing pest attack, we can remove the pest attacked leaves or stem portion. If the flowers are damaged, we can remove them too to prevent any further spread of insects in the deep field. We can use dolomite lime we can prevent fungal and pest attack. We can also use light traps, attract the pests, and kill them.
Are the technology innovation of tools that farmers can leverage to monitor and enhance chilli cultivation productivity?
Using tractors and modern innovated agriculture equipment can be used. Agriculturists are using innovative equipment for digging and plucking fruits. This can greatly help the farmers.
What role can crop rotation play in sustaining the chilli productivity, and what are the recommended crop rotation practices?
Crop rotation helps in chilli cultivation, and intercropping with marigold helps control pests throughout the crop duration. Leguminous crops enhance the soil and nitrogen fixation. It helps the next generation of plants to get enough nutrients and nitrogen. Sufficient quantity of nutrients and nitrogen are preserved in the soil.
Can you provide insight into best practices for chilli crop nutrition and to maximise yields?
We can add bio-stimulants that contain seaweed extract and protein solvents. It can be applied by the field to increase the agriculture potential and product yield.
How can farmers get training and support to stay updated on the latest development and practice in improving chilli cultivation and productivity?
Farmers can get knowledge by using various apps available on the social media. They can get useful advices and accurate update on weather and climatic conditions. The farmers can use these apps to promote the agriculture without any difficulties to the farmers. All the KVKs and agriculture organisations are giving the classes to the farmers for better ideas and programs and for better yield.
CONTACT: Ms. Reenu Noushad
Email: reenunoushad@gmail.com
Phone: 8859402723 ( Whatsapp only)