Braj Kishor, Rajiv Mata Prasad, Chandra Kant and Vipin Sahu
Abstract
A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of micronutrient application on growth, yield, quality and economic returns of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) hybrids under a naturally ventilated polyhouse during the seasons 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three hybrids (Indira, Swarna and Bomby) and five micronutrient treatments. The results revealed significant differences among the hybrids in terms of growth, yield and fruit quality. Among the hybrids, Indira exhibited superior growth performance and recorded the highest number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant and overall yield. However, Swarna produced better fruit quality attributes such as fruit length, fruit diameter, placenta weight and average fruit weight. Among the micronutrient treatments, foliar application of vegetable special @ 5 g L-¹ at 15-day intervals significantly improved growth, yield and quality parameters compared to other treatments. The highest cost of cultivation (Rs. 78,545) was recorded with the combination of hybrid Bomby and foliar application of vegetable special @ 5 g L-¹ at 15-day intervals after transplanting. The study concluded that hybrid Indira is most suitable for higher yield, while Swarna is preferable for better fruit quality under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions.