Optimizing Chili Pepper Growth and Yield: Comprehensive Evaluation of Effective Soil Amendments to Combat Root-Knot Nematodes

Abstract

Capsicum species are cultivated globally as food, spice, therapeutic, cosmetic, and industrial resources. The cultivation of this essential crop is severely constrained by nematode infections. This study was set up using a completely randomized design to determine the effect of soil amendments on chili pepper. At 45 days after transplanting (DAT), plants that received Pig dung 12T/ha (i.e. 12 tons ha^-1), Cow dung 6T/ha, and Cow dung 12T/ha were significantly (P≤0.05) taller. Pig dung 12T/ha followed by all other treatments except Pig dung 6T/ha had significantly (P≤0.05) more leaves compared to Furadan+NPK. Plants that received Pig dung 12T/ha produced first open flowers 35.5 DAT, followed by those that received Furadan+NPK, Pig dung 6T/ha, Cow dung 6T/ha, and Poultry droppings 6T/ha. Pig dung 12T/ha produced highest (P≤0.05) shoot weight. More fruits (P≤0.05) were produced by Furadan+NPK treated plants followed by Cow dung 12T/ha, then Cow dung 6T/ha and Poultry droppings 12T/ha. The population of nematodes at 75 DAT was significantly (P≤0.05) lower in Pig dung 12T/ha, Pig dung 6T/ha, Poultry droppings 12T/ha, and Cow dung 6T/ha compared to the Control. All the soil amendments were effective against nematodes and augmented growth and yield of peppers.