Effect of foliar application of Boron and Magnesium on growth and yield of green chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar application of boron (B) and magnesium (Mg) on growth and yield of green chilli (Capsicum annum L.) cv. MIPC-1. Foliar application of Boron and Magnesium (T0) Control; (T1) B = 50 ppm; (T2) B = 100 ppm; (T3) B = 150 ppm; (T4) Mg = 50 ppm; (T5) Mg= 100 ppm; (T6) Mg = 150 ppm; (T7) B (50 ppm) + Mg (50 ppm); (T8) B (100 ppm) + Mg (100 ppm); (T9) B (150 ppm) + Mg(150 ppm) was done. The sources of Boron and Magnesium were boric acid (H3BO3) and Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4.7H2O).The treatments were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated four times. All the agronomic practices were carried out in accordance with Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka. Maximum plant height (98 cm), number of branches (18 plant-1), number of leaves (25 plant-1), number of flowers (29 plant-1), total dry weight (66 plant-1), number of fruits (24 plant-1), and unripe fruit yield (333 plant-1) were observed with the foliar application of Boron (H3BO3) +Magnesium (MgSO4.7H2O) at 100 ppm and minimum was found in the control treatment. Foliar application of Boron (H3BO3) + Magnesium (MgSO4.7H2O) at 100 ppm increased yield by three-fold than that of control treatment. Therefore, it is concluded that combined application of B +Mg at 100 ppm was found to be effective in enhancing plant growth and fruit yield of chilli.