Effect of Various Concentrations of Nitrobenzene on Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Yield under Green House Condition

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is grown extensively throughout the world especially in temperate countries. Poor fruit-set as well as loss of reproductive structures due to moisture stress is one of the major barriers to tropical adaptation of bell pepper. Hence the objective of the present study was to examine the effect of various concentration of nitrobenzene (flowering stimulant and yield booster) on bell pepper yield. The study was conducted at a farmer poly tunnel located in Pilimathalawa (WU1), Sri Lanka. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomize Design (CRD) with four treatments randomized in three replicates. The treatments were T1 – Control (with out Nitrobenzene), T2 – Nitrobenzene 15%, T3 – Nitrobenzene 20%, T4 – Nitrobenzene 25%. Plants were established in drip-fertigated bags in the Poly tunnel and standard crop management practices were applied throughout the study. Nitrobenzene was sprayed to the seedlings 40, 55, 80 and 105 days after planting. Albert solution, 6: 30: 30 fertilizer mixture 20: 20 fertilizer mixture and Ca (NO3)2 were used as recommended fertilizers. Measurements were taken on flowering, fruit setting, yield as well as the quality of the fruits. The data obtained were tabulated and analyzed subjected to the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) was performed to compare the differences among treatment means at p=0.05. The highest number of fruits and flowers/plant was observed in T3 and T4, i.e. 20% and 25% Nitrobenzene applied treatments. On the other hand the lowest number of flowers as well as fruits were recorded from T2 (15% nitrobenzene) and T1 (control of the experiment). Among different treatments tested, 25% nitrobenzene applied plants showed superior results in contrast to other nitrobenzene levels with enhancing flowering, fruit setting, yield quality as well as postharvest performances under greenhouse condition.