Vol. 12, Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
Priya Thakur and Shalini Singh

Abstract:
One of the very profitable vegetable crops grown in polyhouses is the bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). In recent years, it has gained the position of a valuable crop in India and it now ranks among the most delectable and pleasant-tasting vegetables in Indian food. It has a strong nutritional profile, with a high vitamin and mineral content. Since plant spacing is an important feature of successful crop production in both open and protected environments. The best plant spacing promotes healthy plant development and growth, which maximises agricultural yield and makes efficient use of the area. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different spacing on growth and yield of bell pepper hybrid ‘Bomby’ under protected conditions at Experimental Research Farm Chhapang of Dr. Khem Singh Gill, Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib. The research trial consisted of three different spacings (60 × 30 cm, 60 × 45 cm and 60 × 60 cm). The results revealed that among different spacings, S₃ (60 × 60 cm) was superior in most of observed parameters under the study viz., number of primary branches per plant, stem diameter (cm), stem girth (cm), intermodal distance (cm), fruit length (cm), fruit breadth (cm), fruit weight (g) followed by S₁ (60 × 30 cm) which was the second desirable spacing being superior for plant height, flower initiation and S₂ being superior for fruit yield per m² (kg). Therefore, spacing of 60 × 60 cm for bell pepper production under protected condition is optimal and can be used by growers to increase yield.