Vol. 12, Special Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Ravi Bhuriya, Ankita Pandey and Shikha Awasthi

Abstract:
Chilli, a quintessential spice in Indian cuisine, plays a pivotal role in the agricultural economy of Madhya Pradesh. In pursuit of increased agricultural productivity and economic upliftment of farmers, two new chilli varieties, Mahi 453 and Mahi 456, have emerged as potential game-changers. This research paper aims to comprehensively evaluate the performance of these new chilli varieties in Barwani district, known for its diverse agro-climatic conditions and vibrant farming community. In this study, the performance of two chili pepper varieties, Mahy 453 and Mahy 456, was evaluated over three consecutive years, encompassing fruit and plant characteristics, as well as total yield. Mahy 456 consistently outperformed Mahy 453 in terms of fruit weight, length, diameter, plant height, pericarp thickness, number of seeds per fruit, seed yield, and total yield. These results indicate that Mahy 456 tends to produce larger, longer, and wider chili peppers with more seeds, thicker skin, and taller plants, ultimately resulting in higher total yield. This information is crucial for agricultural decision-making, especially in the Barwani district, where the adaptability of these varieties to specific agro-climatic conditions, as well as their resistance to common diseases, must also be considered for comprehensive variety selection.