Comparative yield analysis of Chilli ( Capsicum …

1 Available online Journal of chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2015, 7(9):319-323 Research Article ISSN : 0975-7384 CODEN(USA) : JCPRC5 319 Comparative yield analysis of Chilli ( Capsicum annuum L.) by application of Vermicompost and Panchagavya Mudiganti Ram Krishna Rao*, M. Sathish Kumar and Neema Kumari Jha Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Bharath University, Chennai _____ ABSTRACT The present study deals with application of Vermicomspost and Panchagavya on the yield parameters of Chilli ( Capsicum annuum) was studied. The soil was mixed with of 40 kg. Vermicompost, half kg of Azopirillum and half kg of Phosphobacteria per hectare.

2 The crop was divided into two sections. One was treated with Panchagavya and the second was the control without treatment with Panchagavya. It was observed that the treatment with panchagavya enhanced the various growth parameters like length of plant, number of branches, number of fruits and size of fruits as compared to the plants which were grown on vermicompost alone. Key words: Chilli , Panchagavya, Vermicompost, Azospirillium, Phosphobacteria _____ INTRODUCTION The use of chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides for the enhancement of productivity of crops has become the order of the day. After the initiation of green revolution the crop productivity has increased manifold to meet the demand of ever growing population the world over.

3 But the use of these chemicals have caused great damage to the environment in the form of pollution to air, water and soil and also led to various diseases to human beings, animals and plants. Over the last few decades there is change in the attitude of the farmers to revert back to the old system of farming using organic manures, panchagavya, vermicompost and other natural modes of fertilizers and pesticides, particularly in India. This is a welcome change for the sustainable development of agriculture and at the same time saving the nature from pollution. The present study is one such attempt to prove the efficacy of these age old methods of crop development without harming the nature.

4 In this study Chilli plant was chosen as an experimental plant which was treated with vermicompost and panchagavya as the only source of manure, fertilizer as well as pesticide, and the results were pretty encouraging. Chilli ( Capsicum annuum L.) is an important spice cum vegetable crop cultivated extensively in India. The total production of Chilli in India in 2013-2014 was million tons, whereas it is expected to be million tons in 2014-2015. Thus our country is one of the major players in the world Chilli market. Keeping the high export potential Chilli production has to be increased by a combination of high yielding plant types, standard agronomic practices and balanced plant nutrition attained through Integrated Nutrient Management (INM).

5 To maintain soil fertility and crop productivity all potential methods must be used. Green revolution had lead to intensified agriculture to meet the ever increasing demand for food and fibre. The extensive use of chemical fertilizers in different combinations increased the crop yield many folds as compared to the earlier local farming practices. Although green revolution has met the needs of food, it has its own inherent side effects like ecological degradation, high rate of pollution of air water and soil ultimately leading to overall health problems to the population, organisms and plants. [1] The indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides in modern agriculture resulted in the development of several problems such as development of pesticide resistant insects, resurgence of target and non target pests, eutrophication of soil and water, destruction of beneficial organisms like Mudiganti Ram Krishna Rao et al J.

6 Chem. Pharm. Res., 2015, 7(9):319-323 _____ 320 honey bees, pollinators, parasitoids, predators, soil fertility depletion, increase in soil acidity, run-off of fertile soil, soil erosion and other socioeconomic problems etc. The use of pesticides has lead to the contamination of food, feed and fodder. This awareness has resulted in the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Organic farming has developed very rapidly in recent years. [2, 3] Indian agriculture has better chance to convert itself towards organic mode of farming because in India the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is still lower compared to the global standards.

7 Cattle, particularly the cow is considered to be an indispensible animal for any Indian agriculturist. The traditional Vedic formulation, Panchagavya, is being used by some farmers with certain modifications. These modifications particularly in south India have shown very effective crop yields, better quality and less pest infestation.[4] Pachagavya contain growth regulatory substances such as IAA, GA, Cytokinins and essential plant nutrients. Panchgavya is also known to contain some microorganisms like lactic acid bacterium, yeast and Actinomycetes. It also contains bio fertilizing microorganism like Acetobactor, Azospirillum, Phosphobacterium etc.

8 Chilli is an indispensable condiment of every home in India. It is used in the daily diet in one form or the other. It is a rich source of vitamin A and C with good medicinal properties. Chilli contains an alkaloid Capsaicinoid due to which it has the pungent taste. Heavy use of chemical fertilizers in Chilli is also causing environmental pollution. The increase in crop productivity is due to their combined and synergistic effects that help to improve chemical , physical and biological properties of soil and consequently, the soil organic matter and nutrient status. Long term manurial experiments conducted in India have amply demonstrated declining trend in productivity with usage of only inorganic fertilizers.

9 The decline in productivity has been associated with the onset of deficiencies of nutrients like sulphur, zinc and deterioration in soil physical and chemical properties. Integrated use of organic manure and fertilizers has been found to be promising not only in maintaining higher productivity but also for providing stability in crop production. Good quality Farm Yard Manure (FYM) is perhaps the most valuable organic manure. It must be stressed that the value of FYM in soil improvement is also due its content of micro nutrients and its ability to improve the soil tilth and aeration, as well as water holding capacity of soil and to stimulate the activity of micro- organisms that make the plant food elements in the soil readily available to crops.

10 In recent years, the potential of vermicompost to supply nutrients and support beneficial microbes is being recognized widely both in field and horticultural crops. Vermicompost has all the characteristics for use as most valuable organic manure. Panchagavya, an organic product has the potential to play the role of promoting growth and providing immunity in plant system. Panchagavya consists of five products viz., cow dung, cow urine, cow milk, curd and ghee and used widely for agriculture and horticultural crops. Panchagavya is a foliar nutrition prepared by organic growers of Tamil Nadu. Panchagavya is used as a traditional method to safe guard plants and micro organisms and to increase plant production.