Informatics Publishing Limited

Inder Jeet Sharma ¹, R. K. Samnotra ¹, Vijay Kumar ², Balbir Dhotra ¹

Affiliations
1 Division of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, S.K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu (J.&K.), IN
2 Rainfed Research Substation for Sub-Tropical Fruits, Raya, S.K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu (J.&K.), IN

Abstract

Investigation was carried out on twenty genotypes of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) and evaluated for stability studies for quality traits in four different environments created by planting material at two different dates of planting and each date of planting had two doses of N-fertilizer during April, 2005. Significant mean squares for quality traits indicated wide genotypic variability among the genotypes. The environmental component was significant for colouring matter and non-significant for dry matter content. Genotypes Suraj Mukhi, Local-6 and Punjab Lal were found suitable for growing under unfavourable conditions for dry matter content. BC-30 had maximum colouring matter followed by CH-1 and S-2530.

Keywords

Stability Studies, Quality Traits, Chilli.

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Ajay Kumar ¹, Brejesh Ajrabat ¹, Satbir Singh ¹, Vijay kumar ², Balbir Dhotra ³, Amitesh Sharma ³

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra (SKUAST-J), Kathua (J&K), IN
2 Rainfed Research Sub-Station for Sub-tropical Fruits (SKUAST-J), Raya (J&K), IN
3 Organic Farming Research Centre (SKUAST-J), Chatha (J&K), IN

Abstract

Vermicompost is an organic manure (bio-fertilizer) produced as the vermicast by earth worm feeding on biological waste material; plant residues. Vermi casts are popularly called as ‘Black Gold’. This compost is an odorless, clean, organic material containing adequate quantities of N, P, K and several micronutrients essential for plant growth. The prime market for vermicompost is in agriculture and horticulture. Farmers are already using vermicompost in large quantities. Small and marginal farmers would do well to produce vermicompost on their own. Home gardens, kitchen gardens and commercial plant nurseries are an excellent market for vermicompost in urban areas. This enterprise offers tremendous scope for expansion in rural areas because it has the potential to engage small farmers and women who can easily set up such units at the household level. The enterprise is based on the conversion of waste matter into rich plant humus by using earthworms. No specific skill is required. It is a viable production oriented enterprise with tremendous scope for expansion in rural areas. Moreover, it will solve the employment problems of both literate and illiterate, especially women. In view of this, vermicomposting is an effective means of composting the decomposable organic wastes using earthworms naturally present in the soil. Its improves the physical and biological condition of soil, improves soil fertility and pulverizes it through their churning and turning action in addition to contributing plant nutrients, improves aeration and water holding capacity. It is the scope to small and marginal farmers in creating their own organic manure resources and ways to generate not only alternative income but maintain the soil health also. Vermicompost is a preferred nutrient source for organic farming, which enriches soil quality by improving its physicochemical and biological properties. It is ecofriendly, non-toxic, consumes low energy input for composting and is a recycled biological product. Vermicompost is becoming popular as a major component of organic farming system.

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