Effect of Planting Dates and Spacing on Production of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Aim: The present investigation was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, during 2025–26 to study the effects of planting dates and spacing on the production of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025–26. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomised block design (FRBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factor comprised planting dates (three levels, viz. 30th June, 15th July, and 30th July), and the second factor comprised spacing (three levels, viz. 45 × 30 cm, 45 × 45 cm, and 60 × 45 cm). Results: The results revealed significant differences among the treatments. Among the growth parameters, the maximum plant heights at both stages, 52.00 cm at 45 DAT and 82.00 cm at 60 DAT, were observed in D2 × S3. The maximum numbers of branches per plant (30.03) and leaves per plant (125.10) were observed in D1 × S3, whereas the maximum plant spread (82.03 cm) was recorded in D2 × S3. Among the yield parameters, the maximum number of fruits per plant (79.57), fruit diameter (2.50 cm), average fruit weight (5.90 g), and fruit yield per plant (469.35 g) were observed in D2 × S3 (15 July × 60 × 45 cm). The maximum fruit length (12.33 cm) was observed in D1 × S3, whereas the maximum fruit yield per plot (18.02 kg) and total yield (16.68 t/ha) were recorded in D2 × S1. Among the quality parameters, the maximum TSS (6.9 °Brix) was recorded in D2 × S3, whereas the maximum capsaicin content (61.99 mg/100 g) and vitamin C content (195.50 mg/100 g) were recorded in D1 × S3 (30 June × 60 × 45 cm). The maximum net return (Rs. 343,792.67) and B:C ratio (3.81) were recorded in D2 × S1. Conclusion: The present investigation indicated that D2 × S1, representing chilli planted on 15 July at a spacing of 45 × 30 cm, produced the most favourable yield and economic returns. Therefore, this treatment combination may be recommended for chilli cultivation in this region.