Response of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) to Plant Growth Regulators

Chilli is one of the important spice crop cultivated throughout Nepal and other Asian countries. Green chilli is available in market round the year, but its price is high in winter and summer season due to the low production. The low production in these seasons is mainly due to the flower and fruit drops, which is caused by physiological and hormonal imbalance. Various studies revealed that foliar application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) in chilli is effective to reduce flower and fruit drops. Hence, this experiment was conducted to find out the most suitable PGR, based on its most practiced concentration and frequency of use in chilli to reduce flower and fruit drops in winter and rainy season. The findings of this experiment showed that 2,4-D 2 ppm is most effective and Triacontanol 5 ppm is similar to 2,4-D. Hence, with evidence of literature review and practical use, the foliar spray of Triacontanol has been most appropriate for commercial cultivation of chilli in Nepal and India to promote yield and quality of chilli. This book is specially targeted to researchers and research institutions, but it is equally useful to commercial and general farmers.