Effects of different concentrations of Chitosan and application methods on growth and yield characteristics of chilli pepper (Capsicum annum)

Abstract

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide that is commonly made by chitin deacetylation, which is the structural component in sea crustaceans. It is beneficial to plant growth and development. Its use to improve chilli pepper production had been shown to elevate environmental and health issues. Hence, different concentrations of Chitosan and application methods on growth and yield characteristics of chilli pepper were investigated. Three replications were used in the split plot design experiment. Chitosan application types (foliar and media) were assigned to the main plots while Chitosan concentration levels were assigned to the sub plots. Apart from number of functional leaves and chlorophyll content that had significant one-way interaction of Chitosan application method (p < 0.05), all other growth and yield parameters were not significant (p > 0.05) for both sole and interactions. Highest number of functional leaves and chlorophyll content occurred under foliar application of Chitosan. Greater plant height and stem diameter was achieved under the media application of Chitosan with a rate of 50 ppm and 100 ppm respectively at 6 weeks after planting. Foliar application of Chitosan as a sole factor improved all the yield attributes of chilli pepper.