Production Technology of Capsicum (Bell Pepper)
Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) is an important vegetable crop grown worldwide.
It is cultivated in open fields and controlled environments like greenhouses or polyhouses.
1. Climatic and Soil Requirements
Climate:
• Capsicum grows well in a moderate climate with temperatures between 18°C - 30°C.
• It is sensitive to extreme heat and cold.
• Grown under protected conditions such as polyhouse and greenhouse in areas with
temperature fluctuations.
Soil:
• Well-drained loamy or sandy loam soil rich in organic matter is ideal.
• Soil pH should be 6.0 - 7.0
• Avoid waterlogging conditions to prevent crop to die.
2. Popular Varieties
Hybrid & Polyhouse Varieties:
i. Bomby
ii. Orobelle
iii. Indra
iv. Swarna
v. Bulnov
3. Propagation and Nursery Raising
Seed Rate & Nursery Preparation
• Seed rate: 150-200 g/ha.
• Nursery Bed: Raised beds of 1 m width and 15 cm height.
• Seed treatment: Treat seeds with Thiram, Captan or Bavistin (2 g/kg seed) to
prevent fungal infections.
• Sowing time:
o Summer crop: Mid-January to February.
o Rainy season crop: June-July.
o Protected cultivation: Year-round (maintaining temperature & humidity).
• Transplanting: Seedlings are ready in 25-30 days (4-6 leaf stage).
4. Land Preparation and Planting
• Ploughing: Deep plowing to make a fine seedbed.
• Organic Manure: Apply 20-25 tonnes/ha of FYM (Farm Yard Manure) before
final land preparation.
• Spacing:
o Polyhouse: 30 × 30 cm (high-density planting).
• Transplanting: In the evening or cloudy weather.
• Mulching: Use plastic mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth.
5. Nutrient Management
Nutrient Dose (kg/ha) Application
Nitrogen (N) 120-150 Split doses (Basal + Top dressing)
Phosphorus (P₂O₅) 60-80 Basal application
Potassium (K₂O) 50-80 Basal application
• Micronutrients: Foliar spray of Boron (0.2%) and Calcium (0.5%) enhances fruit
quality.
• Biofertilizers: Apply Azospirillum and PSB (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) to
enhance nutrient uptake.
6. Irrigation and Water Management
• First irrigation immediately after transplanting.
• Maintain adequate soil moisture for better fruit set.
• Drip irrigation is recommended to ensure uniform water supply.
• Avoid excessive watering to prevent root diseases.
7. Weed Management
• Mulching: Plastic or organic mulch helps in weed suppression.
• Manual Weeding: Regular hoeing and hand weeding (15-30 days after
transplanting).
• Herbicides: Use Pendimethalin (1.0 kg a.i./ha) for pre-emergence weed control.
8. Pest and Disease Management
Major Pests & Control
Pest Symptoms Management
Thrips Leaf curling, stunted growth Spray Imidacloprid (0.3 ml/L)
Aphids Yellowing, sticky leaves Use Neem oil (5 ml/L) or Dimethoate (2 ml/L)
Whitefly Virus transmission Apply Acephate (1 g/L)
Major Diseases & Control
Disease Symptoms Management
Damping-off Seedling death Treat seeds with Thiram (2 g/kg)
Powdery mildew White patches on leaves Spray Sulfur (2 g/L)
Bacterial wilt Wilting, yellow leaves Use Copper oxychloride (3 g/L)
9. Harvesting and Yield
• Capsicum is harvested at green, yellow, or red stages depending on market demand.
• Yield:
o Polyhouse: 80-100 t/ha.
• Post-harvest:
o Store at 7-10°C with 90-95% relative humidity.
o Can be stored for 2-3 weeks under proper conditions.
10. Protected Cultivation (Polyhouse/Greenhouse)
• Higher yield, better quality, and year-round production.
• Temperature & Humidity Control:
o Maintain 18-28°C and 65-80% RH.
• Drip Fertigation:
o Water-soluble fertilizers like 19:19:19, 13:0:45, and Calcium Nitrate for
better productivity.
