Halogenation for improvement of seed yield and quality in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Freshly harvested seeds of chilli variety Anugraha were treated with halogens namely Calcium oxy chloride (CaOCl₂) and Iodine crystal (I₂) indirectly through a carrier Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). The treatments included Control (Untreated), CaOCl₂ + CaCO₃ (2g each/kg seed), CaOCl₂ + CaCO₃ (4g each/kg seed), Iodine crystal + CaCO₃ (50mg each/kg seed) and Iodine crystal + CaCO₃ (100mg each/kg seed).  Seed treatment with CaOCl₂ + CaCO₃ @2g each/kg seed registered significantly higher values for fruits per plant, fruit weight, seed yield per plant and hundred seed weight followed by CaOCl₂ + CaCO₃ @4g each/kg seed. The treatments, CaOCl₂ + CaCO₃ @2 g each/kg seed and Iodine crystal + CaCO₃ @100mg each/kg seed performed superior in seed quality with higher seedling vigour and lower electrical conductivity of seed leachates over other treatments, while untreated control recorded least seedling vigour indices and highest electrical conductivity.