Effects of seed bed types and weed control methods on the vegetative parameters of long cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutesens L)

Abstract

The type of seed beds and weed control methods play significant role in determining sustainability in vegetable production. Field experiment was conducted during 2015 growing season to determine the effects of three seed bed types such as: raised bed (RB), flat bed (FB), ridged bed (RB) in combination with four weed control methods such as: hoe weeding (T1), hand weeding (T2), use of Panicum maximum as live mulch (T3) and zero weeding (T4) on the vegetative performance of long cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutesens L.) The experiment was arranged as split plot fitted into Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The growth parameters measured were the plant height (cm); number of leaves, numbers of branches, stem girth (cm), leaf area (cm2), weed density (m-2) and weed biomass (kg/ha). The result revealed that the seed bed types and the weed control methods had significant effect on the parameters measured. However, raised bed and hoe weeding (RBT1) enhanced all the parameters measured more than other treatment combinations by recording the highest mean value in all character and also proved to be more effective in reducing weed biomass than other weed control treatment combinations. It was concluded that sowing on raised bed and using hoe weeding as a means of controlling weeds should be recommended for effective performance of pepper for optimum growth.