Capsicum & chilli (Capsicum annuum)
Feature | Details |
Botanical Name | Capsicum annuum |
Family | Solanaceae |
Origin | Mexico |
Fruit Type | Berry |
Capsaicin | Pungent principle in chilli |
Lycopene | Red pigment in chilli (Paprika) |
Vitamin | Richest source of Vitamin C |
Flower Color | White in C. annuum & C. frutescens, Purple in C. pubescens |
Root System | Bidirectional |
Cultivation Details
Feature | Chilli / Capsicum |
Season (South India) | June to October |
Ideal Soil | Well-drained loam, pH 6.0–7.0 |
Seed Rate | 7 g of seed = 100 plants |
Moisture | Requires 15 irrigations in capsicum |
Drying Ratio | Green to dry chilli = 10:1 |
Dry Chilli Composition | 6% stalks + 40% pericarp + 54% seeds |
Drying Time | 3–10 days (reduce moisture from 80% to 10%) |
Flower Opening Time | 5:00 AM |
Blossom End Rot | Caused by excess N + water stress |
Export & Industrial Use
- India is a major producer, consumer & exporter of chilli.
- Paprika: From Capsicum frutescens (Variety: Arka Abir for color extraction)
- Pusa Sadabahar: C. frutescens – perennial nature
- India’s share in global chilli exports: ~4%
- Export Quality Production: Himachal Pradesh (off-season capsicum)
Plant Growth Regulators; NAA and Tricontanol (Vipul) → Used to reduce fruit drop
Diseases & Disorders
Important CHILLI Varieties
- Selections; Kalyanpur Yellow. Arka Lohit. Sindhur
- Hybrids; G-5. NP-46-A. Punjab Lal (Color extraction). Pant C-1 (NP-46-A × Khandari). Pusa Jwala (NP-46-A × Puri Red). Andhra Jyoti (Cherry type)
- Mutant; MDU-1
- Private Sector Hybrids; Tejawini, Sabour Angar, Bhagyalaxmi, Gayatri, Delhi Hot, Champion, Agni, Skyline
- Public Sector Hybrid; CH-1 → Released by PAU Ludhiana (using Genetic Male Sterile Line)
Important CAPSICUM (Bell Pepper) Varieties
- Introduced; California Wonder. Yolo Wonder. Chinese Giant. World Beater
- Selections; Arka Mohini, Arka Gaurav, Arka Basant
- Private Sector Hybrids Pusa Meghdoot: First F1 hybrid by public sector
Special Notes
- Jwalamukhi: Suitable for high-density planting
- Bhaskar: Yellow anther, resistant to thrips and mites
- Arka Abir: Used for Paprika, rich in color pigment
- CH-1: Hybrid developed with GMS line
- Variety suitable for drying: Thin pericarp + strong spike + fewer seeds
- Arka Lohit: Tolerant to powdery mildew
Yield
Type | Yield (t/ha) |
Chilli Varieties | 25–35 t/ha |
Hybrids | 50–75 t/ha |
Capsicum | 60–80 t/ha |
Quick Revision for Exam
- Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
- Capsaicin = pungency, Lycopene = red color
- Pusa Sadabahar: C. frutescens, perennial
- Pusa Meghdoot: 1st F1 hybrid (Capsicum)
- Paprika Source: Arka Abir
- Multiple Resistance: Punjab Lal, Punjab Surakh
- Blossom End Rot: Excess N + water stress
- Chilli Export Share: 4% (India)
- GMS-based hybrid: CH-1 (PAU Ludhiana)
