308 Handbook of herbs and spices
16.5.1 Climate and soil requirements
Hot peppers are better adapted to the warm weather than the sweet pepper, but
normal fruit setting is hampered when night temperatures are more than 24 ∞C and
lower than 16 ∞C. The optimum day temperatures for hot pepper growth range from
20 to 30 ∞C. When the temperature falls below 15 ∞C or exceeds 32 ∞C for extended
periods, growth and yield are reduced. Peppers are photoperiod-insensitive and grow
best in loam or silt loam soil with good water-holding capacity, but can grow on
many well-drained soil types. Soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.8 (Berke et al.,
2005).
16.5.2 Selection of cultivar
As described previously, a number of market types are grown worldwide, therefore,
selection of the cultivars should be based on the regional preferences, especially with
respect to trader and consumer preferences for the shape, colour and degree of pungency
of the fruits. The occurrence of local pests and diseases should also be taken into
account during the cultivar selection (Berke et al., 2005).
16.5.3 Seed bed preparation and sowing
Approximately 150–200 g seeds are required for raising seedlings to transplant 1 ha
at the density of 30,000 plants/ha. For seedling raising, about ten seed beds of 7 ¥ 1
m^2 size would be sufficient. Seed beds should be prepared on well drained and raised
(20–25 cm) lands. One kg compost or farm yard manure (FYM) and 1 g Furadan
(carbofuran) per m^2 should be applied. Seeds should be treated with carbendazim
50% (Bavistin) (@2 g/kg seeds) before sowing. Beds should be drenched from
Captan 50% WP (@ 2 g/lit.) and sowing should be done after one or two days in the
available moisture created by drenching. For raising healthy seedlings, dense sowing
should be avoided. The compost or FYM are used to cover the seed followed by
mulching of beds by grasses or stalks. Irrigation is applied by watering can. Need-
based pesticides and fungicides should be applied and regular irrigation and weed
control practised.
16.5.4 Fertilizer application
Peppers are fertilizer responsive and for an average fertile soil, well rotten 20 t/ha
FYM should be added preferably about 2–3 weeks before field preparation. NPK
dose should be determined based on soil test. A full dose of phosphorus, potash and
1/3 dose of nitrogen are applied as basal. The remaining dose of nitrogen should be
applied as top dressing at 30 and 50 days after transplanting.
16.5.5 Transplanting and mulching
Plant spacing varies depending on the cropping system, soil type and cultivar. Thirty-
days-old seedlings (4–5 true leaves stage) should be transplanted on raised beds. The
bed should be 30 cm high with width of 1–1.5 m (furrow to furrow) and two rows per
bed transplanted usually at a distance of 55 ¥ 45 cm. Just prior to transplanting, three
to four granules of carbofuran (Furadan 5G) should be applied in each hole. Mulching
is recommended to reduce weed competition, soil compaction, soil erosion and conserve