Effect of Polybag Size on Growth, Root Morphology and Yield of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Grown in Soilless Culture

Nurul-Idayu Zakaria, Mohd Razi Ismail, Yahya Awang and Puteri Edaroyati Megat Wahab

Background and Objective: In soilless culture, the dimension of polybag affects plant growth and a higher volume of the substrate is related to high production cost. This study was conducted to determine the optimum polybag size for chilli grown in soilless culture. Materials and Methods: The effect of 6 treatments combination consist of two polybag arrangements (horizontal and upright) and three lengths of polybag (17, 19 and 27 cm) were evaluated on growth, dry matter production, root morphology and yield of chilli. This study was performed in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. All the data were analyzed using the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Different (LSD) was used for mean comparison at p<0.05. Results: Chilli plants grown in a horizontal polybag of 17 cm in length showed a reduction of growth, dry matter production, root length and yield. With a similar volume of substrate, chilli grown in a horizontal polybag of 27 cm in length produced higher leaf, root dry matter and yield compared to control treatment. Chilli grown in a horizontal polybag of 17 cm in length and horizontal polybag of 27 cm in length had 32% reduction and 32% increment in fruit fresh weight, respectively compared to control. Chilli grew in an upright polybag of 27 cm in length with a higher volume of substrate produced a similar yield with control. Conclusion: Among the six different polybag sizes, a horizontal polybag of 27 cm in length had shown better growth and yield for chilli grown in soilless culture.

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