GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSES OF CHILLI (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) TO EXOGENOUSLY APPLIED L-TRYPTOPHAN

Abstract

Exogenous application of amino acids as phytohormones precursors is a good approach in enhancing crops growth and development as it ensures continuous supply of phytohormones through microbial conversion. Response of exogenous application of L-Tryptophan, a precursor of auxin, was evaluated on the growth and yield of chilli through a pot experiment. The treatments comprising of varying concentrations of L-Tryptophan (10^-6 M, 10^-5 M, 10^-4 M and 10^-3 M) were arranged following Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. Plants moisture contents were maintained by the application of distilled water. The results obtained were statistically analyzed and pronounced effects of L-Tryptophan application was observed on all the growth and yield parameters. Among the treatments applied, the maximum results were recorded at 10^-5 M L-TRP and it increased plant height (23.51%), shoot dry weight (34.83%), root dry weight (39.53%), fruit weight (43.37%), number of fruits (48.65%), number of leaves (29.25%), fruit length (44.52%), root length (47.13%) chlorophyll contents (25.48%), concentration of N (46.25%), P (11.46%) and K (28.01%) in fruits as compared to control. The results suggested that application of L-Tryptophan is better for improved plants growth and development.