The investigation was conducted during the 2013 growing season at the experimental
field condition of Botanical Garden, Department of Botany, Annamalai University. This site
represents the range of dry conditions. The experimental field was cleared, ploughed,
harrowed and divided into plots. Phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K2O5) were applied 50
and 100 kg/ha each at the time of soil preparation. Sweet pepper seeds were established in a
greenhouse in large trays with a 1:1 mixture of sand and peat (1:1 v/v). Irrigation was done
after sowing when necessary. Six-week-old pepper plants were hand-transplanted into wellprepared
beds in the field. Other horticultural operations including mulching, weeding and
harvest were done every week.