Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at the Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka, India to investigate the effect of planting time and plant geometry on the activity of chilli sucking pests. Pooled data from two years revealed that, the interaction effect between the date of planting and different spacings was significant. Significantly lower level of sucking pest and leaf curl index was observed in the interaction of July 15th planting and 90x60cm spacing followed by July 15th and 60x60cm and July 15th and 75x45cm treatments. Whereas, it was higher in interaction of June 30th and 60x30cm. Similar pattern of treatment significance was observed in case of natural enemy population also. Significantly highest chilli yield was registered in interaction of July 15th planting and 90x60cm spacing (4.21 q/ha) whereas, lowest chilli yield of 1.99 q/ha was registered in the combination of June30th + 60x30cm treatment. The interaction effect between July 15th and 90x60cm was found to be the most cost effective which recorded highest net returns (Rs 15,921/- per ha).