~ 342 ~ The Pharma Innovation Journal 2017; 6(10): 342-344 ISSN (E): 2277- 7695 ISSN (P): 2349-8242 NAAS Rating 2017: 5.03 TPI 2017; 6(10): 342-344 © 2017 TPI www.thepharmajournal.com Received: 18-08-2017 Accepted: 19-09-2017 SP Barik College of Agriculture Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Siripur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India AKB Devi College of Agriculture Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Siripur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India A Ananda College of Agriculture Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Siripur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India J Konthoujam College of Agriculture Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Siripur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India Correspondence SP Barik College of Agriculture Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Siripur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India Effect of planting time and spacing on reproductive growth and physiological changes in king chilli (Capsicum chinense) under poly-house condition SP Barik, AKB Devi, A Ananda and J Konthoujam Abstract A study was conducted in Rabi season 2014-15 in the poly-house, Department of Horticulture, CAU, Imphal to observe effect of planting time and spacing days to flowering, fruit maturity, net assimilation rate and plant growth efficiency of king chilli (Capsicum chinense) under poly-house condition. 4 planting times viz. November 30 th , December 19 th , January 7 th and January 26 th were considered as factor A and 3 spacings viz. 60 x 60 cm, 60 x 45 cm and 45 x 45 cm were considered as factor B. The experiment was laid out in FRBD (Factorial Randomized Block Design) with 3 replications. The result of the experiment showed that days to first flowering, 50% flowering and 80% fruiting significantly varied with variation of planting time, but not with spacing. Minimum days for first flowering (84.93 days), 50% flowering (92.47 days) and 80% fruiting (126.06 days) were exhibited by January 7 th planting with a spacing of 45 x 45 cm. Maximum net assimilation rate (NAR) of 0.03858 gm -2 /day and 0.09871 gm -2 /day during 60-90 DAP AND 90-120 DAP respectively. Highest plant growth efficiency (PGE) (44.61%) was exhibited by November 30 th planting with spacing of 60 x 60 cm during 60-90 DAP, followed by planting time December 19 th with spacing of 60 x 45 cm (82.42%) during 90-120 DAP. Keywords: Planting time, spacing, days to flowering, net assimilation rate, plant growth efficiency Introduction King chilli (Ghost chilli), Capsicum chinense also known as Bhut Jolokia in Assamese, Naga Jolokia in Nagamese and U-morok in Manipuri, is extensively grown in the north- eastern region of India, predominantly in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. After Professor Paul Bostland of New Mexico State University found that this chilli has 1, 001, 304 Scoville Heat Units beating Red Savina Habanero, it was recognized as the world’s hottest pepper in the Guinness Book of World Records, 2007 (Lopez, 2007) [4] . The plant is woody perennial semi- shrub of 45 to 120 cm in height, with multiple stems. The fruit is sub-conical to conical in shape with smooth skin about 6 to 8.5 cm length and 2.5 to 3 cm of breadth. The mature fruit may weigh up to about 9g with 19 to 34 seeds. Cultivation under poly house protect the crop from adverse weather conditions, onslaught of diseases and insect pests and helps to obtain yield 2-3 times more than that under open field situation. Controlled application of water and nutrients under protected structures is an added advantage. Scientific research for production of this remunerative crop under poly house has not been done. Standardization of technology like planting time and spacing for production under poly house condition will help develop scientific package of practices for higher yield of quality fruits. Materials and Methods The experiment was carried out in Rabi season2014-15 in the poly-house, Department of Horticulture, CAU, Imphal. 4 planting times viz. November 30 th (D1), December 19 th (D2) , January 7 th (D3) and January 26 th (D4) were considered as factor A and 3 spacings viz. 60 x 60 cm (S1), 60 x 45 cm (S2) and 45 x 45 cm (S3) were considered as factor B. The experiment was laid out in FRBD (Factorial Randomized Block Design) with 3 replications. Thus, there were altogether 36 treatment combinations in the experiment. Locally available seeds were collected and sown in nursery bed inside poly house. As there were four planting dates, seeds were sown accordingly at 20 days interval. Seeds were sown in raised nursery bed of 1 x 2.5 m size. Seeds were sown in lines in ridges. After sowing a layer of ash was spread followed by mulch application. After 12 days of sowing mulches were removed on seed germination. Total thirty six raised beds of 1.8 x 1.8 m were prepared. Stones and gravels were removed and labelled.