Explore essential facts about chilli cultivation in horticulture with beginner-friendly questions. Improve your understanding of steps, requirements, and common practices in growing hot peppers.
Which climate condition is most suitable for the successful cultivation of chilli plants?
Explanation: Warm and humid climates with sufficient sunlight help chillies germinate and produce healthy fruits. Cold and frosty conditions can damage the plants and slow growth. Continuous heavy rainfall may lead to root diseases, while arid deserts lack the water requirement for optimal plant health.
What type of soil is generally recommended for growing chilli peppers in horticultural settings?
Explanation: Sandy loam with good drainage and organic content supports root health and nutrient uptake. Heavy clay holds excess water and can cause root rot, while saline soils harm plant growth, and rocky, low-organic soils provide poor support and nutrition.
For planting chilli seeds, which method is commonly used to ensure better germination rates?
Explanation: Starting seedlings in a nursery allows controlled growth and protection during early stages, improving germination. Scattering seeds in the field leads to uneven stands. Exposed seeds may not germinate, and mixing with chemical fertilizers directly can damage seeds.
Which pest is frequently encountered during the cultivation of chilli crops in the field?
Explanation: Aphids often infest chilli plants by sucking sap and transmitting diseases. Cotton bollworm targets cotton, not chillies. Apple maggot attacks apple fruits, and rice stem borer affects rice, not chilli crops.
When is the best time to harvest chillies for fresh consumption?
Explanation: Harvesting when chillies show a full, bright color ensures good flavor and nutritional value. Picking at flowering stage or when fruits are immature reduces quality. Waiting until complete plant drying may result in overripe or spoiled fruits.