Mulching

• Reduces weed competition, soil compaction, and erosion.
• Maintains a uniform root environment and conserves soil moisture.
• Organic mulches like rice straw (5 t/ha) are effective.

Irrigation

• Chilli plants have shallow roots and are sensitive to drought and flooding.
• Irrigate if wilting is observed at mid-day.
• Furrow or drip irrigation is recommended; avoid overhead irrigation to prevent diseases.
• If overhead irrigation is necessary, apply early in the day to allow leaves to dry.
• Chilli plants cannot tolerate flooding; drain fields quickly after heavy rain.
• Standing water for over 48 hours can cause plant death.
• Phytophthora, blight and bacterial wilt can lead to total crop loss after prolonged flooding.
• Irrigate at three or four days interval during summer.

Staking

• Prevents lodging, especially with a heavy fruit load.
• Each plant should be staked before flowering.
• Staking increases yield.

Weeding & intercultural operations

• Weeding followed by fertilizer application and earthing up may be done at one and two months after transplanting.
• Stake the plants if necessary.