Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Chilli is an important commercial spice crop valued for its colour, pungency and flavour, and India is a leading producer. However, its cultivation is affected by abiotic and biotic stresses, emphasising the need for quality planting material and suitable growing media for healthy seedlings. The present investigation was conducted during the summer season of 2024-25 at the Research-cum-Instructional Farm, K.D. College of Horticulture and Research Station, Dharampura-2, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh. The experiment was laid out in a factorial completely randomised design (CRD) with eighteen treatment combinations comprising two chilli varieties, Arka Khyati (V₁) and Arka Meghna (V₂), and nine growing media treatments, with three replications. The objective was to assess the effects of different growing media on germination and early seedling growth parameters under shade net conditions. The results revealed significant differences among varieties, growing media and their interactions for germination and seedling growth attributes. Among the varieties, Arka Meghna showed superior performance, with earlier germination, higher germination percentage, lower mean germination time (MGT) and higher speed of germination than Arka Khyati, indicating greater inherent seed vigour. Growing media significantly influenced germination behaviour; termitarium soil, cocopeat and composite media combinations promoted faster and more uniform germination, whereas vermicompost alone resulted in delayed germination and lower germination percentage. Mean germination time was lowest, and speed of germination was highest, in composite media containing soil, cocopeat and vermicompost in equal proportions. The significant interaction effects indicated that germination and seedling growth responses were strongly genotype-dependent. Overall, the study demonstrated that a high-vigour variety combined with a well-balanced growing medium is essential for rapid, uniform and quality chilli seedling production under shade net conditions, thereby supporting improved nursery management and crop establishment.