The Impact of Bittern and Gliricidia on the Growth of Chili Plants in Sri Lanka

Due to its unique spiciness, Capsicum annuum, Chili is an economically valuable crop in high demand in global and local markets. It belongs to the Solanaceae family. This study investigated the effect of Bittern and Gliricidia sepium, Gliricidia plant leaf extract pulp as a complete organic multi -nutrient low-cost fertilizer. Vermi wash and Albert’s Solution were used as inorganic and organic treatments to analyze the effect on Chili plant growth and development. This experiment observed suitable fertilizer treatment for the bittern solution to complete nitrogen deficiency and generate complete organic fertilizer. This study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 13 Treatment groups and 1 controlled group. Treatments were carried out for 10 weeks. Chili plant growth was analyzed using data for vegetative growth parameters, height, stem width, leaf count, and leaf area. Bittern 25% complex with Gliricidia sepium leaf extract pulp treated plants were the firstinitiating branching, second tallest plants (25.5 cm) with secondary branching was observed. Bitt ern 25%, Gliricidia sepium leaf extract pulp with Albert’s solution also signifi cantly showed the highest results on growth, tallest plants (28.5cm), the highest number of leaves, Branching & secondary branching. Analyzing results identified suitable bittern concentration with organic complex for optimal plant growth. Pot plant treatments should increase with growth stages to prevent nutrient deficiencies and optimize growth and development. Statistical analysis used One-way ANOVA and Microsoft Excel. Keywords: Capsicum annuum; Organic fertilizer; Bit- tern; Gliricidia sepium; Vegetative growth parameters