Evaluation of Different Rootstocks for Bacterial Wilt Tolerance in Bell Pepper [Capsicum annuum (L.) Var. grossum (Sendt.)] under Protected Conditions

Abstract

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) is an important commercial crop grown under protected condition in Himachal Pradesh. Being long duration under protected environment, it is the principle money spinner off-season crop. Production of bell pepper under protected conditions in the state is very low as compared to the National and International levels because of lack of suitable Cultivars and hybrids resistant to bacterial wilt. Among biotic stresses bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is the most devastating disease under protected as well as open field conditions in mid hills of HP which reduces yield of capsicum to very low levels. Numerous attempts have been made to develop bacterial wilt resistant varieties, but till date no resistant hybrid is available. The best option to overcome this problem is grafting scions of horticulturally superior hybrids on resistant rootstocks. The study revealed that chilli rootstock PI-201232 was the most suitable bacterial wilt resistant rootstock of bell pepper whereas; brinjal rootstocks were not suitable for bell pepper scions.