Abstract:
Capsicum annuum (chilli) is a widely cultivated crop in Sri Lanka and globally with
significant economic and nutritional value. This study aimed to assessment the
vegetative growth performance of nine Capsicum annuum varieties in the Low Country
Intermediate Zone (ILla) in Sri Lanka. The nine chilli varieties; MICH 3, K4 2, MI
Green, Arunalu, Galkiriyagama Selection, Woraniya Purple, Waraniya Green , MI
Waraniya t, MI2 recommended chilli varieties by DOA, Sri Lanka were used for the
study. The varieties were arranged in a pot experiment in a Completely Randomized
Design (CRD) by using 9 replicates. Plant morphc,logical traits and environmental
factors, temperature, rainfall, humidity, and photoperiod were recorded to analyze their
influence on plant performance. The results demonstrated significant variation of
morphological traits among the tested varieties. Among the tested varieties, MICH3 and
Waraniya purple exhibited maximum plant height (63.88+10.30cm, 64.00+4.31cm)
and MI Waraniyal exhibited maximum leaf length, (17.0125L0.1356cm) indicating
sffong vegetative growth. The variety MI2 repofted the highest leaf production
(173.13+12.01), reflecting enhanced photosynthetic potential. Leaf width was
consistently greater in MI Waraniyal (8.15+0.075cm) and Waraniya Green
(8.025+0.0378cm), while MICH3 (23.75L4.43) exceeded in branch development,
suggesting better overall plant architecture, Galkiriyagama selection produced the
highest number of flowers (11.88t4.22), indicating strong reproductive potential.
Biplot analysis reported that temperatwe and relative humidity are strongly associated
with plant growth parameters in the Low Country Wet Zone. Plant Height of the tested
varieties in the Low Country Wet Zone, associated with higher RH and temperature. In
the ILla, photoperiod plays a more significant role in determining plant height. The
number of branches is strongly correlated with temperature and RH, implying that these
factors enhance vegetative growth in the Low Country Wbt Zone. The number of
Leaves of the selected chilli varieties in the IL1a, leaf production is more influenced by
photoperiod. In the Low Country V/et Zane, RH and temperature have a stronger
influence,likely improving leaf expansion and fbrmation. The PCAbiplot indicates that
the varieties tested at Low Country'V/et Zone thrive rinder higher RH and temperature.
