Kern 223 Hybrid Green Chilli

Kern 223 Hybrid Green Chilli is a high-yielding and pungent variety of chili that can be used for both fresh and dry purposes. It is suitable for rabi season cultivation, which is from October to March in India. The plant has a tall and spreading growth habit and produces dark green fruits that are 8-10 cm long and 1 cm thick. The fruits are pendent, meaning they hang downwards from the branches. The fruits mature in 70 to 75 days after sowing and have a thin pericarp, which is the outer layer of the fruit. The seeds are small and numerous, with an average count of 1,65,000 seeds per kg. This variety requires a humid and hot climate for optimal growth, with a temperature range of 15-35 °C. It can tolerate moderate rainfall, but excess moisture can cause fruit drop and disease problems. It can be grown in a range of soils, but well-drained and fertile loamy soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 are ideal for chili cultivation.

Kern 223 is known for its dual usage and robust, spreading plant structure. The chillies are highly pungent, making them a favourite for consumers desiring a kick in their dishes. The average length of chilli is 8-10 cm and the girth is 1 cm. Despite their high pungency, the thin pericarp ensures an easy cooking experience. The plant itself is a hybrid, benefitting from the best traits of two parent varieties for a hardy, productive yield.

Farm Management Practices: The best season to grow Kern 223 is during Rabi. The crop requires well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.0. Rotate the crop to prevent disease and pests, and always ensure proper irrigation, especially in the early stages of plant growth.
• Soil: loamy, well-drained, fertile, pH 6.0-7.0, avoid acidic, alkali, saline, waterlogged soils
• Temperature: warm-season, 13-25°C, frost-intolerant, 70% humidity
• Sunlight: full sun, 6 hours minimum
• Irrigation: regular and adequate, 3-4 days in summer, 7-10 days in winter, avoid moisture stress at flowering and fruit setting, use drip irrigation
• Season: June-July for Kharif, October-November for rabi, kharif more prone to pest and disease
• Climate: temperate, tropical, subtropical, mild weather preferred; moderate rainfall tolerated
• Weed control: manual or herbicides, three times during crop cycle, first at 20-25 days after transplanting, second at 40-45 days after transplanting, third at 60-65 days after transplanting, use pre-emergence or post-emergence sprays
• Kern 223 hybrid green chilli is a prolific and pungent chilli variety. It can be kept fresh, dried, or processed. For 2-3 weeks, fresh chilli requires a low temperature and high humidity. For 6-12 months, dry chilli requires room temperature and low humidity. To avoid deterioration, store processed chilli in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Crop Management – Fertilizer: Use a balanced combination of urea, DAP, and other macro and micronutrients as per soil test recommendations. Organic manures such as Farm Yard Manure (FYM) can also be used to enhance soil fertility.

Crop Management - Pesticides: Pests like aphids, thrips, and fruit flies can be managed using recommended pesticides. It is important to follow label instructions to ensure safe usage. Diseases like anthracnose and bacterial wilt should be managed with appropriate fungicides and bactericides and regular field monitoring should be maintained.