Effect of spent mushroom substrate on yield and quality of capsicum

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) recomposted by different methods and of different age was mixed in arable soil and its effect was evaluated on vegetative growth, yield and quality attributes of capsicum (Capsicum annuum). Results elucidated that naturally weathered spent mushroom substrate of 6 to 24 months age enhanced the vegetative growth, yield and quality of capsicum and the effect was at par with recommended dose of fertilizers. Aerobically recomposted SMS of 12 months age also resulted in significant enhancement in yield and quality attributes of capsicum fruits along with reduced incidence level of grasshopper, chilli veinal mottle virus and fruit rotting microbes on both capsicum plants and fruits. So the use of aerobically recomposted SMS for capsicum cultivation was found to be a better option of spent mushroom substrate disposal and to raise organic crops.