International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.4, 143-161 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 144 growing media used (Sabatino, 2020). The selection of appropriate growing media is critical for improving seed germination, seedling uniformity, and transplant quality. An ideal medium should offer a balanced structure for anchorage, aeration, moisture retention, and nutrient availability (Khanal et al., 2024). Several studies have evaluated various growing media combinations to enhance the early-stage growth of vegetable crops. For instance, Abad et al. (2002) and Sabatino (2020) emphasized the physical and chemical characteristics of substrates—such as coco peat, vermicompost, peat moss, perlite, and FYM-in determining seedling performance. However, much of the global research has focused on standardized conditions in controlled environments, and findings may not always translate effectively to Nepal’s unique agro-ecological settings. While Bhusal et al. (2023) and Khanal et al. (2024) have recently studied substrate effects in the Nepalese context, their findings are geographically limited and do not specifically address bell pepper under portray-based systems in high-altitude regions like Bhojpur. Moreover, comparative evaluations of commonly accessible local substrates in terms of their influence on germination rate, shoot length, root vigor, and seedling quality remain insufficiently explored. However, traditional transplanting methods still dominate in many parts of Nepal, primarily due to high initial investment costs and limited awareness among farmers (Bosland et al., 2012). These methods are often linked to lower productivity, inferior seedling quality, and increased production costs (Bhusal et al., 2023). In addition, unpredictable environmental conditions frequently disrupt timely seedling production, resulting in inconsistent cropping cycles (Khanal et al., 2024). To address these challenges, portray-based seedling production systems have emerged as a viable alternative. This technique enables the timely and uniform production of healthy seedlings, reduces input costs, and improves seedling vigor (Behera, 2016). It is particularly effective in regions where traditional nursery beds are vulnerable to climate-induced stresses. A critical determinant of success in portray-based nurseries is the choice of growing media (Agarwal et al., 2007). Various soil-based and soilless substrates—such as soil, sand, coco peat, peat moss, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, rice husk, perlite, and vermiculite—have been studied for their effectiveness in improving germination and early growth (Bhusal et al., 2023; Khanal et al., 2024). Each medium possesses distinct physical and chemical properties that influence water retention, nutrient availability, aeration, and microbial activity (Abad et al., 2002). The integration of modern nursery practices with optimal growing media has demonstrated improvements in germination rates, reduction in seedling mortality, and enhanced early vigor (Bhusal et al., 2023). In areas like Bhojpur, where vegetable cultivation underpins local livelihoods, adopting improved nursery techniques such as portray-based seedling production with context-specific growing media can play a transformative role in sustainable agricultural development (Agarwal et al., 2007; Khanal et al., 2024). Given the importance of growing media in determining the success of bell pepper cultivation, this study aims to evaluate the effects of different growing media on seed germination and seedling traits. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the selection of optimal growing media for capsicum seedling production in Bhojpur, Nepal. By identifying the most effective growing media, this study seeks to enhance seedling quality, improve transplanting success rates, and ultimately boost capsicum productivity in the region. 2 Materials and Methods 2.1 Experimental site and geographical location The experiment was conducted from January to June 2023 at the research facility of the Agricultural Knowledge Center (AKC), Dandagaun, Bhojpur Municipality-7, Bhojpur. The study site is geographically positioned at 27°10'0" North latitude and 87°03'0" East longitude, with an elevation of 1,560 meters above sea level. Bhojpur district, located in Koshi Zone within Province No. 1 of Nepal, lies in the mid-hills of Eastern Nepal and provides a diverse agro-climatic environment suitable for vegetable cultivation. During the experimental period, the study area experienced significant climatic variations. The mean temperature ranged from a minimum of 12 °C to a maximum of 28 °C, with considerable daily and weekly fluctuations. The relative humidity varied between 65% and 95%, indicating a generally humid
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