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The present study entitled “Characterization and quality analysis of
black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) genotypes of Kerala” was taken up with the
objectives of survey, characterization and quality analysis of black pepper
genotypes of Kerala based on morphological and biochemical parameters.
The survey conducted in black pepper plantations and homesteads in
fourteen locations of six Agro-Ecological Units (AEUs) identified twenty one
genotypes. Five genotypes designated as G1 (Wayanadan), G2 (Chumala), G3
(Vellayaranmunda), G4 (Nadan), G5 (Nadeshan) from AEU 21 (Wayanad Eastern
Plateau), six genotypes designated as G6 (Karimunda), G7 (Neelamundi), G8
(Cheppukulamundi), G9 (Vattamundi), G10 (Thulamundi), G11 (Manjamunda) from
AEU 12 (Southern and Central Foothills), three genotypes designated as G12
(Chengannurkodi), G13 (Vellanamban), G14 (Jeerakamunda) from AEU 14
(Southern High Hills), three genotypes designated as G15 (Kuthiravally), G16
(Kottanadan), G17 (Arimulak) from AEU 3 (Onattukara Sandy Plains), two
genotypes designated as G18 (Padappan), G19 (Karivilanchy) from AEU 8 (Southern
Laterites) and two genotypes designated as G20 (Narayakodi) and G21 (Panniyur 1)
from AEU 4 (Kuttanad) were selected for the study.
Twenty one genotypes were morphologically characterized for both
qualitative and quantitative characters. Thirty four qualitative characters were
observed and among those only twenty two characters showed variability.
Characters such as runner shoot production, pubescence on stem, type of veining,
leaf texture, spike colour, spike orientation, spike shape, spike fragrance, spike
proliferation, colour change while fruit ripening, fruit taste and seed texture were
uniform in all the selected genotypes. The UPGMA dendrogram divided all the
genotypes into 15 clusters at 73 per cent similarity. Sensory evaluation of the
selected black pepper genotypes showed a significant variation for colour, odour,
taste and flavour. G16 (Kottanadan) was significantly superior in taste while G15
(Kuthiravally) was superior in odour and flavour.
Thirty four quantitative characters were recorded for plant, leaf,
inflorescence, fruit and seed characters. Summarizing these quantitative characters
using descriptive statistics revealed wide range of variability in number of well
developed fruits per spike, number of spikes per 30 cm2
, number of spikes per vine,
bulk density and specific leaf area.
Principal component analysis was undertaken to examine the variation
and to estimate the relative contribution of various trait for total variability. The
principal component analysis for twenty three yield related characters revealed
seven principal components at 85.53 per cent variability. The eleven quantitative
characters such as juvenile leaf length, leaf length, leaf width, number of spikes/30
cm2
, number of spikes per lateral branch, number of spikes per vine, number of
nodes per lateral branch, number of well developed berries per spike, berry
diameter, support height and vine column diameter contributed more to the yield.
The score plot identified fifteen clusters in which genotypes with superior yield
namely, G1 (Wayanadan), G4 (Nadeshan), G5 (Nadan), G15 (Kuthiravally) and G21
(Panniyur 1) formed unique clusters. Minimal data set generated for black pepper
included four characters namely, number of nodes per lateral, number of well
developed berries/spike, number of spikes/30 cm2 and berry diameter. The principal
component analysis for five physiological parameters revealed one principal
component at 73.34 per cent variability. Genotypes with high leaf thickness, high
relative water content, high epicuticular wax, low specific leaf area and low
stomatal density were associated with drought tolerance in black pepper. Sixteen
clusters were identified based on score plot. Biplot analysis identified genotypes
G16 (Kottanadan), G13 (Vellanamban), G6 (Karimunda), G7 (Neelamundi), G18
(Padappan) and G20 (Narayakodi) as most desirable genotypes for drought
tolerance. The principal component analysis for six quality attributes revealed two
principal components at 66.62 per cent variability. The genotypes were grouped
into seventeen clusters based on score plot while the biplot identified genotypes G16
(Kottandan), G15 (Kuthiravally), G21 (Panniyur 1), G19 (Karivilancy), G17
(Arimulak), G13 (Vellanamban) and G6 (Karimunda) as the high quality ones.
The genotypes studied for qualitative, quantitative, physiological and
quality traits showed a moderate variability and can be used in the selection of
suitable parents for breeding purpose and gene mapping studies.