Variability analysis in calliclones of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Abstract

The investigations on 'Variability analysis ID calliclones of black pepper' were carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara from October, 1998 to July, 2000. Thirty calliclones of black pepper regenerated from axenic seedling of the cultivar Cheriakanyakkadan planted in Pepper Research Scheme of the Department during June, 1995 were utilised for the study. The objective of the study was to assess the variability among the calliclones of black pepper based on morphological, yield and quality attributes and reaction to Phytophthora foot rot disease. Morphological descriptions of the thirty clones were made based on the mPGR descriptor. The variation at the phenotypic level was measured using the procedure described by Deklerk (I 990). Screening of calliclones for Phytophthora foot rot resistance/tolerance was carried out as per the procedure reported by Kueh and Khew (1980). Wide variability was observed for morphological characters like leaf shape, leaf area, internodal length of laterals, number of runner shoots and lateral branches in the different calli clones studied. The calliclones also exhibited variations for yield and yield contributing characters like the number of spikes per lateral, spike length and number of berries per spike. The dry recovery percentage recorded was generally high in all the calliclones and the clones exhibited less variation for the character. The eontent of essential oil and piperine showed more variation than the content of oleoresin in the different calliclones studied. The assessment of Phytophthora foot rot disease reaction of the calliclones revealed that the clones CC 43, CC 58 and CC 60 were highly tolerant.

Five elite clones viz. CC 58, CC 43, CC 60, CC 56 and CC 57 with desirable traits like high yield, quality and tolerance to Phytophthora capsid were identified. Based on overall attributes, the calliclone 'CC 60' was selected as the superior clone with high yield, quality and high tolerance to Phytophthora foot rot. The superior and elite clones with desirable attributes can be further exploited in crop improvement/production programmes.