Effect of pruning on growth, quantity and quality of produce in pepper (Piper nigrum. L)

Abstract

The present investigations were carried out at the Pepper Research Schema, Vellanikkara during the period December 1980 to February 1982. The objectives were to find out. (1) Whether pruning encourages more lateral growth and thereby an increase in yield. (2) Whether it is necessary to retain large volume of unproductive shoots. Studies were conducted on six year old bearing vines and the following inferences were drawn. The nutrient removal was significantly superior in higher intensity pruning. Pruning of hanging shoots recorded significant difference in mean extension of growth and spread of plants after full growth. There were two growth flushes in May and October- November. The later was relatively smaller. Significant difference was noted in the production of shoots, number of bearing shoots, and number of spikes. In all the above three characters, hanging shoot removal was best. Spike and berry characters were unaffected by pruning.