Nutrient deficiency in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) zinc and boron

Abstract

Detailed investigations were conducted in black pepper (var. Panniyur-1) from 1983 to 1985 at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to induce deficiency symptoms of Zn and B. The deficiency symptom of Zn was first manifested on the younger leaves as interveinal chlorosis. Reduced internodal length, little leaf and resetting were the other symptoms specific to Zn deficiency. Failure of development of terminal bud was the initial symptom of B deficiency. The terminal leaves became large, thick and brittle with orange yellow mottles on the upper surface and grey brown interveinal patches on the lower surface. The vegetative growth of the vine was completely arrested by the twelfth month after treatment due to B deficiency whereas there was no cessation of growth due to Zn deficiency- Zinc deficiency resulted in increased production of leaves which were reduced in size and B deficiency was characterized by larger leaves. Visual symptoms of deficiencies were concurred with a marked reduction in the foliar level of the concerned element. The deficiency symptom could be recovered by the application of the deficient nutrient.