Effect of variety, spacing and support material on nutrition and yield of blackpepper (Piper Nigrum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted with two varieties of black pepper to study the influence of spacing and type of support (standard) on nutrition and yield. During a six year period since planting, soil chemical characteristics were not influenced by variety, spacing and type of standard. The variety Karimunda accumulated more K, Ca and Mn in the leaf compared to Panniyur-1. A depressing effect on foliar Ca level was noticed in vines trailed on Garuga pinnata. Closer spacing down to 2 m x 2 m did not affect the vine yield adversely. Three to four-fold increases in yield were obtained by trailing the vines on teak pole instead of on trees. The decrease in yield of the vine trailed on Erythrina indica and Garufa pinnata as compared to that on teak pole (non-living standard) was discussed in the light of probable competitive interactions between the crop vine and support tree as in mixed cropping system.