Formulation of a key for identification of the different types of pepper, Piper nigrum L.

Abstract

The studies reported herein were carried out in the Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during the year 1980-82 with a view to formulating a key for identification of different varieties of pepper. From the germ plasm collection maintained in the Pepper Research Scheme of the College, 45 types of uniform age were earmarked. Observations on twentyeight quantitative and seventeen qualitative characters were recorded from all the fortyfive types and the variability among the types was assessed. The study revealed that the material was highly variable with reference to many of the characters.