Characterization and quality analysis of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) genotypes of Kerala

Abstract

The present study entitled “Characterization and quality analysis of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) genotypes of Kerala” was taken up with the objectives of survey, characterization and quality analysis of black pepper genotypes of Kerala based on morphological and biochemical parameters. The survey conducted in black pepper plantations and homesteads in fourteen locations of six Agro-Ecological Units (AEUs) identified twenty one genotypes. Five genotypes designated as G1 (Wayanadan), G2 (Chumala), G3 (Vellayaranmunda), G4 (Nadan), G5 (Nadeshan) from AEU 21 (Wayanad Eastern Plateau), six genotypes designated as G6 (Karimunda), G7 (Neelamundi), G8 (Cheppukulamundi), G9 (Vattamundi), G10 (Thulamundi), G11 (Manjamunda) from AEU 12 (Southern and Central Foothills), three genotypes designated as G12 (Chengannurkodi), G13 (Vellanamban), G14 (Jeerakamunda) from AEU 14 (Southern High Hills), three genotypes designated as G15 (Kuthiravally), G16 (Kottanadan), G17 (Arimulak) from AEU 3 (Onattukara Sandy Plains), two genotypes designated as G18 (Padappan), G19 (Karivilanchy) from AEU 8 (Southern Laterites) and two genotypes designated as G20 (Narayakodi) and G21 (Panniyur 1) from AEU 4 (Kuttanad) were selected for the study. Twenty one genotypes were morphologically characterized for both qualitative and quantitative characters. Thirty four qualitative characters were observed and among those only twenty two characters showed variability. Characters such as runner shoot production, pubescence on stem, type of veining, leaf texture, spike colour, spike orientation, spike shape, spike fragrance, spike proliferation, colour change while fruit ripening, fruit taste and seed texture were uniform in all the selected genotypes. The UPGMA dendrogram divided all the genotypes into 15 clusters at 73 per cent similarity. Sensory evaluation of the selected black pepper genotypes showed a significant variation for colour, odour, taste and flavour. G16 (Kottanadan) was significantly superior in taste while G15 (Kuthiravally) was superior in odour and flavour. Thirty four quantitative characters were recorded for plant, leaf, inflorescence, fruit and seed characters. Summarizing these quantitative characters using descriptive statistics revealed wide range of variability in number of well developed fruits per spike, number of spikes per 30 cm2 , number of spikes per vine, bulk density and specific leaf area. Principal component analysis was undertaken to examine the variation and to estimate the relative contribution of various trait for total variability. The principal component analysis for twenty three yield related characters revealed seven principal components at 85.53 per cent variability. The eleven quantitative characters such as juvenile leaf length, leaf length, leaf width, number of spikes/30 cm2 , number of spikes per lateral branch, number of spikes per vine, number of nodes per lateral branch, number of well developed berries per spike, berry diameter, support height and vine column diameter contributed more to the yield. The score plot identified fifteen clusters in which genotypes with superior yield namely, G1 (Wayanadan), G4 (Nadeshan), G5 (Nadan), G15 (Kuthiravally) and G21 (Panniyur 1) formed unique clusters. Minimal data set generated for black pepper included four characters namely, number of nodes per lateral, number of well developed berries/spike, number of spikes/30 cm2 and berry diameter. The principal component analysis for five physiological parameters revealed one principal component at 73.34 per cent variability. Genotypes with high leaf thickness, high relative water content, high epicuticular wax, low specific leaf area and low stomatal density were associated with drought tolerance in black pepper. Sixteen clusters were identified based on score plot. Biplot analysis identified genotypes G16 (Kottanadan), G13 (Vellanamban), G6 (Karimunda), G7 (Neelamundi), G18 (Padappan) and G20 (Narayakodi) as most desirable genotypes for drought tolerance. The principal component analysis for six quality attributes revealed two principal components at 66.62 per cent variability. The genotypes were grouped into seventeen clusters based on score plot while the biplot identified genotypes G16 (Kottandan), G15 (Kuthiravally), G21 (Panniyur 1), G19 (Karivilancy), G17 (Arimulak), G13 (Vellanamban) and G6 (Karimunda) as the high quality ones. The genotypes studied for qualitative, quantitative, physiological and quality traits showed a moderate variability and can be used in the selection of suitable parents for breeding purpose and gene mapping studies.