Abstract:
The studies conducted to induce deficiency symptoms of Fe, Mn and Cu
in black pepper (var. Panniyur 1 ) revealed that the deficiency symptoms of the
above nutrients were first manifested as interveinal chlorosis of the younger
leaves. However, the later symptoms were specific to the concerned nutrients.
Iron chlorosis was characterized by the presence of green bands along the major
veins whereas bronze yellow colour of the interveinal area was the specific symptom
of Mn deficiency. Bronze colour of the entire lamina with necrotic tips and
margins were the diagnostic symptoms of Cu deficiency. There was no marked
reduction in vegetative growth due to the deficiency of Mn and Cu. However, Fe
deficient plants recorded 35 per cent reduction in total dry matter production.
The growth of the vine was completely arrested by 7 and 14.5 months respectively
after treatment due to Fe and Cu deficiencies. But there was no cessation of
growth due to Mn deficiency. Visual symptoms of deficiencies concurred with a
marked reduction in the foliar levels of the concerned elements. Deficiency of the
element failed to influence the foliar levels of other elements. The deficiency
symptoms could be recovered by the application of the deficient nutrient element.
