Nutrient deficiency in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) iron, manganese and copper

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.