Performance of rooted cuttings of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) with organic substitution of nitrogen

Abstract

Black pepper (Piper nigrum), known as "King of spices", is a perennial export oriented cash crop in India. With organic spice being the latest demand by the health conscious people throughout the globe, organic substitution of nitrogenous fertilizers in black pepper is becoming relevant day by day. An investigation was carried out to study the influence of different organic substitution of nitrogenous fertilizers in nutrient schedule on different growth parameters of the black pepper cultivar Panniyur-1. Recommended dose of P and K in the form of SSP and MoP was given to the vines. The plants were allowed to grow for upto 36 months of age for taking observations on different growth parameters. Considering the realization of highest response for four important growth parameters viz., plant height (269.37 cm), plant fresh weight (533.80 g), plant dry weight (178.01 g) and relative growth rate, RGR (5.10 g g -1 day -1) after 36 months of planting, it may be concluded that the organic matter supplementation by 25% farm yard manure along with 75% urea) may be the best nutrient schedule under this agro-climatic condition. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.