Indian Journal of Horticulture
Year : 2004, Volume : 61, Issue : 1
First page : ( 74) Last page : ( 77)
Print ISSN : 0972-8538.

Solute accumulation in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) varieties in response to water stress

Thankamani C.K.^1,*, Ashokan P.K.²

¹Indian Institute of Spices Research, P.O. Marikunru, Kozhikode 673 012, Kerala

²Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur 680 656

*Corresponding author: E-mail: iisrclt@md3.vsnl.net.in; www.issr.org

Received:  December,  2002; Revised:  July,  2003; Accepted:  December,  2003.

Abstract

Drought tolerance of black pepper varieties due to the accumulation of solutes was investigated. The nitrogen content increased with moderate and severe stress and maximum N content was observed in Panniyur-5 and minimum in Kumbakodi. Maximum P accumulation was observed in Poonjarmunda followed by Padarpan and Panniyur-5 at severe stress. Potassium concentration was high in Poonjarmunda, Kumbakodi and Panniyur-S. The calcium, zinc and copper content of the leaves increased due to water stress in Panniyur-5, while an increase in magnesium content was observed in varieties Uthirankotta-2, Kumbakodi and Panniyur-5. Severe stress decreased manganese content in all the varieties except Poonjarmunda. Iron content increased due to severe stress in varieties such as Kalluvally-4, Kumbakodi and Padarpan. Among the varieties Panniyur-5 had more solute accumulation than all the tolerant varieties.

Top

Key words

Black pepper, solute accumulation, water stress.

Top