Black Pepper Plantation Research Articles

A Comparative Study on Economics of Traditional versus Popular Variety of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Plantations in Karnataka

The current study estimated the area under black pepper plantations and demand for its seedlings in Karnataka and compared the economic benefits of Sigandhini and Panniyur-1black pepper plantations. The data were collected from primary and secondary sources to estimate the CAGR and financial feasibility of black pepper plantations. The black pepper area in Karnataka showed an annual growth rate of 22.59 per cent, indicating an additional 44,517 ha would demand 494.58 lakh additional seedlings in 2023-24. The study revealed that, compared to Panniyur-1, the Sigandhini variety generated higher net revenue for farmers. It was evidenced by profitability and project evaluation techniques; Sigandhini gives a higher net present value with a benefit-cost ratio of 4.52 and 53.63 per cent internal rate of returns against Panniyur-I, which gave a benefit-cost ratio of 2.35 and 33.84 per cent internal rate of returns. The study suggested that, to enhance the area, production and revenue generation from black pepper plantations, an ancient variety Sigandhini needs to promote among the black pepper growers in Karnataka.

Farmers’ perception to climate change and adaptation to sustain black pepper production in North Lampung, Indonesia

Lampung Province is the largest black pepper production area in Indonesia mainly in North Lampung District. However, in the last decade the area and production is declining. This research aims to study farmers’ perceptions of climate change and challenge to sustain black pepper production in North Lampung. The study was carried out in North Lampung District using survey method at two sub-districts of major producing area of black pepper that purposively sampled namely Abung Barat and Abung Tengah sub-district in March-June 2019. A total of 93 respondent farmers from 4 villages were randomly sampled. The conclusions are: (1) Sustainability of black pepper production in North Lampung faces challenges regarding declining of planting areal, low productivity, climate change, and low interest of the younger generation in black pepper farming; (2) Farmers in the two sub-districts mostly agree that the current climate is different from the climate 10 years ago and they have perception that as impact of climate change pepper yield is decreased by 25-49%; (3) To sustain black pepper production and to adapt climate change, farmers are practicing mixed culture system of pepper-coffee-and other cash crops, using live support of legume tree, and continuing rehabilitation or replanting of black pepper plantation

Selection of triple-cross Theobroma grandiflorum genotypes, aiming at fruit production and resistance to Moniliophthora perniciosa

In this study, we evaluated triple-cross Theobroma grandiflorum progenies from two successive hybridizations aiming to select families and individuals within them that aggregate high fruit production with resistance to the witches’ broom disease, as well as to evaluate the possibility of incorporating the production methodology of triple-cross hybrids in the breeding program of the species. The study was conducted in a commercial area located in Tome Acu, Para, from 2007 to 2018, in a consortium with a black pepper plantation. Twenty-five progenies of T. grandiflorum were used, in a randomized block design, with five replicates and three plants per plot. The variables “number of fruit”, “fruit production” and the occurrence rate of witches’ broom, during eight harvests, were all analysed. Eight progenies with excellent production and low damage levels caused by witches’ broom were selected. Within these, 16 plants were identified, which will be propagated vegetatively for clonal evaluations in different environments and later turn into parents of a new population. The obtained results served as an indication from the efficiency of the triple-crossing methodology in the breeding program of the species.

Control Strategies of Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Black Pepper Plantation

Plant parasitic nematode is one of important pests causing big loss in crop production. Currently, black pepper is considered as one of major agricultural products in Indonesia, hence its cultivation including plant protection is important in black pepper development. Important parasitic nematodes such as Radopholus similis and Meloidogyne spp., have been known as causal agents of yellow disease in black pepper plantation. These parasitic nematodes could be controlled integrally through several approaches such as using biological control agents, botanical pesticide, and enhancing cultural practice strategies. Biological control using nematode-parasitic bacteria has been proven able to suppress the development of the parasitic nematode in the soil. The use of synthetic pesticide was usually applied as the last effort because of their serious implications for human health not only for the farmers, but also for the consumers and the environment. Therefore, recently, people begin to fascinate the use botanical pesticides known as pesticide of plant origin. Clove, tobacco, and betel vine extract have been proven effectively reduced the penetration rate of the nematode, and suppressed the nematode population development in roots and the percentage of rhizome-knot symptom. These organic materials may be developed for the active ingredient of botanical nematicide. Cultural practices such as amendment of organic materials as mulch becomes important strategy to reduce percentage of total nematode population and its reproduction rates, while at the same time it improves soil quality hence the plant grows well.

KORELASI SIFAT FISIK DAN KIMIA TANAH DENGAN INTENSITAS PENYAKIT BUSUK PANGKAL BATANG TANAMAN LADA / Correlation of Physical and Chemical Soil Characteristics with Intensity of Foot Rot Disease of Black Pepper

Foot rot disease of black pepper caused by Phytophthora capsici is the most destructive disease in Southeast Sulawesi. The disease intensity is 61.2%. This disease is difficult to control because the pathogen is soil borne and influenced by various complex environmental conditions. The study aimed to determine the correlation of physical and chemical soil characteristics with disease intensity of foot rot of black pepper. Disease intensity was assessed from the subplots of black pepper plantation of 15x15 m2 consisting of 36-40 plants. Soil samples were randomly taken from the rhizosphere of the plants in each sub plot, mixed and taken as a composite. The physical and chemical analyses were conducted in the laboratory of Physics and Chemistry of the Faculty of Agriculture, Gajah Mada University. Disease intensity and soil characteristics were analyzed its correlation using a path analysis. The results showed that soil fertility in the study area was low. The path analyses indicated that physical and chemical properties that correlated with low disease intensity were high cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation (BS), potassium and phosphor available as well as moisture at field capacity, whereas those induced disease development were high content of clay fraction, sand fraction, porosity, total N, C-organic and salinity. The control strategy for foot rot disease in Southeast Sulawesi was possibly by increasing CEC, BS, potassium and phosphor available, as well as by improvement of soil texture that can lower high fraction of clay, sand and soil porosity

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTIVITY OF TWO INDONESIAN VARIETIES OF BLACK PEPPER (Piper nigrum L.)

Black pepper plantation area in Lampung province (the biggest producer area within Indonesia) has decreased from time to time, which might be related to unfavourable environmental condition. The aim of this study was to assess which environmental factors are positively or negatively correlated with productivity in particular yield of two local varieties of black pepper plant (Natar 1 and Natar 2) in Lampung province. Two observational studies were carried out in the present study i.e. phenological development and productivity of black pepper productivity in related to various environmental factors. Our results showed that productivity of two varieties were significantly affected rainfall, light intensity and micro humidity. Dry matter yield was positively correlated with rainfall, both in Natar 1 and Natar 2. It was concluded that among environmental factors affecting productivity of black pepper, rainfall intensity was the most influencing factor with a positive relationship with the productivity. Keywords: Black pepper, climate, cultivar, environment, Indonesia

Variabilidade espacial de cálcio, magnésio, fósforo, potássio no solo e produtividade da pimenta-do-reino

A pimenta-do-reino é uma importante fonte de renda para o produtor rural, razão por que é uma espécie predominantemente cultivada por pequenos produtores porém ainda é pouco conhecida a relação da variação espacial dos nutrientes e da produtividade da cultura. Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, descrever a variabilidade espacial do Ca, Mg, K, P no solo e a produtividade de uma lavoura de pimenta-do-reino, cultivada em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico. O experimento foi conduzido em uma lavoura de pimenta-do-reino, no município de São Mateus, ES, plantada no espaçamento 3,0 x 1,8 m. O projeto foi instalado em uma malha retangular de 100 x 120 m. Em cada ponto amostral foram coletadas amostras de solo, na profundidade de 0-0,20 m e determinada a produtividade, totalizando 126 pontos, com distância mínima de 5 m. Os dados foram submetidos à análise geoestatística. Observou-se estrutura de dependência espacial moderada e forte para os atributos químicos estudados. O estudo da variabilidade espacial dos atributos químicos do solo mostrou-se como ferramenta relevante na compreensão do comportamento dos nutrientes no solo podendo ser fundamental no auxílio à tomada de decisão que vise à maior produtividade da lavoura.

Variabilidade e correlação espacial de micronutrientes e matéria orgânica do solo com a produtividade da pimenta-do-reino

Estudos que visem elucidar a variação espacial de atributos de solo associada à resposta de produção das lavouras podem contribuir para a aplicação racional de insumos, possibilitando ganhos econômicos e ambientais. Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a variabilidade espacial dos micronutrientes Fe, Cu, Zn e Mn e da matéria orgânica, bem como sua correlação espacial com a produtividade de uma lavoura de pimenta-do-reino cultivada em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico. O estudo foi realizado em uma lavoura comercial de pimenta-do-reino da variedade Bragantina, em regime de irrigação por microaspersão, no município de São Mateus-ES. A área experimental possui dimensões de 100 x 120 m, onde se amostrou uma malha de 126 pontos com distância mínima de 5 m entre eles. Em cada ponto amostral foram coletadas três subamostras de solo na projeção da copa da pimenteira-do-reino, compondo uma amostra, na profundidade de 0-20 cm. A produtividade da lavoura foi estimada por meio da colheita das três plantas circunvizinhas a cada ponto amostral. Os atributos estudados apresentaram estrutura de dependência espacial forte e moderada, sendo o modelo esférico o que melhor se ajustou para todas as variáveis avaliadas. Verificou-se correlação espacial negativa para o teor de Fe e positiva para os teores de Zn, Mn e matéria orgânica do solo com a produtividade da pimenta-do-reino.

Physico-chemical, biochemical and microbial properties of the rhizospheric soils of tree species used as supports for black pepper cultivation in the humid tropics

The most popular live stakes used as supports in black pepper ( Piper nigrum L.) plantations of the humid tropics are Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston., Erythrina variegata L., Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud. and Garuga pinnata Roxb. Studies on soil properties in the rhizosphere of these tree species are limited. We report here information on soil physico-chemical, biochemical and microbial properties in the rhizosphere of these tropical trees. A non-living support (granite pole) was also included in the study as control. Among the tree species, greater levels of soil organic C were registered in the rhizosphere of G. sepium (26.5 g kg − 1 ), while the lowest level was registered by A. triphysa (21.6 g kg − 1 ). Greater levels of dissolved organic-C, -N, and mineral N also corresponded to the rhizospheres of G. pinnata and G. sepium, while the lowest level was registered by E. variegata and A. triphysa. Bray P level was markedly greater in the G. pinnata rhizosphere (8.4 mg kg − 1 ) and least in the E. variegata (5.2 mg kg − 1 ) rhizosphere. The levels of exchangeable-K, -Ca and -Mg in the tree rhizospheres were, however, not always higher than the control. Greater accumulation of microbial biomass-C (C MIC), -N (N MIC) and -P (P MIC) was observed in the tree rhizospheres compared to the control. Among the tree species, C MIC levels were greatest in the G. sepium and G. pinnata rhizospheres (474.0 and 454.0 μg g − 1 respectively) and least in the E. variegata rhizosphere (415.0 μg g − 1 ). However, N MIC and P MIC levels did not vary markedly among the tree rhizospheres. The C MIC:SOC ratio was, in general, greatest for A. triphysa rhizosphere (1.96%) and least for the control (1.37%). In contrast, C MIC:N MIC ratio was greatest for control (18.6) compared to the tree species (14.3–15.1). The C MIC:P MIC ratio was greatest for G. sepium and G. pinnata (34.8 and 32.0 respectively) and almost identical for A. triphysa, E. variegata and control (28.8, 29.6 and 28.4 respectively). Soil respiration rates did not vary significantly among the tree species (22.0–25.0 μg CO 2–C g − 1 day − 1 ) and the lowest soil respiration (17.0 μg CO 2–C g − 1 day − 1 ) was registered in the control. Contrarily, metabolic quotient ( qCO 2) was greatest for control (83.0 mg CO 2–C (g biomass C) − 1 day − 1 ) and least for the tree species (51.0–59.0 mg CO 2–C (g biomass C) − 1 day − 1 ). The tree rhizospheres also positively affected the activities of enzymes like dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, aryl sulphatase and β-glucosidase. Principal component analysis (PCA) reflected the strong relationship between microbial activity and the availability of labile and easily mineralisable organic matter, the logical dependence of microbial biomass on soil nutrients and a decrease in substrate use efficiency in soils with low organic substrates. The results imply that among the tree species studied, G. sepium and to some extent G. pinnata can be used as live supports for the restoration of degraded black pepper plantations and overall improvement in soil quality in the plains of the tropics.

Formation and Pathogenicity Variation of Oospores of Phytophthora capsici Infecting Black Pepper

Phytophthora capsici Leonian is the causal agent of foot rot disease of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). Foot rot disease is the most destructive disease which can cause significant economic losses of black pepper. Two mating types of P. capsici were found in black pepper plantations in Lampung. This research was aimed at examining the effects of temperature, light, and polycarbonate membrane on oospore formation. Also the effect of light on germination and determining both mating types of 30 randomly selected progenies. The results showed that oospores were produced through either hyphal contact or without any contact. Oospores were produced abundantly on V8 agar in the dark at 16-24 oC. Oospores germinated after 3-weeks incubation in the dark followed by 1-week incubation under TL fluorescent light. All progeny were heterothallic, and consisted of 16 isolates of A1 mating type and 14 isolates of A2 mating type. There was no correlation between mating type categories and their pathogenicities on black pepper leaves. Twenty-six progeny isolates may infect unwounded pepper leaves, whereas another four isolates may only infect wounded pepper leaves. Pathogenicities of all progenies were lower than those of their parents.

POPULASI RAYAP PADA PERTANAMAN LADA DI WAY KANAN, LAMPUNG

Termite population on black pepper plantation in Way Kanan, Lampung. This survey conducted from July to August 2002 was aimed to document the abundance and the diversity of termites at two locations of black pepper plantation with different soil covers at Way Kanan District, Lampung. The first location (Tiuhbalak) was practically bare (less weeds and more litter) while the second location (Sukarame) was more covered (more weeds and less litter). Two termite transects were set at each location. Each transect, comprised of 20 sections of 5 m x 2 m, was laid down in an oblique direction relative to the black pepper plant row. Termites were collected by soil scrapping, wood dismantling, and/or circum-digging of the soil around the plants by two collectors in 30 minutes/section. Termite specimens (mainly soldier caste) were conserved into vial containing 70% of ethanol for identification. Variables being observed included termite’s (1) relative abundance, (2) distribution, (3) number, and (4) biomass. The relative abundance and distribution between locations were compared using F-test at 5% level of significance. Results showed that the termites recovered from 7.5 finds (Tiuhbalak) and 10 finds (Sukarame) were Macrotermes gilvus, Microtermes obesi, Nasutitermes havilandi, Havilanditermes sp., Schedorhinotermes medioobscurus, and Cryptotermes sp.. Termites that were found in association with the black pepper plants were M. gilvus (in part) and Cryptotermes sp., while the other M. gilvus, M. obesi, N. havilandi, Havilanditermes sp., and S. medioobscurus were found from their sub-terranean nests close to the plants. Higher termite number and biomass (dominated by M. gilvus) were recovered from Tiuhbalak, while higher termite diversity was observed from Sukarame.

Cloning, DNA Sequence, and Expression of Aeromonas caviae WS7b Chitinase Gene

A chitinase-producing bacterium, designated WS7b, was isolated from a soil sample obtained from a black-pepper plantation on Bangka Island, Indonesia. Fatty-acid methyl-ester analysis indicated that the isolate was Aeromonas caviae. A chitinase gene from WS7b was cloned in a pUC19-based plasmid vector, but without its natural promoter. The complete nucleotide sequence of the gene was determined, and the structural gene consisted of a 2748-bp region encoding 864 amino acids. DNA sequence analysis indicated that the gene had been cloned without its promoter, and this was confirmed by chitinase-plate assay of the truncated version of the gene in Escherichia coli. The chitinase gene product showed amino-acid sequence similarity to chiA from A. caviae. Chitinase enzyme activity was determined spectrophotometrically, using colloidal chitin azure as substrate for extracellular and intracellular fractions. The ability of the chitinase cloned in E. coli to hydrolyze chitin was less than that of the enzyme in its indigenous host.

Current status of viral diseases affecting black pepper and cardamom

Black pepper and cardamom are the important spice crops grown in India and other countries. Viruses are one of the major yield limiting factors in both these spice crops. Viral diseases spread at a faster rate in these spices, as they are vegetatively propagated. Lack of sensitive detection methods has led to the widespread distribution of viral diseases in all black pepper and cardamom growing regions. The viruses infecting these two spice crops have now been identified; characterized and sensitive diagnostics have been developed. Integration of various approaches like use of resistant varieties, virus-free planting materials, vector control and cultural methods are required for the management of viral diseases. Rejuvenation of viral disease affected black pepper plantations through proper soil and plant health management were proved to be successful. The present review deals with characterization, diagnosis and management of viral diseases affecting black pepper and cardamom.