Varietal response of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in modified serpentine layering under protected conditions in North East India
1Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University, Nagaland-797106, India. Corresponding e-mail: nzanthung97@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.23
Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), a spice of considerable economic importance, necessitates efficient propagation techniques to satisfy the escalating demand for superior planting material. This investigation, conducted during the 2024-25 period at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, within a polyhouse, aimed to assess the varietal performance of black pepper in modified serpentine layering. A total of eight varieties (Panniyur-1, Panniyur-2, Panniyur-5, Pournami, Panchami, Subhakara, Chumala, and PLD-2) were evaluated using a Randomized Block Design (RBD), incorporating three replications and employing thirty vines per treatment per replication for layering within a growing medium composed of topsoil, sand, and FYM (1:1:1). Noteworthy varietal disparities were evident concerning survival rates, growth parameters, physiological characteristics, root development, and economic viability. Subhakara demonstrated the highest survival rate, achieving 92.96% at 180 days after planting (DAP), and also displayed enhanced vegetative growth, as evidenced by a vine height of 115.46 cm and an average of 14.89 nodes per plant. Furthermore, the root system was the most extensive, measuring 50.42 cm and averaging 42.93 roots per plant. Panniyur-5 followed closely, reaching a height of 98.60 cm and having 14.43 nodes. Conversely, PLD-2 showed the lowest survival rate (50.00%) and the smallest height (34.47 cm). The various cultivars exhibited distinct physical characteristics. Panniyur-2 demonstrated the most extensive leaf area, registering 127.48 cm². Conversely, Pournami displayed the greatest chlorophyll content, as indicated by a measurement of 71.38 SPAD units. Furthermore, Subhakara accumulated the greatest dry biomass (5.68 g) and achieved the highest crop growth rate (0.32 g day-¹) on a dry-weight basis. Regarding productivity, Subhakara yielded approximately 12 cuttings per plant within six months, yielding the highest economic return of ?1.50 lakh per 1000 cuttings and a BCR of 6.41. Overall, Subhakara and Panniyur-5 emerged as the best-performing varieties for large-scale production of quality planting material through modified serpentine layering under protected cultivation in Northeast India.
