A propagation technique developed at Sri Lanka has been modified for adoption in India for quick and easy multiplication of black pepper vines. In this method, a trench of 45 cm depth, 30 cm width and of convenient length is made. The trench is filled with rooting medium comprising of forest soil, sand and farm yard manure in 1:1:1 ratio. Split halves of bamboo or split halves of PVC pipes are fixed at 45° angle by keeping split portion facing upward on a strong support on one side of the trench. Rooted cuttings are planted in the trench at the rate of one cutting for each bamboo split. The lower portions of the bamboo splits are filled with rooting medium (preferably weathered coir dust – farm yard manure mixture in 1:1 ratio) and the growing vine is tied to the bamboo split in such a way to keep the nodes pressed to the rooting medium. Each single nodded cutting with the bunch of roots intact is cut and planted in polythene bags filled with fumigated potting mixture. Trichoderma @ 1g and VAM @ 100 cc/kg of soil can be added to the potting mixture. The buds start developing in about three weeks and then the poly bags can then be removed and kept in shade till main field planting. The advantages of this method of propagation are
- rapid multiplication rate (1:40)
- well developed root system
- higher field establishment and vigorous growth as a result of better root system
Split halves of bamboo or split halves of PVC pipes are fixed at 45° angle by keeping split portion facing upward on a strong support on one side of the trench.
As the cuttings grow, the bamboo splits are filled with rooting medium and each node is pressed down to the rooting medium and tied. For rapid growth, a nutrient solution of urea (1 kg), super phosphate (0.75 kg), muriate of potash (0.5 kg) and magnesium sulphate (0.25 kg) in 250 litres of water is to be applied @ 0.25 litre per vine at monthly intervals. When the vine reaches the top (3-4 months after planting of the cutting) the terminal bud is nipped off and the vine is crushed at about three nodes above the base, in order to activate the axillary buds. After about 10 days, the vine is cut at the crushed point and removed from the rooting medium and cut between each node.
Each cutting with the bunch of roots intact is planted in polythene bags filled with fumigated potting mixture. Trichoderma @ 1g and VAM @ 100 cc/kg of soil can be added to the potting mixture. Care should be taken to keep the leaf axil above the soil. The polythene bags should be kept in a cool and humid place, or should be covered with thin polythene (200 gauge) sheet to retain humidity. The buds start developing in about 3 weeks and the polybags can then be removed and kept in shade. The advantages of this method of propagation are rapid multiplication (1:40), well developed root system, higher field establishment and vigorous growth as a result of better root system.
While black pepper reigns supreme in the spice kingdom, its journey is not without thorns. Dreadful foes like Quick Wilt, Anthracnose, and Mosaic Virus threaten its reign. Choosing resilient varieties like Panniyur 1 and Karimunda offers a crucial line of defense, shielding them from these common diseases. However, this rapid multiplication method doesn’t extend to bush pepper plants, requiring alternative strategies to safeguard their yield. Remember, a healthy peppercorn is a happy peppercorn, so let’s ensure these culinary monarchs continue to thrive!
Lack of support trees needn’t spell doom for your black pepper dreams! Innovative methods like the Column Method and vertical farming offer exciting solutions. Imagine, growing peppercorns sans trees! These methods cleverly replace traditional trees with PVC or concrete structures wrapped in sturdy wire mesh. This creates a vertical support system where pepper vines can climb and flourish. Not only does this maximize space, but it also allows for precise control of growing conditions, leading to potentially higher yields and increased resistance to diseases like Quick Wilt and Anthracnose. Embrace the vertical revolution and watch your pepper kingdom thrive, even without traditional trees!
