Evaluation of nursery mixture for planting material production in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Peruvannamuzhi (Kerala) to study the feasibility of usingsoil-less medium containing coir pith compost and granite powder for raising black pepper(Piper nigrum) cuttings in the nursery. Plant height, leaf production, leaf area and total drymatter production were significantly higher in the medium consisting of coir pith compostand granite powder in 1:1 proportion along with Azospirillum sp. and phosphobacteria  asnutrient sources whereas, the cost of production of rooted cuttings was cheaper in the mediumconsisting of coir pith compost, granite powder, and farmyard manure in 2:1:1 proportioncompared to conventional potting mixture (soil: sand: farmyard manure in 2:1:1 proportion).