Effect of solarized potting mixture on growth of black pepper(Piper nigrum L.) rooted cuttings in the nursery

Abstract

Solarized potting mixture in combination with nutrients and biocontrol agents was evaluated for production of vigorous disease free rooted cuttings of black pepper. Plants raised in solarized potting mixture had better growth than plants raised in nonsolarized potting mixture(soil, sand, and farm yard manure 2:1:1 propotion). Among the various treatments, plants raised in solarized potting mixture with recommended nutrients (urea, superphosphate, potash, and magnesium sulphate 4:3:2:1) showed significant increase in number of leaves (5.3), length of root (20cm), leaf area (177cm2), nutrient contents and biomass(3.7g pl¯ˡ). The results indicated the superiority of solarized potting mixture for reducing the incidence of diseases besides yielding vigorous planting materials. Cost of production of rooted cuttings with biocontrol agents was found to be cheaper in the case of rooted black pepper cuttings raised in solarized potting mixture. Bio control agents or bio fertilizers can be mixed with solarized potting mixture