Anatomy of three Piper nigrum genotypes with respect to Phytophthora foot rot disease

Abstract

Foot rot caused by phytophthora capsici is the most serious diseases of black pepper. Though all varieties of black pepper are susceptible to this pathogen, variation do exist concering the degree of tolerance and mechanisms of defense. Anatomical features such as thicker epidermis, smaller no: of epidermal appendages, smaller cortical cells, smaller stele, thicker pericycle cells and smaller vascular bundles and compact arrangement of cells can be attributed to immunity of II -SR Shakthi to phytophthora capsici as compared to kalluvally. Observed anatomical differencess between the 3 genotypes can be used for selecting parents for disease resistant breeding .