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 using soil-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 dry matter production were significantly higher in the medium consisting of coir pith compost and granite powder in 1:1 proportion along with Azospirillum sp. and phosphobacteria as nutrient sources whereas, the cost of production of rooted cuttings was cheaper in the medium consisting of coir pith compost granite powder, and farmyard manure in 2:1:1 proportion compared to conventional potting mixture (soil: sand: farmyard manure in 2:1:1 proportion).