Three cultivars of black pepper evaluated for breeding behaviour revealed high potency of autogamy and self-compatibility. High autogamy did not exactly reflect high self-compatibility. Water was found not essential for pollination. However, berry setunder water-free condition was less than under open pollination. Cultivars differed in their breeding behaviour under water-free pollination. Good spike and berry set was observed in insect-proof cage. Indication of apomictic reproduction was also observed.
Piper nigrum, black pepper, autogamy, self compatibility, seed set
