Solute accumulation in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) varieties in response to water stress

Drought tolerance of black pepper varieties due to the accumulation of solutes was investigated. The nitrogen content increased with moderate and severe stress and maximum N content was observed in Panniyur-5 and minimum in Kumbakodi. Maximum P accumulation was observed in Poonjarmunda followed by Padarpan and Panniyur-5 at severe stress. Potassium concentration was high in Poonjarmunda, Kumbakodi and Panniyur-S. The calcium, zinc and copper content of the leaves increased due to water stress in Panniyur-5, while an increase in magnesium content was observed in varieties Uthirankotta-2, Kumbakodi and Panniyur-5. Severe stress decreased manganese content in all the varieties except Poonjarmunda. Iron content increased due to severe stress in varieties such as Kalluvally-4, Kumbakodi and Padarpan. Among the varieties Panniyur-5 had more solute accumulation than all the tolerant varieties.