Innovative techniques in quality planting material production of spices

Spices are low volume and high value commodities of commerce in the world market and have great potential in increasing the farmer's income substantially. Spices like black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove are perennials and ginger and turmeric are annuals. Most of them are propagated by vegetative methods. Non availability of quality planting material (particularly improved varieties) is one of the important production constraints that affect the area expansion or gap filling programmes. Each crop requires specific techniques and handling to produce ideal saplings. Use of growth regulators, ideal potting mixture and fortification with PGPR's or bio-control agents enhances seedling vigour. By adopting these efficient multiplication techniques we can meet the quality planting material requirement of spices.