Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Microbes in Plant Health Management for Black Pepper

Yellowing, foot rot disease and reduced spike length are the major limiting factors in production and productivity of Black Pepper. An assessment experiment to evaluate the performance of various plant growth promoting microbes for management of yellowing and foot rot disease in black pepper was carried out in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Four different microbial consortia were assessed during the year 2020-21 and 2021-22 in a randomized block design, replicated five times comprising of four treatments. The results revealed that drenching of Arka Microbial Consortium (20 g/l) applied at the rate of 4 l/ vine during June and September was found to be the best among treatment. It resulted reduced yellowing (6.25%), higher spike length (14.25 cm) and also resulted in early initiation of spikes as compared to other treatments. Hence, the technological package comprising of drenching with AMC was found to be highly effective for harnessing higher dry pepper yields (8.75 q/ha) and for maintaining good plant health in black pepper.