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Piper nigrum
Black Pepper
Piper nigrum
Piper nigrum is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its peppercorns, which are usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. The fruit is a drupe (a single-seeded fruit), which is about 5 mm (0.20 in) in diameter, dark red, and contains a single seed. Black pepper is native to South India and is extensively cultivated there and elsewhere in tropical regions.
CategoryDetails
Plant TypePerennial plant
Culinary UsageEdible plant
Medicinal UsageMedicinal Usage
Duration to maturity3 years to harvest
Estimated Plant Lifespan20 years lifespan
Sun Requirements2-4 hours direct sunlight (Partial Shade)
Pollination

Method: self pollination

Notes: While self-pollinating, manual pollination can increase yield.

Watering Requirements

Method: top water

Frequency: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Notes: Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Humidity Requirements

Level: high

Maintenance: Regular misting or use of a humidifier can help maintain humidity levels.

Care InstructionsProvide support for climbing, such as a trellis or pole. Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage fruit production.
Temperature Range

Min: 16°C

Max: 35°C

Alternative NamesPepper plant
Areca catechu
Areca Palm
Areca catechu
Areca palms provide shade and support for the pepper vines to climb, creating a mutually beneficial relationship where the palm benefits from the vine's cover, suppressing weed growth.
Coffea arabica
Coffee
Coffea arabica
Coffee plants can benefit from the shade provided by the pepper vines, while the pepper vines can utilize the coffee plants as a support structure.
Imperata cylindrica
Cogon Grass
Imperata cylindrica

Cogon grass is a highly competitive weed that aggressively competes for nutrients and water, hindering the growth of pepper vines.

Pepper thrips

Thrips are tiny insects that suck sap from leaves and developing peppercorns, causing distorted growth, leaf drop, and reduced yield.

Scale insects

Scale insects attach themselves to stems and leaves, feeding on plant sap. Heavy infestations can weaken the plant, causing yellowing and leaf drop.

Nematodes

Root-knot nematodes attack the roots of pepper plants, causing galls to form. This restricts water and nutrient uptake, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.

Steps:

    • Select healthy, disease-free stems from a mature pepper plant.
    • Cut stems into sections containing 2-3 nodes.
    • Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
    • Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
    • Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix.
    • Keep the soil moist and provide high humidity.
    • Roots should develop in a few weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted.

Neem oil

Effective against pepper thrips and scale insects.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

Can help manage caterpillar pests that occasionally feed on pepper vines.

Mycorrhizal Inoculant

Promotes root growth and nutrient uptake, enhancing plant health and resistance to nematodes.