LIGHT SATURATION STUDIES IN BLACK PEPPER (PIPER-NIGRUM L) VARIETIES

The traditionally shade grown varieties of pepper(five varieties) presently grown under partial light stress conditions on live standards have shown that they have capacities to light saturate between 138 to 2049-mu-E m-2s-1 of light intensities. A steady photosynthesising pattern of the leaves in a stand upto 2049-mu-E m-2s-1 or more light intensity throughout the day and round the year is a desirable character for better productivity. Cv. Panniyoor 1 was however found to possess the capacity to be steady between 138 to 2049-mu-E m-2s-1. This is a desirable character since pepper is mainly grown in traditional way on live standards with the above range of sunlight energy.