Yield of black pepper submitted to different levels of cattle manure

Although Paraiba State, has shown aptitude for black pepper cultivation, being possible to recommend it as an alternative for agricultural diversification in that area, no recommendation for black pepper crop fertilization exists. This research was conducted at the Universidade Federal da Paraiba, in Areia, Paraiba State, Brazil, to evaluate black pepper genotypes submitted to increasing levels of cattle manure. The experimental design was of randomized blocks, with treatments in the factorial 5 x 3 scheme. The first factor was represented by cattle manure levels (0; 4; 8; 12; and 16 kg plant(-1)) and the second factor, by the black pepper genotypes (Iacara, Cingapura and Bragantina), with four replications. Black pepper production increased with the use of cattle manure in environmental conditions. The highest pepper yield per plant of Bragantina (10 12 g), Iacara (1269 g), and Cingapura (627 g) were obtained with 7.3; 8.6; and 7.0 kg of cattle manure/plant, respectively. The estimated yields of dry pepper were of 6.5; 8.9; and 7.8 kg plant(-1), responding to maximum yields of 358, 793 and 204 g plant(-1) for Bragantina, Iacara and Cingapure genotypes, respectively.