A preliminary study on spike characters of betel vine (Piper betle L.)

Abstract

Betel vine is a dioecious crop and both male and female clones are cultivated based on local preference. Sex determination in this crop is not readily possible as flowering in both the sexes is observed in specific regions of the country (Northeast and Western Ghats). Unfortunately, little is known about the sex determination system of Piperaceae and has not been studied in P. betle (Khadke et al, 2012). In Kerala, Tirur and nearby areas of Malappuram district are famous for betel vine cultivation covers an area of 183 ha (FIB, 2014). Puthukodi, Chelan, Karinadan and Nadan were the betel vine land races grown in Malappuram District. As part of a characterization study of Tirur betel vine types, profuse flowering was observed in all land races. Chelan was identified as male land race and all others were female cultivars. Spikes produced on Chelan were long, slender with short peduncle. Female cultivars produced medium lengthy spikes having medium diameter. Spikes were axillary and opposite to leaf. Sessile naked florets were compactly arranged on the inflorescence axis. A bract subtended each floret, both in male and female spikes.