Estimation of chlorophyll contents in male and female genotypes of betel vine (Piper betle L.)

Abstract

Betel vine [Piper betle (L)] is valued for its leaves due to its masticatory health benefits. The cultivars in betelvine are mostly the land races which are cultivated locally. The present study aimed to estimate the chlorophyll contents among male and female genotypes collected from different parts of India. The chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents among male and female clones varied significantly within genders. The females had slightly higher contents of chlorophyll over male clones. The highest total chlorophyll recorded in genotype Hirehalli Local (2.363 mg/g) followed by, IIHR BV 67 (2.082 mg/g) in females. Among male clones Shirpurkata (2.238 mg/g) followed by, clone Kapoori TN (2.180 mg/g) had higher total chlorophyll contents. The general observation prevails that, male leaves has slightly lesser in chlorophyll contents over females. Present study could able to identify the male genotypes (Shirpurkata and Kapoori TN) which are comparable in chlorophyll contents over female clones.