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Black Pepper variety · Released variety

IISR Shakthi

Also known as Shakthi; IISR-Shakthi

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut, Kerala · ICAR-IISR · 2004

Can be grown on plains and high ranges under rain-fed conditions; medium maturity; good dry yield per vine.

Key facts

TypeReleased variety
OriginICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut, Kerala
Breeder / sourceICAR-IISR
Year released2004
ParentageOpen pollinated progeny of Perambramundi
Yieldreported 5.2 kg dried pepper per vine; 2253 kg dry pepper/ha with 43% dry recovery
TolerancePhytophthora foot rot
Distinctive featuresMedium maturity group; high yield per vine; suitable for rain-fed cultivation; adequate piperine and oleoresin
Grown inPlains and high ranges of Kerala and Western Ghats; rain-fed areas
Also known asShakthi; IISR-Shakthi

Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.

IISR Shakthi in detail

A medium-maturity selection derived from the Perambramundi cultivar, bred for high yield and tolerance to Phytophthora foot rot under rain-fed conditions.

Origin & story

Developed and released by ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut, in 2004. It is an open-pollinated progeny of the Perambramundi cultivar, selected to combine foot rot tolerance with reliable yield.

How it grows

Suited to both plains and high ranges under rain-fed conditions, without supplementary irrigation. Medium maturity group; like most black pepper, vines typically take a few years after planting to reach full bearing. Tolerant to Phytophthora foot rot. Yields around 5.2 kg of dried pepper per vine (about 2,253 kg/ha) under standard management.

Quality & character

Piperine 3.3%, oleoresin 10.2%, essential oil 3.7%. The piperine and oleoresin levels support use in both culinary blending and oleoresin extraction.

Why it matters to buyers

The documented yield (about 5.2 kg per vine) and foot rot tolerance make it practical for farmers in monsoon-prone districts. Rain-fed cultivation cuts input costs, and the oleoresin and piperine content suit both domestic and export trade. Nursery vines are offered by some spice suppliers.

About black pepper

India's pepper tapestry splits into two worlds—old landraces born from the Western Ghats soil and careful farmer selection over generations, and modern releases from KAU Panniyur and ICAR-IISR that blend tradition with yield ambition. The ancient cultivars like Karimunda, Kottanadan, and Narayakodi remain the anchor, each rooted in its own stretch of humid…

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