Black Pepper variety · Released variety
IISR Thevam
Also known as Thevam; IISR-Thevam
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut, Kerala · ICAR-IISR · 2004
Field-tolerant to foot rot; high oleoresin; suited to both high-altitude and plains cultivation.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut, Kerala |
| Breeder / source | ICAR-IISR |
| Year released | 2004 |
| Parentage | Clonal selection from Thevanmundi |
| Yield | around 5.17 kg fresh pepper/vine; 2148 kg/ha (reported in one trial) |
| Tolerance | Phytophthora foot rot (field tolerance) |
| Distinctive features | Oleoresin 8.2%; ovate-elliptic leaf; medium maturity; 35% dry recovery; bold berries; good spike length |
| Grown in | High-altitude areas and plains of Kerala and Western Ghats |
| Also known as | Thevam; IISR-Thevam |
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 Thevam in detail
A foot-rot-tolerant clonal selection from a traditional Kerala cultivar, combining field resilience with oleoresin quality across diverse elevations.
Origin & story
IISR Thevam is a clonal selection derived from Thevanmundi, a traditional black pepper cultivar of Kerala. It was released in 2004 by ICAR-IISR (Indian Institute of Spices Research), Calicut, as part of the institute's breeding program to develop disease-tolerant pepper varieties for Indian growing regions.
How it grows
Reaches medium maturity and is adapted to both high-altitude areas and plains. Fresh yield averages 5.17 kg per vine with 35% dry recovery, and IISR reports a dry yield of around 2,148 kg per hectare. Spike length is about 8.2 cm with roughly 392 fruits per spike and 80% fruit set. Leaves are ovate-elliptic, around 14.2 x 7.0 cm. As with black pepper generally, it does best with good annual rainfall and adequate spacing on its support standards.
Quality & character
Oleoresin around 8.2-8.5%, piperine 1.6%, essential oil 3.1%. Bold berries with 1,000-fruit weight averaging 155 grams. Ovate-elliptic leaf morphology.
Why it matters to buyers
Foot rot tolerance helps reduce replanting losses in endemic regions. The 35% dry recovery and oleoresin of roughly 8.2-8.5% make it suitable for both domestic and export-grade processing. Medium maturity and adaptability to high altitude and plains give it flexibility across estates.
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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