STUDY ON QUALITATIVE, QUALITY AND DNA FINGER PRINTING PROFILE OF IDENTIFIED BLACK PEPPER GERMPLASM UNDER LOWER BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY ZONE OF ASSAM CONDITIONS OF NORTH EAST REGION, INDIA

Spices adds flavor and aroma to many households around the world.The North East region (NER) of India boasts an excellent fertile soil and conducive environment for various spices including black pepper, particularly in the state of Assam, where black pepper holds a pivotal position as a lucrative cash crop.The importance of local genotypes and landraces in increasing the genetic diversity of modern crop varieties, and thus enhancing their economic value, is well recognized.In the present study, thirteen local black pepper germplasm were collected and evaluated along with check variety Panniyur 1 for its qualitative, quantitative and quality traits.The germplasm IC-0599150 was identified as the highest yielder with better quality traits.The DNA finger printing with 50 ISSR markers was carried out to distinguish the germplasm IC-0599150 with Panniyur 1. ISSR-01 marker distinguished the Panniyur 1 and IC-0599150 with the presence of band at ISSR-011000 and absence of band at ISSR-01510.Hence, the accession IC-0599150 was identified as suitable accession for NEH region, particularly for Assam state and it was proposed for the variety release.