Assessment of different cutting methods on the growth and development of pepper (Piper nigrum) in the nursery

Growing pepper trees (Piper nigrum) face several production constraints. The objective of this study is to identify the cutting techniques that allow better development of pepper crops in the nursery. Three clones (C1, C2, and S) were used for this study. These clones were cut in four locations (under tunnel, under shade, closed bin, and open bin) following a two-factor split-plot design. Six agro-morphological parameters relating to the growth of the vine were collected on plants. They are mortality rate, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, leaf surface, length of vines, and number of vine leaves. The results of this study showed that the open bin had the lowest mortality rate in the nursery (26%). Clone S, a wild species, obtained mortality rates of 4 to 5% respectively in the closed and open bins. In addition, the closed bin produced the longest vines (30.32 cm) and with the highest number (8.46) of leaves per vine. Moreover, the leaves of plants in this environment obtained on average the greatest length, width, and leaf area, respectively 9.82 cm, 5.59 cm, and 45.42 cm². These results constitute an indicator for breeders in the perspective of large-scale diffusion of pepper to farmers. Key words: Cutting, improvement, Ivory Coast, pepper.