Pepper Research Station, Panniyur, started in 1952 as part of a scheme to improve pepper cultivation, was uplifted to the status of a research station under the KAU in 1972. The station concentrates on crop improvement, crop management and crop protection aspects of black pepper . It is an important co-ordinating centre of the All India Co-ordinated Re-search Project on Spices of the ICAR. Besides research, nucleus planting materials of released varieties of black pepper, viz. Panniyur 1, Panniyur 2, Panniyur 3, Panniyur 4 and Panniyur 5 are also been distributed.

Lead function is research on pepper. AICRP on spices is functioning in this centre from 1972.

• The floral biology of pepper plant was studiedwhich revealed the hereditary parameters involved in deciding productivity a vine.

• The hybridisation technique in pepper has been standardised at this station and evolution of hybrid pepper stands testimony to the success of this method. The Centre has released five varieties of pepper so far, viz., Panniyur-1, Panniyur-2, Panniyur-3, Panniyur-4 and Panniyur-5 and all are well received by the farmers.

• A technique for large scale production of rooted pepper cuttings was developed for the first time. A technology for the production of bush pepper was also developed.

• A low cost technology for the rapid multiplication of pepper was developed.

• Underplanting in pepper on the basis of long term performance of different varieties is recommended. Replanting is recommended after 18 years for Karimunda and Kottanadan varieties, 25 years for the variety Kuthiravaly and 22 years for Narayakodi.

• Intercropping in pepper with elephant foot yam, colocasia, ginger and turmeric was found to be advantageous.

• Phytophthora foot rot disease caused by Phytophthora capsici is the serious and destructive of all the diseases in black pepper. Control measures are suggested.