By George K. Mathai, Deputy Director (Retd.), Department of Agriculture
January is a busy month in the pepper plantation. Harvesting continues while farmers must simultaneously protect young saplings, guard against fungal threats, and prepare for the coming summer. From tying palm leaf covers to the stem base of young plants to spraying beneficial bio-agents in the evening, these traditional and science-backed practices together keep the crop healthy and productive.
Applying mulch before summer arrives and continuing to plant pepper on support crops like coconut trees are equally important tasks this month.
Pepper harvesting continues through January. For saplings that are less than 2 years old, special attention is needed at the stem base. The base should be covered using either areca nut palm leaves or coconut fronds to shield the young plant from heat and physical damage.
The correct method is to tie the base of the palm leaf to the stem so that it sits above the sapling’s shoot. After tying, it is important not to press it down on the leaf or on the sapling itself, as this can cause damage or restrict growth.
✅ Step-by-Step: Covering the Stem Base
- ✔ Use areca nut palm leaves or coconut fronds as cover material.
- ✔ Tie the base of the palm leaf securely to the sapling’s stem.
- ✔ Position the cover so it sits above the shoot, not pressed against it.
- ✔ Do not press the leaf down onto the plant after tying.
Spraying a mixture of 30 grams of Bacillus subtilis or Pseudomonas in one liter of water in the evening is recommended to help prevent fungal infections. Evening application is preferred for better efficacy of these bio-agents.
After the harvest is complete, it is a traditional farming practice to bring down the pruned cuttings. This practice helps destroy the fungal spores present in the soil, reducing the risk of disease carry-over into the next growing season.
💡 Tip: Always spray Bacillus subtilis or Pseudomonas in the evening — UV exposure during the day can reduce the effectiveness of these beneficial bio-agents.
Before the summer becomes harsh, it is important to apply mulch in a circular shape one span away from the plant’s base in the plantation. This protects the root zone from moisture loss and heat stress during the dry months ahead.
An interesting traditional observation about pepper is that it tends to produce good spikes when it receives rain after wilting during the summer. On close examination, this is found to be true — and is considered an advantage for the farmer.
January is also a good time to continue planting pepper on other crops, including coconut trees, which serve as natural support systems.
Rain After Summer Wilting
Pepper produces good spikes when it receives rain after wilting — a traditional observation confirmed on close examination.
Multi-Crop Planting
Continue to plant pepper on support crops including coconut trees for effective land use and natural structural support.
Circular Mulch Application
Apply mulch in a circular shape one span away from the plant’s base before summer intensifies to retain soil moisture.
Bring Down Pruned Cuttings
Post-harvest, bring down pruned cuttings as per traditional practice — this helps destroy fungal spores in the soil.
