Summary

P. nigrum (black pepper) is the number one spice crop in Sri Lanka contributing directly to foreign exchange earnings and thereby to the national economy. The Department of Export Agriculture through their Matale research center has introduced new varieties of P. nigrum for cultivation based on local selections and hybridization with varieties introduced from India. The new varieties have local adaptability but lack horizontal adaptability across different agro-climatic regions. Pepper cultivation is now being expanded from the traditional cultivation areas of the wet and intermediate zones to drier
regions of the island. Therefore it is necessary to evaluate the germplasm from such localities for
genetic diversity and adaptability. Characterization of the genetic diversity of this vastly untapped resource along with their endophytic fungal communities will be very useful for the proper utilization of this germplasm in future breeding programmes. The information gained from the proposed study will
not only have a significant impact on protecting biodiversity and more sustainable utilization of genetic resources, but will also improve the livelihood of rural communities and national economic growth. The following national institutes could utilize the findings of the proposed study for the development and implementation of biodiversity conservation strategies and sustainable utilization of P. nigrum germplasm in the genetic improvement of the crop. 

Objectives

1. Evaluation of the genetic diversity and relationship among P. nigrum accessions/landraces grown in four different Districts of Sri Lanka (Monaragala, Rathnapura, Badulla and Matale) using morphometric and molecular methods
2. Isolation of fungal endophytes from P. nigrum accessions In vitro screening of putative fungal endophyte isolates to identify potential antagonists against common fungal and bacterial pathogens and pests of black pepper cultivations in Sri Lanka
3. In vitro screening to identify putative fungal endophyte isolates that possess plant growth promoting characters such as phytohormone production and enhancement of nutrient uptake (via production of siderophore and phosphate solubilization).
4. To fluorescent label promising fungal endophytes with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) using a Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) mediated transformation technique for future host
   colonization and host compatibility studies via fluorescent microscopy.
5. Molecular characterization of isolated endophytes using ITS sequencing
6. Determine the phylogenetic relationship of fungal endophytes in P. nigrum accessions/landraces of Sri Lanka (fungal endophytic diversity)
7. Develop a repository of wild Piper specimens and fungal endophytes to create a platform for future research programmes aimed at enhancing plant growth and conferring biotic stress tolerance in commercial Piper cultivars

Major Equipment Facilitated by Grant

N/A