Yield losses from stem borer (Lophobaris piperis Marsh) attacks have reached up to 72%. Currently, information on the preference and intensity of stem borer attacks on the black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is limited. This study represents the first effort to develop stem borer-resistant black pepper cultivars through inter-varietal hybridization. An assessment of stem borer preferences among 29 F1 hybrids and their five parental cultivars commenced under laboratory conditions. The F1 hybrids displayed a range of resistance levels, resulting from crosses between highly preferred and less preferred black pepper varieties. Among the 29 F1 hybrids, three were highly resistant, 12 were resistant, 10 were moderately resistant, two were moderately susceptible, one was susceptible, and one was highly susceptible. These findings provide a promising material for developing resistant black pepper cultivars that support integrated pest management strategies and promote environmental sustainability.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), stem borer (Lophobaris piperis), damage intensity, inter-varietal hybridization, preference, resistance, susceptible
The F1 hybrids production with various resistant categories came through hybridization among the preferred and less preferred black peppers (P. nigrum L.) cultivars. Three and 12 F1 hybrids attained categories as highly resistant and resistant, respectively, which can undergo studies for developing resistant cultivars in black pepper.