~ 199 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2017; 5(3): 199-201 ISSN (E): 2320-3862 ISSN (P): 2394-0530 NAAS Rating 2017: 3.53 JMPS 2017; 5(3): 199-201 © 2017 JMPS Received: 29-03-2017 Accepted: 30-04-2017 Preethy TT Teaching Assistant, Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India Dr. CR Elsy Professor, College of Horticulture, Thrissur, Kerala, India Dr. Berin Pathrose Assistant Professor, College of Horticulture, Thrissur, Kerala, India Correspondence Preethy TT Teaching Assistant, Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India A preliminary study on spike characters of betel vine ( Piper betle L.) Preethy TT, Dr. CR Elsy and Dr. Berin Pathrose Abstract Betel vine is a dioecious crop and both male and female clones are cultivated based on local preference. Sex determination in this crop is not readily possible as flowering in both the sexes is observed in specific regions of the country (Northeast and Western Ghats). Unfortunately, little is known about the sex determination system of Piperaceae and has not been studied in P. betle (Khadke et al, 2012). In Kerala, Tirur and nearby areas of Malappuram district are famous for betel vine cultivation covers an area of 183 ha (FIB, 2014). Puthukodi, Chelan, Karinadan and Nadan were the betel vine land races grown in Malappuram District. As part of a characterization study of Tirur betel vine types, profuse flowering was observed in all land races. Chelan was identified as male land race and all others were female cultivars. Spikes produced on Chelan were long, slender with short peduncle. Female cultivars produced medium lengthy spikes having medium diameter. Spikes were axillary and opposite to leaf. Sessile naked florets were compactly arranged on the inflorescence axis. A bract subtended each floret, both in male and female spikes. Keywords: Anthesis, peduncle, male cultivar, spikes, stamens 1. Introduction Betel vine (Piper betle L.) is a dioecious, evergreen creeper belonging to the family Piperaceae. It is an indigenous medicinal plant with glabrous, deep green, heart shaped leaves as economically important part. Betel leaves have many medicinal properties and are used in Indian system of medicine to cure indigestion, stomach ache, diarrhoea, flatulence and to heal wounds, scales, burns, swelling etc. The leaves are credited with wound healing property. In Susruta Samhita, it is mentioned as aromatic, sharp, hot, acrid and beneficial as laxative and appetizer. In betel vine both male and female clones are cultivated based on local preference. Sex determination in this is not readily possible as flowering in both the sexes is observed in the specific regions of the country (Northeast and Western Ghats). Gender based differences were reported in P. betle with respect to many traits such as leaf shape, amount of chlorophyll, essential oil composition, total phenol and thiocyanate content. Unfortunately, little is known about the sex determination system of Piperaceae and has not been studied in P. betle. Classifying the germplasm and collection of new germplasm needs knowledge of the sex of the plant, which is time consuming process (Khadke et al, 2012) [5] . In India, it is cultivated in an approximate area of 45,000 ha as cash crop. In Kerala, Tirur and nearby areas of Malappuram district are famous for betel vine cultivation with an area of 183 ha (FIB, 2014) [3] . During the study of Tirur betel vine types, profuse flowering has been observed in all cultivars. However earlier studies shown that the flowering of betel vine under Indian climate is rare. In this circumstance, a preliminary study on flowering of betel vine is undertaken as part of characterization. It will be a source of data on flowering nature of betel vine in future years for those who are interested in floral morphology and breeding aspects. Materials & Methods Puthukodi, Chelan, Karinadan and Nadan were the betel vine land races grown in Malappuram District. Planting material of Muvattupuzha Local was collected from Asamanoor, Ernakulum district. Puthukodi, Chelan and Karinadan along with Nadan (Local check variety) and Muvattupuzha Local type from Asamannoor as check variety were raised in farmer’s field in Malappuram district during 2013 – 14.