<em>Piper</em> species (Piperaceae) of Sri Lanka and the diversity of the economically important <em>Piper nigrum</em> (black pepper): An overview of what has been done and what is yet to be achieved

Abstract

Highlights• Piper L. (Piperaceae) is one of the most diverse genera among the basal clades of angiosperms.• Available chromosome counts indicate that most wild species are diploids and cultivated species are tetraploids.• Next generation based restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) is a promising genomic tool that could be used to investigate species delimitation and genetic variation within the economically important Piper nigrum (black pepper).• Three-dimensional (3D) floral morphology imaging using computed tomography will aid in the taxonomic revision and understanding pollination biology of this genus.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Piper nigrum (black pepper) accessions based on next-generation SNP markers

“…Sri Lanka possesses a rich genetic diversity of P. nigrum, both wild and cultivated varieties [9]. In the cultivated black pepper germplasm collection, various local selections, as well as two introductions, Panniyur-1 from India and Kuching from Malaysia, both introduced in the 1970s [10], are present. The crop is traditionally cultivated in the wet and intermediate agroclimatic regions with adequate rainfall, although it can be found in other geographical regions of the island as well.…”