Developmental processes in hot chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) as affected by elevated carbondioxide and temperature

Abstract

A study was conducted during 2012–2014 in carbondioxide temperature gradient tunnels (CTGTs) and in ambient condition to assess the interaction effect of elevated carbondioxide and temperature in two genotypes of Capsicum chinense Jacq. on some developmental processes. The treatments consisted of field (ambient CO2 and ambient temperature), CTGT I (380 ppm CO2 and ambient temperature), CTGT II (550 ppm CO2 with ambient temp. + 2 °C elevation) and CTGT III (750 ppm CO2 with ambient temp. + 4 °C elevation). Elevated CO2 and temperature brought about a significant difference in phyllochron index and leaf number in both the years. A lower phyllochron or higher leaf emission rate was reported in cv. Manipur over cv. Assam. A variation among the species was also observed in the present experiment where days to anthesis was much more accelerated in cv. Manipur than that of cv. Assam. There was a significant difference in days to anthesis between the cultivars, treatments and interaction of treatments and cultivars. A significant difference in number of fruit/plant was noted amongst the treatments and among the cultivars in both the years. This indicates the responses of genotypes under future climate change conditions.