Morphological and agronomic characterization of (Capsicum annuum L.) germplasm in Pakistan

Nadra Khan

doi:10.19045/bspab.2020.90168

Abstract

The aim of the study was to estimate the magnitude of genetic variation through the characterization of germplasm using agronomical and morphological traits. In the current investigation 38 genotypes of chilli (Capsicum annuum) were evaluated at an agronomical and morphological level for (10 quantitative and 14 qualitative traits). A set of parameters covering different growth stages selected from the Capsicum descriptors developed by Biodiversity International Former. Qualitative traits were studied on a visual basis. Quantitative characters such as plant height ranged from 40 cm (36588) to 63 cm (36616). Fruit length and width range from 2.21 cm (36591) to 13.2 cm (36636) and 0.60 cm (36569) to 2.90 cm (36560 and 36441). Fruit weight varied from 0.85 g (36591) to 8.30 g (36651). Results obtained for yield/plant ranged from 175.49g (36652) to 780.3 g (36616). Results demonstrated the existence of diversity between the studied genotypes and consequently, providing the opportunity of attaining genetic advances in hybridization program for particular traits under consideration. Keywords: Agronomic traits; Chilli germplasm; Genetic diversity; Morphological traits http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90168

Highlights

The germplasm was obtained from Bio-resources and Conservation Institute (BCI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad
Morphological characterization is a procedure, which requires a descriptive list, suggested by [16] to provide more information about gene pool preserved in gene banks and working collections
Morphological characterization is the only way of differentiation of genotypes on the basis of physical appearance

Summary

Introduction

It plays very important role in commercial sector. Regardless of the availability of the diverse agro-climatic conditions of the country, to produce the extensive range of plant species and as they were contributing in the national economy, by producing significant export earnings or import exchange [12]. Phenotypic characters such as plant height, fruit shape, fruit weight and flower colour have been used to differentiate genotypes of peppers and categorize them into groups [13].

Objectives

Results

Conclusion