Morphology and phylogenetic relationships of five chili cultivars from Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Chili is an important horticultural crop which contribute substantially to the national income of Indonesia. As the demand of chili continues to increase, exploration of local superior varieties from various regions in Indonesia become one of priorities in the development of new chili cultivars. This research aimed to study morphology and phylogenetic relationship of chili cultivars from different parts of Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture University of Jambi, from May through to November 2021. Five chili cultivars (Loker Telun Berasap and Ahang Adro from Kerinci Regency, Jambi Province, Kopay from West Sumatra Province, and Awe and Udeng from Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province) were evaluated for their morphological traits and phylogenetic relationship. The trial was arranged in a randomized block design with 5 replicates, and each replicate consisted of 5 plots. There were 25 plants in each plot, of which 8 plants were taken as samples. Qualitative and quantitative traits were observed on leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and stem. Data were analyzed using cluster analysis method using Minitab® (Version 18) application to evaluate phylogenetic relationship among cultivars based on similarity of morphological traits. Results showed that the five chili cultivars showed variations in qualitative and quantitative traits. In addition, there are also variations in their growth and morphology. Based on cluster analysis dendrogram, it was found that Loker Telun Berasap and Ahang Adro showed differences in morphological traits from the other three cultivars. These two cultivars are, therefore, proposed to be listed for cultivar release as part of germplasm conservation program to protect local superior chili cultivar of Jambi Province.