Abstract
Twenty-one hot pepper genotypes comprising of local (15) and exotic (6) types (C. annuum, C. frutescens and C. chinense) were characterized for selected fruit traits after propagation in a glasshouse at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo in Central Uganda using a completely randomized design with three replicates. Ripe fruits were harvested and analyzed; traits evaluated were all significantly different at P<0.05 with variations in quality attributes. The genotype OHA-B305-10 had the highest ascorbic acid content (128.86 mg/100 g) and is recommended for improvement of both local and exotic genotypes targeting the fresh market. Genotypes CAP0408-12 and UG2 WE0511-22, with highest total soluble solids (16.17 ºBrix) and dry matter content (28.59%), respectively should be used in improvements for industrial use or processing to products such as chilli powder or flakes. BRS-M205-04 with highest titratable acidity (1.04%) can be used in enhancing shelf life of genotypes with low titratable acids as well as for the fresh market. In spite of the intraspecific relationships among genotypes, significant differences were observed in their quantitative traits. These genotypes will, therefore, be useful in improving the quality of hot pepper fruit in Uganda.
Highlights
Capsicum peppers are one of the top ten spices in world trade, accounting for 3-5% global exports between 1991 and 2015 (Jambor et al, 2018)
No research has been done on characterization of fruit quality attributes, yet these are among the important qualities in the hot pepper markets
Genotypes OHA-B30510 and RHA0307-11 had the highest ascorbic acid content while the lowest content was in UG2-WE0103-05
Summary
Capsicum peppers are one of the top ten spices in world trade, accounting for 3-5% global exports between 1991 and 2015 (Jambor et al, 2018). Capsicum peppers are grown for income generation among smallholder farmers for both local and export markets (Beyene & David, 2007; Ayodele et al, 2016). Morphological characteristics of hot pepper landraces were described by Nsabiyera et al (2013) as a prelude to breeding for various desirable traits including tolerance to viral disease. There is limited information on quality attributes of both local and exotic genotypes in Uganda. No research has been done on characterization of fruit quality attributes, yet these are among the important qualities in the hot pepper markets. This study characterized fruit quality attributes among selected Capsicum genotypes with promising resistance to pests and diseases in order to identify desirable traits for improvement of farmer-preferred varieties
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