Screening genetic resources of local accessions of Capsicum originated from East Java

Abstract

Inventory and collection of local chili varieties in production centers in East Java had been carried out in the period 2013–2015 by East Java Assessment Institute for Agricultural Technology (AIAT). A total of 143 accessions of five chili species (Capsicum annuum L., C. frutescens L., C. chinense Jacq., C. baccatum L. and C. pubescens L) was collected from eight chili production centers in East Java and has been maintained by East Java AIAT. A set of 85 local chili accessions was selected and evaluated for agronomic performance and biochemical compounds. Among the five species, C. annuum L. and C. frutescens L. dominated the distribution of chili species in East Java. The other three species were still found in some spots of farm households and highlands. C. pubescens, locally known as “Bodong” or “Wudel” chili, was found on the high slopes of Mount Semeru, whereas C. chinense, known as “Cotoh” chili by the locals, was also found in the highlands of Batu City. Based on agronomic performance there were several accessions with high-yielding potential (≥12 t/ha). Five accessions of C. frutescens collected from planting areas in the dryland with dry climate of Blitar not only had high yield potential, but also had high capsaicinoid content, low-fat content, low quercetin and high flavonoids and polyphenols. Phenotypic diversity and geographic origin may be useful as the criteria for selecting a good set of chili accessions.