Capsicum Chinense Jacq Research Articles

Nitrate promotes capsaicin accumulation in Capsicum chinense immobilized placentas.

In chili pepper's pods, placental tissue is responsible for the synthesis of capsaicinoids (CAPs), the compounds behind their typical hot flavor or pungency, which are synthesized from phenylalanine and branched amino acids. Placental tissue sections from Habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) were immobilized in a calcium alginate matrix and cultured in vitro, either continuously for 28 days or during two 14-day subculture periods. Immobilized placental tissue remained viable and metabolically active for up to 21 days, indicating its ability to interact with media components. CAPs contents abruptly decreased during the first 7 days in culture, probably due to structural damage to the placenta as revealed by scanning electron microcopy. CAPs levels remained low throughout the entire culture period, even though a slight recovery was noted in subcultured placentas. However, doubling the medium's nitrate content (from 40 to 80 mM) resulted in an important increment, reaching values similar to those of intact pod's placentas. These data suggest that isolated pepper placentas cultured in vitro remain metabolically active and are capable of metabolizing inorganic nitrogen sources, first into amino acids and, then, channeling them to CAP synthesis.

Mechanisms of salt tolerance in habanero pepper plants (Capsicum chinense Jacq.): Proline accumulation, ions dynamics and sodium root-shoot partition and compartmentation.

Despite its economic relevance, little is known about salt tolerance mechanisms in pepper plants. To address this question, we compared differences in responses to NaCl in two Capsicum chinense varieties: Rex (tolerant) and Chichen-Itza (sensitive). Under salt stress (150 mM NaCl over 7 days) roots of Rex variety accumulated 50 times more compatible solutes such as proline compared to Chichen-Itza. Mineral analysis indicated that Na+ is restricted to roots by preventing its transport to leaves. Fluorescence analysis suggested an efficient Na+ compartmentalization in vacuole-like structures and in small intracellular compartments in roots of Rex variety. At the same time, Na+ in Chichen-Itza plants was compartmentalized in the apoplast, suggesting substantial Na+ extrusion. Rex variety was found to retain more K+ in its roots under salt stress according to a mineral analysis and microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE). Vanadate-sensitive H+ efflux was higher in Chichen-Itza variety plants, suggesting a higher activity of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase, which fuels the extrusion of Na+, and, possibly, also the re-uptake of K+. Our results suggest a combination of stress tolerance mechanisms, in order to alleviate the salt-induced injury. Furthermore, Na+ extrusion to apoplast does not appear to be an efficient strategy for salt tolerance in pepper plants.

Understanding the physiological responses of a tropical crop (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) at high temperature.

Temperature is one of the main environmental factors involved in global warming and has been found to have a direct effect on plants. However, few studies have investigated the effect of higher temperature on tropical crops. We therefore performed an experiment with a tropical crop of Habanero pepper (Capsicum Chinense Jacq.). Three growth chambers were used, each with 30 Habanero pepper plants. Chambers were maintained at a diurnal maximum air temperature (DMT) of 30 (chamber 1), 35 (chamber 2) and 40°C (chamber 3). Each contained plants from seedling to fruiting stage. Physiological response to variation in DMT was evaluated for each stage over the course of five months. The results showed that both leaf area and dry mass of Habanero pepper plants did not exhibit significant differences in juvenile and flowering phenophases. However, in the fruiting stage, the leaf area and dry mass of plants grown at 40°C DMT were 51 and 58% lower than plants at 30°C DMT respectively. Meanwhile, an increase in diurnal air temperature raised both stomatal conductance and transpiration rate, causing an increase in temperature deficit (air temperature – leaf temperature). Thus, leaf temperature decreased by 5°C, allowing a higher CO2 assimilation rate in plants at diurnal maximum air temperature (40°C). However, in CO2 measurements when leaf temperature was set at 40°C, physiological parameters decreased due to an increase in stomatal limitation. We conclude that the thermal optimum range in a tropical crop such as Habanero pepper is between 30 and 35°C (leaf temperature, not air temperature). In this range, gas exchange through stomata is probably optimal. Also, the air temperature–leaf temperature relationship helps to explain how temperature keeps the major physiological processes of Habanero pepper healthy under experimental conditions.

Some rootstocks improve pepper tolerance to mild salinity through ionic regulation

Grafting has been proposed as an interesting strategy that improves the responses of crops under salinity. In pepper, we reported increased fruit yield of the commercial ‘Adige’ cultivar under salinity when grafted onto accessions Capsicum chinense Jacq. ‘ECU-973′ (12) and Capsicum baccatum L. var. pendulum ‘BOL-58′ (14), whereas no effect was observed when grafted onto accession Capsicum annuum L var. ‘Serrano’ (5). We also analysed the physiological and biochemical mechanisms related to the tolerance conferred by these rootstocks. Responses to salinity (40mM NaCl) were studied in the different plant combinations for 30 days by determining water relations, mineral content, proline accumulation, photosynthetic parameters, nitrate reductase activity and antioxidant capacity. Higher salt tolerance was achieved when the ‘Adige’ cultivar was grafted onto the 12 genotype, which allowed not only lower Na+ and Cl− accumulation in the scion, but also ion selectivity maintenance, particularly Na+/K+ discrimination. These traits led to a minor negative impact on photosynthesis, nitrate reductase activity and lipid peroxidation in grafted scion leaves. This work suggests that using tolerant pepper rootstocks that maintain the scion's ion homeostasis is a promising strategy to provide salinity tolerance and can consequently improve crop yield.

Compatibility of inter-specific crosses between Capsicum chinense Jacq. and Capsicum baccatum L. at different fertilization stages

Interspecific barriers have been investigated in a direct and reciprocal cross between Capsicum chinense Jacq. (‘cv. C’) and Capsicum baccatum L. (‘cv. B’). Compatibilities of interspecific cross were examined at three different growth stages, i.e. pre-pollination, pre-fertilization and post-fertilization. At pre-pollination, higher pollen germination was obtained when the pollens were collected on the blooming day and germinated immediately without storage. In addition, ‘cv. C’ gave higher percentage germination than ‘cv. B’ under most combinations of three factors, i.e. flowering development stages, pollen incubation periods and different concentrations of sucrose. In both direct and reciprocal crosses, the pollen tubes were able to grow and reached the ovules within 48h indicating that there were no pre-fertilization barriers. For compatibility at post-fertilization, microscopic investigation of embryo development revealed normal features of embryo during various developmental stages in ‘C-selfed’, ‘B-selfed’ and ‘B/C’ resulting in mature healthy seeds. However, the ‘C/B’ embryos began to show abnormal growth patterns at the globular stage resulting in abnormal embryos in mature seeds. In conclusion, successful interspecific hybridization between C. chinense Jacq. and C. baccatum L. can be performed using the latter as the female parent.

GC–MS Characterization of Volatile Compounds in Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) by Optimization of Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Conditions

The habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is very aromatic and is the hottest pepper in the world. In this study, a headspace solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC–MS) method was developed to evaluate the volatile compounds that contribute to the aroma of Yucatan habanero pepper. The optimization of the extraction conditions by HS-SPME/GC–MS was carried out by using a fractional factorial design (2 k-2 V) and univariate analysis. Eight factors were evaluated: equilibrium time, extraction temperature, extraction time, salt addition, pH, fibre, vial size and agitation. Optimal results were as follows: 14 min of equilibrium, 53 °C and 46 min of extraction, polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene/carboxen (PDMS/DVB/CAR) fibre and a 15-mL vial. Fifty-three compounds were identified in habanero pepper employing the optimized extraction conditions.

English

Capsicum chinense Jacq. is well known for its pungency factor, capsaicin. An attempt has been made to maintain the desired pungency of Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Lota Bhot through in vitro propagation via callusogenesis from leaf explants under the influence of different plant growth hormones and an additional component, Silver nitrate (AgNO3). The combination of Kinetin (45µML-1) along with 2,4- Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid (2,4-D) and AgNO3 at 3.5µML -1 and 35µML -1 respectively was found optimum for callus induction as well as mul- tiple shoot induction whereas maximum shoot length was recorded at Kin (40µML-1), 2,4-D (3.0 µML-1) and AgNO3 (30µML-1). In vitro flower induction and fruit development was most observed under the influence of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) at 30µML -1 . Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) 1and 2,4-D at 4.0µML-1 and 5.5 µML-1 correspondingly was standardized for maximum in- duction of roots in vitro. Healthy in vitro regenerated plantlets were acclimatized in the potting substrate containing half strength MS medium enriched with soil, sand, vermicompost and vermiculite in all equal proportion and 78.56% of total acclimatized plants were successfully trans- ferred to the main field.

Somaclonal Variation in Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) as Assessed ISSR Molecular Markers

Intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to evaluate the effects of in vitro culture on genetic variation in Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) regeneration protocols. A total of 219 ISSR clear and reproducible fragments were generated with 13 ISSR primers in direct organogenesis, direct and indirect somatic embryos, and the embryogenic callus system. A cluster analysis was performed to express in the form of dendrogram the relationships among different regeneration systems and the genetic variability detected. Genetic distance analysis indicated that our regeneration protocols are inappropriate for micropropagation, conservation, or genetic transformation; however, they may be applicable to breeding. This is the first report on the use of molecular analysis to evaluate genetic variation of in vitro-regenerated plants of Habanero pepper using ISSR markers.

Antioxidant activity and total carotenoids of selectedcapsicumspecies from Tabasco, Mexico

Fruits of Jalapeno (Caspicum annuum), Amshito (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) and Habanero (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) were analyzed for total carotenoids, extractable colour (total pigments) and antioxidant activity. The results showed that total contents of carotenoids of Amshito (496.10±67.08 μg/g FW) and Habanero fruits (445.91±24 μg/g FW) were very similar and showed no significant difference (P<0.290) among themselves. However, Jalapeno pepper, presented low values of total carotenoids (324.04±51 μg/g FW) and had a significant difference (P<0.005) with respect to other peppers. With respect to extractable colour, the results showed that Amshito and Habanero chilli were characterized by accumulated higher concentration of ASTA units (P=0.043) with respect to Jalapeno, respectively. On the other hand, Amshito (5.56±0.58 mg AAE/g FW) and Jalapeno (6.79±0.43 mg AAE/g FW) peppers showed significant changes in the total antioxidant activity. However, Habanero, chilli exhibited the best antioxidant property of the pepper species evaluated in the present study. These results provided useful and important information for researchers in order to increase the know about biochemistry properties of Jalapeno (Caspicum annuum), Amshito (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) and Habanero (Capsicum chinense Jacq.), for food and nutraceutical industries in Mexico.

Manipulation of culture strategies to enhance capsaicin biosynthesis in suspension and immobilized cell cultures of Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Naga King Chili

Manipulation of culture strategies was adopted to study the influence of nutrient stress, pH stress and precursor feeding on the biosynthesis of capsaicin in suspension and immobilized cell cultures of C. chinense. Cells cultured in the absence of one of the four nutrients (ammonium and potassium nitrate for nitrate and potassium stress, potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate for phosphorus stress, and sucrose for sugar stress) influenced the accumulation of capsaicin. Among the stress factors studied, nitrate stress showed maximal capsaicin production on day 20 (505.9 ± 2.8 μg g(-1) f.wt) in immobilized cell, whereas in suspension cultures the maximum accumulation (345.5 ± 2.9 μg g(-1) f.wt) was obtained on day 10. Different pH affected capsaicin accumulation; enhanced accumulation of capsaicin (261.6 ± 3.4 μg g(-1) f.wt) was observed in suspension cultures at pH 6 on day 15, whereas in case of immobilized cultures the highest capsaicin content (433.3 ± 3.3 μg g(-1) f.wt) was obtained at pH 5 on day 10. Addition of capsaicin precursors and intermediates significantly enhanced the biosynthesis of capsaicin, incorporation of vanillin at 100 μM in both suspension and immobilized cell cultures resulted in maximum capsaicin content with 499.1 ± 5.5 μg g(-1) f.wt on day 20 and 1,315.3 ± 10 μg g(-1) f.wt on day 10, respectively. Among the different culture strategies adopted to enhance capsaicin biosynthesis in cell cultures of C. chinense, cells fed with vanillin resulted in the maximum capsaicin accumulation. The rate of capsaicin production was significantly higher in immobilized cells as compared to freely suspended cells.

In vitro plantlet regeneration from cotyledon segments of Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Naga King Chili, and determination of capsaicin content in fruits of in vitro propagated plants by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

An in vitro plantlet regeneration system has been developed from cotyledon segments of Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Naga King Chili, a very pungent chili species of India. Rosette-like structures (RLS) were induced on the explants which on transfer to medium containing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) resulted in multiple shoots in course of time. Agar-based Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 18.16μM thidiazuron (TDZ) was found to be the most suitable medium for RLS induction and shoot formation. Maximum number of multiple shoots (9.5±0.39) and roots (8.6±0.50), and root length (2.4±0.02cm) were obtained from rosette-like structures in medium containing 5.70μM IAA. Combined effect of putrescine (Put) (5.6μM) and TDZ (4.54μM) mediated direct multiple shoot (5.8±0.44) induction. The in vitro rooted plantlets were transferred to glass house for hardening and acclimatization, wherein 90% survival was recorded. The hardened plantlets, thus developed were established in soil and bore normal fruits after 4 months of transfer. The capsaicin content in matured fruits of in vitro propagated plants was found to be 0.05236g/gdwt (837,760 Scoville Heat Units, SHU), where as in vivo raised plantlets yielded 0.0545g/gdwt (872,000 SHU) respectively.

Fruit Trait Variation in a Caribbean Germplasm Collection of Aromatic Hot Peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Aromatic hot peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) are an important agricultural commodity for many small-scale farmers in the Caribbean because it is a commercially viable crop and one that is integral to the cuisines of the region. The large variation in fruit shape, size, color, pungency, and aroma of this species facilitates a diverse range of uses. Using 264 accessions from a Caribbean germplasm collection (representing primarily the Caribbean Basin, Central and South America), this study investigated 1) morphological variation in 13 fruit descriptors of agro-economic importance; and 2) morphological groups based on geographic origin. All 13 fruit descriptors showed significant variation. Fruit color [immature (six states) and mature (12 states)] was the most diverse qualitative fruit trait. Among the quantitative traits, fruit weight and fruit width showed the highest broad-sense heritability (0.81), and fruit weight was highly correlated with fruit width and placenta size. Cluster analysis revealed four main clusters, which did not show a clear separation of accessions based on major geographic regions, but there was a highly significant association (P &lt; 0.0001) between geographic subgroups and the clusters to which they were assigned. Most accessions of the Northern Caribbean (particularly the Bahamas and Puerto Rico) separated quite distinctly from most accessions of the Southern Caribbean and clustered with most accessions of Central and South America. Accessions of the Southern Caribbean (Lesser Antilles, Trinidad &amp; Tobago) were substantially more similar to each other than they were to most accessions of Central and South America, thereby suggesting genetic differences between accessions of the Southern Caribbean islands and the mainland populations. Collectively, the results show that this germplasm collection contains useful accessions with desired fruit quality traits and a level of genetic variation that can be used to encourage its active conservation and use for further evaluation trials and crop improvement as well as guide ongoing complementary germplasm introductions to augment the collection’s diversity.

Seedling protection and field practices for management of insect vectors and viral diseases of hot pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) in Uganda

The focus of this study was on nursery and field management of seed and insect vectors of viruses on hot pepper. Seedlings raised from hypochlorite-treated seeds under a net tunnel nursery were compared with seedlings raised from untreated seeds in an open nursery. The two groups of seedlings were used to evaluate field practices in a split plot randomized controlled block design: (i) weekly foliar applications with dimethoate; (ii) close plant spacing of 60 cm × 50 cm); (iii) 1.5-m high net perimeter screen; (iv) transparent plastic mulch; (v) untreated control. Whiteflies were the vectors most affected by the treatments, showing 28%, 38%, 43% and 36% reductions in occurrence by seedling protection, net screens, transparent plastic mulch and close plant spacing, respectively. Aphids were only responsive to close plant spacing and chemical treatments, with a reduction in incidence of up 43% by the former. The lowest virus disease incidence (12%) was on plants raised unprotected in the nursery but grown under the close plant spacing in the field. Plants from protected seedlings had a marginally higher fruit yield (2.1 kg/plant) compared with plants from unprotected seedlings (1.7 kg/plant)

Induction of capsaicinoid accumulation in placental tissues of Capsicum chinense Jacq. requires primary ammonia assimilation

The activities of primary ammonia assimilation enzymes were analyzed in isolated placentas of habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). The placentas were cultured in vitro and exposed to conditions promoting capsaicinoid accumulation, such as treatments with salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJa). Although exposure to both inducers resulted in increased accumulation of capsaicinoids, the induction by SA was more pronounced. Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity, which incorporates ammonia into glutamine, increased more than six fold under such conditions, suggesting GS participation in fulfilling the demand for amino acids required to support the increase in capsaicinoid synthesis. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), which has been involved in nitrogen assimilation in non-photosynthetic tissues such as placentas, was apparently not involved; its activity decreased in tissues exposed to the inducers. Thus, under the conditions tested, the activation of secondary metabolism required activation of basal nitrogen metabolism.

Polyphenols, Ascorbic Acid and Carotenoids Contents and Antioxidant Properties of Habanero Pepper (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Capsicum chinense&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Fruit

Their high bioactive compounds content and importance as dietary antioxidants has increased interest in Capsicum fruit. The fruit of seven Capsicum chinense Jacq. var. habanero genotypes grown in Yucatan, Mexico, were analyzed to quantify their phenolic compounds, carotenoids and ascorbic acid contents, and to measure their free radical scavenging (ABTS assay) and antioxidant activities (β-carotene/linoleic acid assay). Phenolics (20.54 to 20.75 mg/100 g sample), carotenoids (1.00 to 1.26 mg/100 g sample) and ascorbic acid contents (187.24 to 281.73 mg/100 g sample) varied between genotypes. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) ranged from 1.55 to 3.23 mM/mg sample. During the 120-min decolorization trial, antioxidant capacity decreased over time in the studied genotypes. Values ranged from 36%to 57% β-carotene bleaching during the first 30 minutes. Fruit from all seven studied genotypes are good antioxidant sources and hold promise as natural ingredients in functional foods.

Efecto del ácido salicílico y la nutrición mineral sobre la calidad de plántulas de chile habanero.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid and N P K fertilization on the growth and mineral status of habanero pepper seedlings (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). The study was developed in Yucatan, Mexico in November 2008 and December 2009. Seedlings were exposed to four treatments: T1) without salicylic acid and fertilization; T2) application of 10-8 M salicylic acid; T3) application of 190 mg/l de NPK and T4) application of 10-8 M of salicylic acid + 190 mg/l of NPK. The quality of seedlings was evaluated by measuring growth characteristic of shoot and root. The content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn was analyzed in whole seedlings. The slenderness and the index of quality of Dickson were also considered. The results showed significant differences (P≤0.05) on shoot growth. Applications of fertilizer caused increase on shoot dry weight. Plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and foliar area were not significantly different between T3 and T4. Significant differences were observed on root dry weight, specific root length, root weight density and root length density. All variables except specific root length were significantly higher with the fertilizer treatment. The latest had the highest value in the treatment T4. Significant differences (P≤0.05) were observed in tissue mineral content. Seedlings treated with T3 showed the highest content of N, P, Ca, Mg and Mn. The content of K, Zn and Fe was not significantly different between T3 and T4. In conclusion, the application of salicylic acid favored seedling growth but it did not improve significantly the quality of habanero pepper seedlings.

Dynamics of changes in bioactive molecules and antioxidant potential of Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Habanero at nine maturity stages

The changes in bioactive molecules (capsaicin, total phenol, total flavonoid, ascorbic acid and β-carotene) and antioxidant potential in Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Habanero were examined during nine maturity stages (at 7-day interval from fruit set). The rate of in vivo synthesis of these antioxidants increased progressively with advancing maturity. Capsaicin, ascorbic acid, and β-carotene contents increased about 3, 10, and 9 times, respectively, at 63 days after fruit set (DAFS) while the highest value for total phenol (~330 mg CE/100 g), flavonoid (~138 mg RE/100 g), DPPH radical scavenging activity (~82 %), and metal chelating activity (~75 %) recorded in 42–49 DAFS. Bioactive molecules were positively correlated with radical scavenging and metal chelating activities. The results underline the effect of maturity on the bioactive molecules and antioxidant potential suggesting that fruits at the red stage (42–49 DAFS) are optimal from the nutritional point of view.

Enrichment of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases the capsaicinoids content in Habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

The effects of the increase of atmospheric CO2 on agricultural productivity have been mainly analyzed through its impact on biomass yield, and little attention has been directed to quality traits, such as nutritional or organoleptic attributes. For this study, plants of hot Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) were grown in growth chambers under three different CO2 levels: 380 (normal atmospheric value), 760 and 1140 µmol mol(-1), and their effects on pod yield, size, color and pungency, were monitored. The total number of pods per plant increased by 88.5% at the highest CO2 , in comparison to plants grown at normal CO2 conditions. Pod size and yield per plant also increased when plants were grown at the highest CO2 concentration (partial pressure). Furthermore, total capsaicinoids contents in ripe peppers under a high CO2 atmosphere were 27% higher than those from plants under lower concentrations, but it was not the case for immature pods. These data suggest that the increase of atmospheric CO2 could modify specific routes of secondary metabolism as well as others desirable traits, thus affecting the quality of Capsicum pepper products.

Genetic divergence in pepper genotypes from southwest Goiás

Knowledge on the genetic diversity in genebanks is important for germplasm conservation and use in breeding programs, where it can reduce time and costs of breeding of new genotypes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genetic divergence among 137 genotypes of Capsicum chinense Jacq. by morphological descriptors and multivariate techniques, with a view to the identification of groups for promising crosses for breeding programs. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications, where each plot consisted of a pot with one plant. The 20 descriptors recommended by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - IPGRI were considered for the morphological characterization. By analysis of variance, significant differences between genotypes were detected for the studied descriptors. Clustering by the Tocher optimization method formed five groups, and by the hierarchical clustering method UPGMA, 11 groups. Based on larger distances intergroup, crosses are recommended among genotypes of the groups II x V, II x IV, and I x V for the Tocher method, and by UPGMA among genotypes of the groups VI x XI, II x XI, IV x XI,. The cophenetic correlation coefficient for the hierarchical clustering method UPGMA was 0.797 (p &lt;0.01). The traits that contributed most to the total genetic diversity were number of days to flowering and plant height.

Effect of planting time and spacing on growth characteristics of yellow lantern chilli (Capsicum chinense)

Yellow lantern chilli [(Capsicum chinense (Jacq.)], the world’s hottest chilli is mostly grown in the north eastern part of India. The crop is cultivated by traditional ways since time immemorial. However, very little research towards scientific cultivation has been conducted in the past and until now scientific package of practices is not available. In the present investigation, the effect of various planting time and spacing on the growth characteristics of the hottest chilli, yellow rantern chilli (bhoot jolokia) was studied in north-eastern hill region of India. Seeds of the variety local cultivar, bor Bhoot of bhoot jolokia were planted in four different dates i e September 15 (P1), October 15 (P2), January 15 (P3) and February 15 (P4) with three spacings viz. 75cm × 75cm (S1), 90cm × 90cm (S2) and 105cm × 105cm (S3). The results revealed that the growth parameters and yield attributing characters were significantly influenced by different planting dates and spacings. Sowing in September 15 (P1) and with a spacing 105cm × 105cm (S3) were recorded the highest plant height, number of primary branches, number of fruits/plant, fruit weight and fruit yield/plant. In case of phyllochron index September 15 sowing showed maximum days to phyllochron but closest spacing 75cm × 75cm showed maximum phyllochron. Among all the treatments, the crop sown in September with a spacing of 105cm × 105cm showed better performance for all the parameters studied and can be considered basis for studying the effects of other agronomic practices.