Morphological Characterization of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Germplasm

Author: Pallerla Saisupriya*, Pidigam Saidaiah and S.R. Pandravada

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Abstract

The genetic variability is plinth for any breeding program. Characterization of germplasm is highly essential as it helps in identification of the varieties. In the present investigation, 35 genotypes of chilli were characterized using 10 qualitative traits viz. life cycle, stem colour, plant growth habit, leaf pubescence, leaf colour, leaf shape, leaf margin, corolla colour, fruit position and fruit surface. Wide variations were observed among the 35 genotypes for the qualitative traits especially in leaf pubescence, leaf shape, fruit position and fruit surface. Morphological markers enable the detection of genetic variation based on individual phenotypic variations. These qualitative traits which exhibited high phenotypic variability will be useful as morphological markers in selection of segregating populations. Therefore, it is necessary to lay attention on these traits in crop improvement programme. This study significantly contributes to the knowledge of conservation of genetic r

Keywords

Chilli, genotypes, morphological markers, variability.