Evaluation and Agronomic Potential of Androgenic Pepper Genotypes Derived from Piran (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Piran)

Aims: This study was to evaluate and estimate the agronomic potential of two androgenic genotypes via important plant, fruit and production traits compared to the mother genotype Piran.

Place and Duration of Study: Strumica, Faculty of Agriculture, Goce Delcev University-Stip, Republic of Macedonia, four-years experiment.

Methodology: The experiment was set up in random block design in four replications. Evaluation of the androgenic genotypes was performed according to morphological traits given in Descriptor for Capsicumspp. The analysis of plant traits was conducted on 20 randomly chosen plants (5 plants per replication) in maximum growth stage from each androgenic genotype and the control Piran. The analysis of fruit traits was conducted on 40 randomly chosen fruits (10 fruits per replication) in ripe stage from each androgenic genotype and the control.

Results: Androgenic genotype P3 was characterized as tall pepper type with medium-thick stem and large leaves. According to the fruit weight (41.45 g) and the fruit index higher than 4, the genotype is classified as long, horn-shaped, middle-size fruit pepper. The fruit flesh of 77.05% and the pericarp thickness 0.26 cm characterized this fruit as medium-fleshy. Androgenic genotype P4 was characterized as very tall pepper type with medium-thick stem and medium-large leaves. The fruit weight was 42.84 g, contained averagely 7.37% dry matter, 76.71% fruit flesh and 0.25 cm pericarp thickness. P4 fruit was long, horn-shaped, medium-size and medium-fleshy. Fruits of both genotypes were suitable for fresh and preserved consumption.

Conclusion: Analysis of morphological and productivity traits of androgenic genotypes provides valuable information for future breeding. Androgenic genotype P3 differ from the initial genotype for four traits, while the P4 genotype for six traits. The results of this research prove the advantage of pepper androgenesis as a tool for enrichment of biodiversity and fast development of valuable pepper genotypes for future breeding.