Taxonomic diversity of cultivated Capsicum genotypes of India

Abstract

Germplasm characterization is an important link between the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. Genetic diversity within and between crops is a major requirement for plant breeders. For description of plant genetic recourses the choice of characteristics is crucial. In the present study 60 cultivated Capsicum  annum varieties collected from different parts of India and their divergence and similarities were recorded for 35taxonomic traits. Variability for the 35 morpho physiological traits was evident .Traits suitable for identification and grouping of the Capsicum genotypes has been identified. Traits with variable phenotypic classes giving stable expression were -seedling- anthocyanin coloration of hypocotyl, plant shortened internodes (in upper part), anthocianin coloration of the nodes, varieties with shortened internodes, leaf shape and blistering, anthocianin coloration of anther, fruit color before maturity, fruit shape in longitudinal section, fruit attitude, peduncle attitude, shape of apex of the fruit and fruit colour at maturity.