| dc.description | Abstract: In order to assess the potential of 192 accessions of Capsicum L., from 21 countries, a
morphological and agronomic characterization was carried out by applying 57 qualitative and
quantitative descriptors. Multivariate analyses identified two large groups: the first including C.
annuum (G3, G5, G7 and G8) and the second C. frutescens, C. baccatum, C. chinense and C. pubescens
(G1, G2, G4, G6 and G9). The discriminant qualitative descriptors were the colour of the corolla, the
colour of the anthers and position of the flower. The quantitative discriminant characteristics were
length, weight and width of the fruit. The participatory selection identified 15 materials by colour,
aroma, texture, flavour, size and thickness of fruits. Chemical analyses determined the highest
concentration of flavonoids in the accessions 10,757 (16.64 mg/g) and 15,661 (15.77 mg/g). Accessions
17,750 (11.68 mg/g) and 10,757 (11.41 mg/g) presented the highest polyphenol contents. The highest
capsaicin concentration was recorded in accessions 16,209 (55.90 mg/g) and 10,757 (48.80 mg/g). The
highest antioxidant value was recorded in accessions 17,750 (90.85 mg/g) and 15,661 (87.03 mg/g). All these characteristics are important with a view to increasing industrial use and genetic
improvement processes. These results show the existence of significant genetic variability within
the genus Capsicum. | |
