Morphological Characterization of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L. Var. grossum Sendt.) Genotypes

Morphological characterization of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) germplasm is a prerequisite in any crop improvement programme. The present study was conducted in 2015 at the Vegetable Experimental Farm of CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, to evaluate morphological traits of bell pepper genotypes in 43 F₅ progenies, one susceptible and two resistant checks. Characterization of genotypes was done for the plant descriptors that included fruit shape, fruit shape at pedicel attachment, blossom end fruit shape, fruit position, plant height and fruit colour. Blocky fruit shape, truncate/ cordate fruit shape at pedicel attachment, sunken blossom end fruit shape, pendent/ erect fruit position and dark green fruit colour at the time of horticultural maturity were the desirable horticultural attributes from consumer's point of view. Bell pepper germplasm contains sufficient genetic variability and can be used for crop improvement. Among the evaluated genotypes, 14 had blocky fruit shape, 12 with lobate fruit shape at pedicel attachment, 25 with sunken blossom end fruit shape, 7 with upright fruit position and 28 genotypes with plant height of 46-65 cm. Green and yellow green coloured fruits were prominent. 27, 9 and 10 progenies were categorized under green group, yellow yellow green group and yellow green green group, respectively. Characterization of bell pepper germplasm will provide valuable information for strengthening breeding programmes because it helps in selection of parents on the basis of morphological characters. P-43, P-24, P-25, P-33, P-34, P-10, P-23 were the progenies with desirable horticultural attributes and can be used for their exploitation in future breeding programme.