Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 2
Written by Veselina MASHEVA, Katya UZUNHALIEVA
To investigate the structure of genetic diversity in pepper germplasm resources in Bulgaria, we compared 52 accessions from GenBank (local varieties and local cultivars). The accessions were characterized based on 14 morphological and vegetative characteristics and ascorbic acid content, fruit dry matter content and sugars. The results of the present study revealed a relatively high level of diversity in the collection. The most significant correlations were found between fruit weight and fruit dimensions - length and width. A positive correlation (>0.5) was reported between vitamin C, dry weight and sugars. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed and the genotypes were grouped into three clusters. Biplot analysis showed that the genotypes B4E0032, SR and BR from cluster 3 showed a preference for larger values of fresh fruit weight. The significant morphological and biochemical differences between the evaluated specimens are the basis for further breeding programs and a major source of agricultural biodiversity. The evaluation of pepper varieties in the Bulgarian Gene Bank is necessary and important in supporting the development of Capsicum breeding strategies.
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