Evaluation of Some Pepper Accessions (Capsicum spp) Based on Qualitative and Cytological Attributes

Abstract

Field experiment for this research was conducted at Gidan Mangoro village, Bosso local government area of Niger State to evaluate some indigenous pepper accessions such as Dan-Birnin Gwari (DBG), Dan-Zaria ‘Tatashe (DZ-TSH), Dan- Kaduna (DKD), Dan-Gada‘Shombo’ (DG-SB), Dan-Sokoto ‘Rodo’ (DSKT-RD), Dan-Sokoto ‘Tatashe’ (DSKT-TSH), Dan Sokoto ‘Shombo’ (DSKT-SB), Dan Kano (DKN), Dan-Adamawa (DADAM) and Dan-Katsina (DKST). The treatments were laid down in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The cytological investigation was carried out at the laboratory of the Department of Crop Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State. The treatments were laid down in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The plot size was 13 m × 25.5 m(331.5 m2). Sowing of seed at nursery took place in April at the onset of the rain while the seedlings were transplanted into the field at six weeks after sowing. Data collected based on qualitative traits were as follows; plant growth habit, leaf shape, corolla colour, fruit colour, fruit attitude and fruit cross-section, anthocyanin colouration of nodes, calyx constriction Principal Component Analyses were carried out with statistical means and mode of each variable. Cluster analyses were determined using the unweight pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and the accessions were categorized into three groups. Correlation coefficients of qualitative traits were also determined. The cytological study revealed that at meiosis, two daughter cells divides and formed four daughter cells thereby contributing to genetic variation. The study revealed the phenotypic variations that existed among the ten pepper accessions and how these variation could importantly be useful in the crop breeding and improvement programme. The study was conducted to provide a reliable passport data for easy accessibility and for subsequent selection for breeding work. Percentage distribution in anthocyanin coloration showed that all the ten accessions studied possessed this coloration in their nodes while for fruit pigmentation, only few accessions have the traits. Clustering of accessions were based on genetic similarities as those found to be genetically related are all grouped into similar cluster as oppose to those who show phenotypic divergence. Correlation studies revealed the mutual relationship and how some of the observed traits can best blend in term of crosses. The chromosomes behaviours during the study showed how qualitative traits are transmitted from one generation to another. Based on the findings of the research work, it is recommended that breeders should collect germplasm from DKD-RD and DG-SB, for further breeding and improvement programme of the crop. Genetic variation, qualitative traits, cytological behaviours