Morphological characterization of Capsicum annuum L. accessions from southern Mexico and their response to the Bemisia tabaci-Begomovirus complex

Abstract

The high diversity of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Mexico offers an excellent alternative to search for wild and semi-domesticated genotypes as sources of resistance to the complex Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)-Begomovirus, which has caused enormous losses in commercial production of various horticultural crops. The goal of the present work was to characterize ex situ 18 genotypes of C. annuum from southern Mexico through 47 morphological descriptors, and to evaluate its response to the B. tabaci-Begomovirus complex. Morphological characterization showed the variables calyx annular constriction (CAC), number of branch bifurcation (NBB), and calyx pigmentation (CP) had the highest variation. Principal components analysis (PCA) of 47 morphological characteristics showed that 12 components were selected as meaningful factors. These components explained 94% of the variation. Cluster analysis showed three major clusters and seven sub-clusters. On the other hand, evaluation of the response to B. tabaci-Begomovirus showed that the genotypes have differential susceptibility to this vector-pathogen complex. Genotypes 'Chawa', 'Blanco', 'Maax' and 'X´catic' were into the low susceptibility to B. tabaci and low severity of viral symptoms. Surprisingly, the genotype 'Simojovel' showed high susceptibility to whitefly, but was grouped into genotypes with low symptom severity. This study shows the potential of native germplasm of pepper to explore sources of resistance to the B. tabaci-Begomovirus complex.

Diversity of Pepper (Capsicum spp.) Genotypes from Eritrea Assessed by Morphological Traits

“…Similar results were reported by Ballina-Gómez et al (2013). The principal coordinates biplots also showed similar distribution of collection.…”

“…CAC, FCMS, FSh, and FShBA are traits that recorded high CV% of qualitative characteristics. For CAC even a much higher level of coefficient of variation (576.9%) was reported by Ballina-Gómez et al (2013) which indicated the importance of these traits for discriminating genotypes.…”

Evaluation and characterization of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) germplasm for some morphological and yield characters

“…The available accessions need to be characterized in detail under Pakistani agro-climatic conditions to ascertain the statistical significance of variability, understand the genetic control and associations involved. In addition to other valuable characters contributing to yield, genetic resistance to diseases and pests can be the primary weapon to save the colossal losses in yield of chillies [28] which can also be useful in Pakistan where the area and production has seen significant decline due to insect pest and disease attacks [12]. Characterization of germplasm, especially that already available in gene banks can unearth genetic sources of resistance to insect pests and diseases [11].…”

Genetic Diversity, Phylogenetic Tree and Principal Component Analysis Based on Morpho-Metric Traits of Assam Chilli

“…The variability of these components was mostly linked to the qualitative traits and a few quantitative traits. Morphological characterization of 18 C. annuum L. accessions from southern Mexico using 47 morphological descriptors and response to Bemisia tabaci -Begomovirus complex resulted in 12 principal components accounting for 94% of the variation with 3 major clusters and 7 sub-clusters [14].…”