Studies on the Variability of the Productivity Components in a Collection of Paprika Pepper Landraces (Capsicum Anuum Var. Longum)

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the variability of a collection of paprika peppers landraces, in order to use them in the breeding process. The study lasted two years. The biological material was collected from western Romania. The behavior of landraces is not constant from year to year. Zărand landrace was the most stable. They can be recommended as genitors the landraces: Craiva for fruit length (15.11 cm), Cermei for fruit diameter (3.06 cm) and fruit weight (38.30 g), Apateu II for the number of fruits per plant (22.26 fruits), Apateu II for fruits weight per plan (491.41 g). In respect of the drying efficiency was noted the Buzad landrace (over 20%). Considering the production of the plant and the efficiency in processing, for maintaining in the culture it is recommended the Apateu II landrace which has the highest fruit production per plant, the fruits being smaller. The variability within populations allows the selection to be applied, being medium or small for the size of the fruits and large for the weight of the fruit and the weight of the fruits on the plant. The studied collection is useful for breeding programs, but must be performed molecular analyzes.