Variation among populations and effect of gibberellic acid in the germination of wild pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) from Nortwestern Mexico

Resumen

Objective: to assess the effects of doses of gibberellic acid (GA) on the germination of seeds of wild chili pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) to estimate the variation among populations, correlating it to the main climate factors of the seed collection sites in northwestern Mexico.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: ripe wild pepper fruits were collected at five sites in the states of Sinaloa and Sonora in northwestern Mexico. After collection, the seeds were immersed in concentrations of 0, 125, 250 and 500 ppm of gibberellic acid (GA). The treated seeds were sown in 60-cavity seedling trays, with Peat moss™ as the substrate.

Results: the application of GA significantly increased germination in all the populations studied. Higher GA doses were more effective in promoting higher germination percentages. Greater weight of seeds was correlated with higher germination percentages. Correlation values were not clearly determinant, however, annual rainfall in the collecting sites of seeds was correlated with the germination percentages of the populations.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: wild chili pepper is a species threatened by human activities; by changes in land use, particularly. Also, low germination percentages in this species are limitations for production and conservation.

Findings/ Conclusions: the application of GA significantly increased germination in all the populations evaluated, GA doses 250 ppm and 500 ppm were the most effective in promoting germination. Regardless the treatments, variation among populations was high for the germination percentages.