Agronomic and morphological evaluation of six genotypes and two hybrids of Poblano peppers in field conditions

Resumen

Objective: to evaluate agronomic and morphological traits of six Poblano-type pepper genotypes, compared to a commercial hybrid and an experimental hybrid, in order to select genotypes with potential to continue with a plant breeding program.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: treatments and statistical model were arranged in randomized complete blocks, with eight treatments (six F2 genotypes, and two hybrids Carranza (commercial F1) and F402 (experimental F1). Treatments were analyzed with analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05); then tested with Multiple Mean Comparison (Tukey, p ≤ 0.05) and Pearson Correlation Analysis.

Results: no statistical differences were found in yield per plant (RPP), number of fruits per plant (NFP), average weight per fruit (PPF), plant height (AP), stem thickness (GT), leaf length (AL) and leaf width (AH). Regarding width at the base of the fruit (ABF) the hybrids were superior; in average width of the fruit the genotypes G4, G6 and the hybrids were better; in fruit length G2, G5 and G6 stood out; in calyx depth G1, G3 and G4; in length of the peduncle G4 was different from the others; and in thickness of the mesocarp (GM) the genotypes G2, G4, G6 and hybrids were superior. According to Pearson's correlation, the yield depended on NFP (0.66), MG (0.46), ABF (0.38), as it is shown by their coefficients.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: F₁ hybrids do include market features preferred by consumers and producers, since those hybrids were created to favor those traits; for this reason, those hybrids were compared to second generation (F₂) genotypes obtained by directed manual pollination.

Findings/ Conclusions: The evaluated G2, G4 and G6 second generation (F₂) genotypes are highlighted for their agronomic potential compared even to the tested hybrids. So, their genetic potential is inferred, and could be useful to continue selecting them within a plant breeding program.