Work

Genotype by Environment Interaction and Selection for Ethylene Insensitivity in Ornamental Pepper Elite Lines (Capsicum annuum L.)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Capsicum species are important ornamental plants used as potted plants. Exposure to ethylene causes chlorophyll degradation and leaf and fruit abscission in ornamental peppers, resulting in a loss of their commercial value. The aim of this study was to evaluate pepper elite lines (C. annuum L.) to select ethylene-insensitive individuals with phenotypic stability. The experimental design used was entirely randomized, with 40 treatments × 3 days and ×2 years, following a split-split plot arrangement. The evaluated variables were leaves and fruit abscission, and chlorophyll a and b loss, expressed in percentages. The data were subjected to analysis of variance. The means were grouped by Scott–Knott criteria (p ≤ 0.01). Correlation and heritability were also estimated. The treatments were grouped using the Tocher method based on Mahalanobis-D2 distance. A selection index was applied on lower genetic values for all evaluated variables. Through two-year replicated experiments, 12 ethylene-insensitive and phenotypically stable elite lines were identified and can be registered as new ethylene-insensitive cultivars. This fact confirms the efficiency of the selection applied along the years of breeding ethylene-insensitive lines using the pedigree method. Consequently, these elite lines are key genetic resources and suitable crossing material for breeding to improve the vase life of ornamental peppers.

Source: Agronomy

DOI: 10.3390/agronomy16040421