Variability studies of some important breeding traits in sweet ... - hr

350
Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Production
ORIGINAL SCIENTIFIC PAPER
Variability studies of some important breeding traits in sweet pepper
(Capsicum annuum L.var.grosum) local germplasm from west Romania
Emilian Madoşă 1 , Sorin Ciulca 1 , Constantin Avădanei 1 , Lavinia Sasu 2 , Adriana Ciulca 1 ,
Ilijana Friskan 1
1 Banat‟s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timişoara, faculty of
Horticulture, CaleaAradului 119, Romania, (e-mail: madosae@yahoo.com)
2 ”Vasile Goldiş” University Arad, faculty of Biology
Abstract
Pepper is widely cultivated species in Romania, especially in West Plain region. Local
landraces are still cultivated on reduced areas, but they tend to be replaced by cultivars.
Recovering the old landraces is necessary in order to use them in breeding programs. The
objective of this study was the evaluation of some morphological traits involved in yield
per plant, quality and multiplication capacity. Evaluated morphological traits were the
following: fruit length, diameter and weight, fruit pulp thickness and weight, seed number
and weight per fruit. Biologic material consisted of 28 bell pepper populations collected
from west Romania. Studied collection is valorous in breeding processes for fruit size
Among evaluated populations, Temereşti I and Şiria are remarkable regarding fruit length
and weight and Cutina with high fruit diameter and weight. Pulp thickness is inferior in
studied local landraces to the bred cultivar. Local landraces present higher seed
productivity in comparison to the Cristal Evaluated traits present variability inside studied
collection, being recommended for starting material in breeding programs.
Key words: bell pepper, local landraces, variability, morphological traits
Introduction
Pepper is widely cultivated species in Romania, especially in West Plain region. Among
cultivated pepper varieties, bell pepper is the most cultivated. (Horgoş, 2000) Local
landraces are still cultivated on reduced areas, but they tend to be replaced by cultivars.
Recovering the old landraces is necessary in order to use them in breeding programs. Fruits
of bell pepper present high variability regarding size and pulp yielding these characters
being the main elements in breeding process of this species. (Ifrim Aurelia, 2003,Madoşă,
2004) The field preservation of local forms started declining as a consequence of the
released of the market of new bred varieties. In addition, the increased yield potential
requires the use of sophisticated technologies. In the regions with less fertile soils and with
economical deficiencies such forms do not express their maximum productiveness.
Moreover, the old cultivated forms show high adaptability to local climate and soil
conditions and do not require special crop care (Balkaya et Karaagac, 2006; Lebeda et
Boukema, 2001; Maggioni, 2004) These forms are extremely important for the breeding
process considering that they present important genes such as resistant genes to different
biotic and abiotic stress factors. Nevertheless, these local populations evolved as a
consequence of long-term guided selection and preferential multiplication, which led to
improvement of yield characters and its quality ( Krasteva, 2007; Silva et all., 2001).
44 th Croatian & 4 th International Symposium on Agriculture

Genetika, oplemenjivanje bilja i sjemenarstvo
Material and methods
Biologic material consisted of 28 bell pepper populations collected from west Romania in
order to preserve these old cultivated forms, and for their valorizing in breeding process.
Landraces were compared to cultivar Cristal, used as a control, cultivated in the region
where the landraces were collected. The objective of this study was the evaluation of some
morphological traits involved in yield per plant, quality and multiplication capacity.
Evaluated morphological traits were the following: fruit length, diameter and weight, fruit
pulp thickness and weight, seed number and weight per fruit.
Obtained data were statistically interpreted by variance analysis methods and calculating
statistical indexes for evaluating variability inside populations (Ciulca, 2004)
The experiment was conducted in field conditions, no chemical fertilization and applied
and no irrigation.
Results and discussion
Evaluating the variability inside population, higher variability is observed for seed number
and weight and moderate variability for other traits. This situation indicates that selection
inside population may be applied with success. Selection is possible since variability is
existent, but not so pronounced, due to multiplications performed by cultivators. (table 1)
Table 1 Results regarding variability of morphological traits in studied local landraces
Genotype
Fruit
length
(cm)
Fruit
diameter
(cm)
Fruit
weight
(cm)
s%
Pulp
thickness
(cm)
Pulp
weight (g)
Seed
number /
fruit
Seed
weight/
fruit (g)
Cristal (control) 17,91 14,10 28,64 25,96 20,72 66,04 64,10
Gelu 11,55 11,66 29,70 23,60 27,57 45,24 61,49
Aldeşti 8,59 4,40 7,84 12,16 8,99 24,84 23,36
Seleuş 10,45 13,87 25,52 17,11 26,23 33,87 40,29
Cutina 10,53 11,12 22,90 21,51 18,60 29,84 21,86
Şimian 8,47 10,77 15,50 13,18 16,18 26,82 32,92
Altringen 7,63 5,00 7,82 14,57 7,84 20,01 53,21
Satchinez 5,58 9,56 17,33 15,81 25,06 27,96 35,78
Temereşti I 9,78 4,97 22,86 18,95 24,78 10,39 25,53
Temereşti II 6,62 10,31 13,65 18,59 13,68 28,05 26,07
Juliţa 7,03 5,24 13,41 11,06 14,18 11,16 25,50
Şiria 4,52 20,75 11,77 12,17 10,11 14,18 15,27
Girişu de Criş 17,52 7,13 25,63 9,68 29,35 31,12 30,69
Fiziş 12,73 6,14 8,26 8,44 9,87 39,41 40,59
Tomnatic 7,62 10,06 16,74 11,06 17,71 36,41 35,59
Rinei I 11,22 9,96 10,81 8,44 11,38 30,36 34,57
Ceica 13,73 8,13 8,00 10,65 12,447 15,03 33,78
Cenad 10,06 12,16 14,43 12,07 14,78 13,34 15,38
Belinţ I 9,01 16,23 14,86 16,10 14,01 12,17 39,22
Belinţ II 9,54 13,29 13,78 23,59 13,89 15,08 19,67
Tăgădău 14,61 28,83 11,09 16,30 11,72 17,76 36,66
Ohaba Lungă 7,82 12,78 16,79 9,79 20,63 11,04 29,66
Vinga 14,39 11,91 37,20 16,31 22,66 16,95 21,44
Becicherecu Mic 12,79 0,48 15,10 12,89 15,93 8,94 11,08
Buteni 4,89 6,95 18,46 15,57 22,54 35,65 37,75
Pordeanu 11,21 15,25 13,86 17,19 18,31 18,17 37,29
Dudeştii Vechi 10,54 15,29 19,21 18,59 17,77 14,13 20,67
Chesinţi 18,61 29,86 13,59 18,32 13,70 19,76 30,06
Rieni II 9,82 10,68 15,69 19,79 19,63 19,04 28,67
44. hrvatski i 4. međunarodni simpozij agronoma
351

352
Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Production
Variability of evaluated traits was highly pronounced in studied collection. This can be
deduced from table 4, where high variation amplitude can be observed for fruit weight,
pulp weight and seed number in fruit. Values similar to extreme values were observed for
fruit pulp thickness, fruit length and diameter. (table 2 and 3)
Fruit characteristics are presented in table 2. It can be observed that fruit length is exceeded
the control values almost for all studied local landraces. 12 populations achieved
statistically assured very significant differences (Altringen, Temereşti I, Şiria). Fruit length
is an important yield component, but not crucial. Fruit diameter is also very important. In
comparison to the control landrace Cristal, only one superior form was detected (Cutina)
while other presented lower values, in seven cases statistically assured. These two traits
influenced fruit weight. 8 populations had bigger fruits than the control, mentioning
Temereşti I, Şiria, Cutina, with the longest or widest fruit. Thereby, valorous forms are
detected for breeding process, and recommended for cultivation in the provenience area.
Table 2 Results regarding fruit size in studied local landraces
No. Genotype Fruit length (cm) Fruit diameter (cm) Fruit weight (g)
Mean
Significance
of
difference
Mean
44 th Croatian & 4 th International Symposium on Agriculture
Significance
of
difference
Mean
Significance
of difference
1 Cristal 6.70 Control 5.16 Control 59.63 Control
2 Gelu 7.47 0.77 4.80 -0.36 59.60 -0.03
3 Aldeşti 8.55 1.85* 5.29 0.13 78.48 18.85**
4 Seleuş 6.23 -0.47 5.13 -0.03 55.19 -4.44
5 Cutina 7.27 0.57 6.69 1.53** 88.33 28.70***
6 Şimian 8.80 2.10* 5.29 0.13 70.61 10.98
7 Altringen 9.78 3.08*** 4.85 -0.31 73.92 14.29*
8 Satchinez 8.45 1.75 4.26 -0.90 46.10 -13.53 0
9 Temereşti I 10.12 3.42*** 5.88 0.72 117.55 57.92***
10 Temereşti II 8.18 1.48 4.88 -0.28 62.81 3.18
11 Juliţa 9.06 2.36* 4.41 -0.75 65.41 5.78
12 Şiria 10.05 3.35*** 6.08 0.92 89.99 30.36***
13 Girişu de Criş 6.83 0.13 4.38 -0.78 46.63 -13.00 0
14 Fiziş 8.91 2.21* 5.08 -0.08 77.62 17.99**
15 Tomnatic 7.63 0.93 5.08 -0.08 66.53 6.90
16 Rinei I 8.19 1.49 4.73 -0.43 71.93 12.30*
17 Ceica 8.66 1.96* 4.21 -0.95 0
47.05 -12.58 0
18 Cenad 8.61 1.91* 4.24 -0.92 58.03 -1.60
19 Belinţ I 8.00 1.30 3.66 -1.50 00
33.70 -25.93 000
20 Belinţ II 9.73 3.03** 4.16 -1.00 0
48.52 -11.11
21 Tăgădău 7.81 1.11 5.66 0.50 71.82 12.19*
22 Ohaba Lungă 8.06 1.36 3.61 -1.55 00
38.78 -20.85 000
23 Vinga 8.05 1.35 5.18 0.02 69.90 10.27
24 BecicherecuMic 8.20 1.50 4.91 -0.25 79.77 20.14**
25 Buteni 8.35 1.65 4.13 -1.03 0
56.30 -3.33
26 Pordeanu 8.38 1.68 3.82 -1.34 00
38.71 -20.92 000
27 Dudeştii Vechi 9.63 2.93** 4.36 -0.80 46.72 -12.91 0
28 Chesinţi 8.21 1.51 5.32 0.16 58.82 -0.81
29 Rieni II 8.56 1.86* 3.51 -1.65 000
36.77 -22.86 000
LSD5%=1.79 cm;
LSD1%=2.37 cm;
LSD5%=0.95cm.
LSD1%=1.26 cm;
LSD5%=12.1 cm;
LSD1%=16.04 cm.
LSD0.1%=3.05 g;
LSD0.1%=1.63 g;
LSD0.1%=20.70 g
Only fruit pulp is used from pepper. Fruit pulp content may be considered a quality
element. Therefore, fruit thickness and weight were evaluated. (table 3) regarding the fruit

Genetika, oplemenjivanje bilja i sjemenarstvo
thickness, only population Vinga is distinctly significant superior to the control landrace
Cristal. In other populations, the pulp is thinner, in 9 cases having the statistic assurance. If
fruit pulp weight is determined, more populations are superior to the control. The most
valuable is population Temereşti I. concerning mentioned quality traits, studied
populations are not so valorous due to thin pulp which is not desirable for fresh
consumption or processing.
Seed production is not a yield component, but it may have an impact in multiplication
process of this species. High quantity of seed in fruit can be unfavorable for pulp
development since the plant directs the nutrients to the seeds instead to the pulp. In
comparison to the control landrace Cristal, most of the populations presented higher seed
number, and superior weight. Such a situation is typical for wild and extensive forms.
Inferior values were not registered in comparison to the control.(table 3.)
Table 3 Results regarding quality traits and seed production in studied local landraces
Pulp thickness
(cm)
Pulp weight (g) Seed number/fruit
Seed
weight/fruit (g)
No. Genotype
Diff.
Diff.e
Diff.
Diff.
Mean Signifi- Mean Signifi- Mean Signifi- Mean Significancecancecancecance
1 Cristal 0,55 Control 161,00 Control 44,90 Control 1,01 Control
2 Gelu 0,47 -0,08 171,42 10,42 45,97 1,07 0,89 -0,12
3 Aldeşti 0,52 -0,03 232,90 71,90** 62,29 17,39* 1,50 0,49***
4 Seleuş 0,48 -0,07 166,12 5,12 38,59 -6,31 1,21 0,20
5 Cutina 0,48 -0,07 294,60 133,60*** 71,73 26,83*** 1,81 0,80***
6 Şimian 0,40 -0,15 00
285,09 124,09*** 53,27 8,37 1,86 0,85***
7 Altringen 0,51 -0,04 204,00 43,00 58,03 13,13 0,82 -0,19
8 Satchinez 0,40 -0,15 00
214,66 53,66* 31,47 -13,43 0 1,46 0,45**
9 Temereşti I 0,61 0,06 238,66 77,66** 94,17 49,27*** 1,48 0,47**
10 Temereşti II 0,45 -0,10 201,66 40,66 50,56 5,66 1,28 0,27
11 Juliţa 0,46 -0,09 216,16 55,16* 52,91 8,01 1,29 0,28
12 Şiria 0,45 -0,10 273,83 112,83*** 72,42 27,52*** 1,40 0,39**
13 Girişu de Criş 0,53 -0,02 195,66 34,66 38,25 -6,65 1,03 0,02
14 Fiziş 0,48 -0,07 241,60 80,60** 58,36 13,46* 1,44 0,43**
15 Tomnatic 0,46 -0,09 209,66 48,66 61,62 16,72* 1,46 0,45**
16 Rinei I 0,48 -0,07 218,33 57,33* 56,82 11,92 1,18 0,17
17 Ceica 0,38 -0,17 00
235,00 74,00** 34,27 -10,63 1,37 0,36*
18 Cenad 0,44 -0,11 0
333,28 172,28*** 44,60 -0,30 2,19 1,18***
19 Belinţ I 0,34 -0,21 000
223,20 62,20* 23,93 -20,97 **
1,10 0,09
20 Belinţ II 0,41 -0,14 0
229,83 68,83* 35,84 -9,06 0,94 -0,07
21 Tăgădău 0,63 0,08 220,00 59,00* 57,62 12,72 0,97 -0,04
22 Ohaba Lungă 0,41 -0,14 0
235,66 74,66** 28,94 -15,96 0
1,48 0,47**
23 Vinga 0,71 0,16** 279,80 118,80*** 63,64 18,74*** 1,68 0,67***
24 BecicherecuMic 0,63 0,08 247,33 86,33** 61,67 16,77* 1,47 0,46**
25 Buteni 0,48 -0,07 182,40 21,40 42,79 -2,11 1,01 0,00
26 Pordeanu 0,44 -0,11 0
231,20 70,20** 26,43 -18,47 0
1,13 0,12
27 Dudeştii Vechi 0,46 -0,09 228,85 67,85* 34,64 -10,26 1,04 0,03
28 Chesinţi 0,65 0,10 212,00 51,00 38,62 -6,28 0,87 -0,14
29 Rieni II 0,39 -0,16 00
225,66 64,66* 27,90 -17,00 0
1,38 0,37*
LSD5%=0.11cm; LSD5%=51.98 g; LSD5%=13.29; LSD5%=0.29 g;
LSD1%=0.15cm; LSD1%=68.91g; LSD1%=17.62; LSD1%=0.38 g;
LSD0.1%=0.19cm LSD0.1%=88.92 g. SD0.1%=22.74 LSD0.1=%=0.49g
Conclusions
1. Studied collection is valorous in breeding processes for fruit size. Landraces with big
fruits are recommended for cultivations in provenience area, being adapted to specific
climatic conditions. Among evaluated populations, Temereşti I and Şiria are
44. hrvatski i 4. međunarodni simpozij agronoma
353

354
Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Production
remarkable regarding fruit length and weight and Cutina with high fruit diameter and
weight.
2. Pulp thickness, as a quality element is inferior in studied local landraces to the bred
cultivar. Exception is the local landrace Vinga, with the highest pulp thickness.
3. Local landraces present higher seed productivity in comparison to the control variety
Cristal. This is a characteristic of extensive forms, adapted to maintaining species
4. Evaluated traits present variability inside studied collection, being recommended for
starting material in breeding programs. Variability inside population is also
recommended for selection. Moderate values of variability indicate that these traits can
be stabilized.
References
Balkaya A., Kraagac O., (2006), Vegetable genetic resources of Turkey, Journal of Vegetable
Science, 11/4: 81-102;
Ciulca S., (2004), Tehnica experimentală, Ed.Mirton, Timişoara;
Ifrim Aurelia, (2003) Ardeiul gras, o posibilitate de valorificare eficientă a solurilor nisipoase
din sudul Olteniei, Hortinform 8/132: 14;
Horgoş A., (2000) Legumicultură specială, Ed. Mirton: 61-90;
Krasteva L., (2007), Collection and evaluation of local vegetable genetic resources in Bulgaria,
ISHS Acta Horticulture 729: 232-238;
Lebeda A., Boukema I.W., (2001), Leafy vegetable genetic resources, Report of a Network
Coordinating Group on vegetables, Ad hoc meeting, Rome, Italy: 48-57;
Madoşă E, (2004), Ameliorarea plantelor horticole, Ed.Eurobit, Timişoara;
Maggioni L., (2004), Conservation and use of vegetable genetic resources: A European
perspective, Acta Horticulturae 637: 13-30;
Silva D.J.H.,. Moura M.C.C.L, Casali V.W.D., (2001), Genetic resources of the vegetable
germplasm bank at the UFV, Brazil: Historical background, Hortic.Bras. 19/2: 108-114.
44 th Croatian & 4 th International Symposium on Agriculture