Response of two varieties of chilli pepper (<i>Capsicum annuum</i> L.) to mutation and seasonal variations

Abstract

The impact of Colchicine induced mutation and seasonal variations on the growth and yield of two varieties of Chilli papper was investigated with the aim of inducing variability that could be exploited in the improvement of some quality traits in Chilli papper plants. The seeds of the two varieties of Chilli pepper: Aji chili and Aji cristal varieties were treated with three different concentrations of Colchicine (0.1mM, 0.2 mM, 0.4 mM and 0.0 mM as control). The results obtained revealed highly significant difference (P≤0.01) in the effects of Colchicine on survival rates, number of fruits, and fruit weight. Similarly, highly significant differences (P≤0.01) were found between the treatments in Survival rate in rainy season, except on the number of fruits and fruit weight, where no significant differences exist. Higher, significant differences were found in the traits between the seasons except in fruit number. Similarly, 0.1 mM concentration of Colchicine improve some important quality traits of Chilli pepper that could be utilized for further improvement of Chilli papper crop. However, the response of variety Aji cristal to colchicine was higher in dry season. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, colchicine improves some important quality traits of Chilli papper that are of high economic value and possible recommendations that could be made. The mutants Chilli pepper could be grown in both the rainy and dry seasons.