- PersatuanGenetik Malaysia

O R AL
OpO6
PR ESENTATIO NS : P LANT G ENETICS
Genetic variability in locally grown bird chilli (Capsicum sppl
Melor R.
Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Serdang, P.O.Box
12301, 50774 Kuala LumPur.
E-MAIL: M ELO R @ MARD l. MY
OO.,r*
Variability is the prerequisite of any breeding programme. Observations on the
population of twenty locally grown bird chillies showed that genetic variability existed for
all agronomic characters especially yield and fruit traits. Characterization of the flowers
and the leaf morphology resulted in the identification of these twenty bird chillies into two
species namely Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens. While the fruit morphology
together with shape separate the varieties within species. Yield variation, ranging from
184 -1130 g/plant was recorded across the species. Significant variability was observed
on plant stature and stature, and fruiting habit. Genotypes 14KB-G, 1OKB-C and 4UB-4
showed unique branching habit forming several tiers of flat{op canopy. These characters
coupled with synchronized fruiting habit could facilitate mechanical harvesting which in
turn result in labour saving. The wide variability in morphological and agronomical
characteristics observed in the locally grown bird chilli provides a good base for selection
of new bird chilli varieties. Generated from this trial, are genotypes 4UB-4, lSBUYAU
which showed potential for fresh use while, genotypes 14KB-G, 13KB-Fand 1OKB-C
showed good potential for processing purposes. These genotypes are to be used in
further varietal development.
This paper discussed production pattern and described the variability in
morphological and agronomical characters of economic importance of the locally grown
bird chilli.
lntroduction
The demand for bird chilli, locally known as cili padi or cili api appears to be
increasing. The old scenario cili api as backyard crop is no longer true. There was an
increasing trend in hectareage from 156 ha (1998) lo 267 ha (2001).
ln the last few years, there was evidence of a sudden increase in the import of this
commodity from Thailand. According to FAMA, in late 2004, the import of cili padi has
gone up to a total of more than 100 mt per week. The increasing popularity of this
commodity calls for new varieties particularly those with high yields, quality and characters
of economic importance. Desirable characters are those that facilitate large scale
production such as synchronized fruiting habit which could enhance commercial
production. Genetic variability is the prerequisite of any systematic varietal development
through selection. Wide variability provide good base for selection especially for
characters with high heritability. This paper described the variability in morphological and
agronomical characters of economic importance and discussed production pattern of the
locally grown bird chilli. The generated information could be useful in formulation of new
strategies in Capsicum breeding programme.
Material and Methods
Twenty accessions of cili padi grown locally were evaluated on peat in Jalan
Kebun MARDI Station. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block
design in four replications. The seedlings were raised in the nursery tor 45 days before
they were transplanted on single - row beds at the planting distance of 1.0 m within rows
and 1.5 m between rows. To reduce pest and disease occurrence, the beds were
covered with double - sided plastic mulch, with silvery surface facing outwards and black
surface facing inwards. Twenty mVha of poultry manure were applied to the crop as base
Proceedings of the dh National Congress on Genetics, 12-14 May 2005, Kuala Lumpur
100
ORAL PRESENTATIONS: PLANT GFNFT,C-S
fertilizer two weeks before transplanting and followed by NPK blue at the rate of 2 mt/ha
given in five splits applications. The crop was given normal pest and disease
maintenance. Morphological data were recorded according to IPBGRI descriptor 1995.
Data on yield components viz fruit number and fruit size were recorded. Production
pattern for each genotype was also monitored.
Data on agronomic characters such as fruiting habit, plant height and spread
which facilitate mechanical harvesting were recorded. The variance and cluster analyses
were conducted hence variability for different quantitative characters were determined.
Results and Discussion
A look at flower and leaf morphological characters (Table /), clearly distinguished
the twenty tested genotypes into two species, Capsicum annuum and Capsicum
frutescens. Significant variability was also observed on plant structure and stature as
indicated by parameter'plant index'in Table 7. Genotypes 14KBG, 1OKBC and 4UB-4
showed distinct plant structure, tier-branching and flat- top canopy. Highly probable that
these characters together with synchronized fruiting habit could facilitate mechanical
harvesting which in turn could save labour tremendously.
Genotype
I UB-1
2UB-2
3UB-3
4UB-4
5UB-5
6U8-6
7UB-7
BKB-A
9KB-B
l OKB-C
11KB-D
12KB-E
13KB-F
14KB-G
15INAS
16CPN
lTGDGSA
lSBUYAU
CP170
KANDIS
RAUB
Flower colour/
flowerinq habit
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Greenish white
Milkv white
Greenish white
Milkv white
colour
of
unripe
/ Fruit shape
Green/'3'
Green/'3'
Green/'3'
Green/'3's
*
Green/3'
Green/'3'
Green/ '3'
Green/'3'
Purole/ '3'
Purole/'3' n
Green/'3'
Green/'3'
Lioht oreen/'3'
Green/'1'
Yellow/ '3'n
Green/'3' s
Green/ '3's
Purole/ '3's
Green / '1'
Lioht oreen/'3'
I
Leaf shape
deltoid
ovate
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
deltoid
ovate
deltoid
deltoid
lanceolate
deltoid
lanceolate
Height of
plant
69
82
74
't
15
79
78
80
84
Plt lndex
1.4
1.4
1.2
1.0
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.4
123
90
85
70
90
92
96
75
80
88
1.3
1.3
91
0.9
1.1
1.7
1.4
1.3
1.3
1.5
1.0
1.5
74
1.4
1.0
*
fruit shape as described in IPBGRI 1995. letters: l, n, s denote slim, narrow, small respectively.
** Values > 1;=1; <1 @ prostrate; compact; erect respectively (lPBGRl 1995)
Green
/'1'
91
Table 1. Floral and leaf morpholoqical characters twentv locally qrown bird chilli.
Analyses of variance on all morphological and agronomic characters including
plant stature in the tested population showed wide range of biological variability (Table ).
Wide variability was observed in yield, the highest was 1130 g/plant and the lowest yield
recorded was l84g/plant (Table 2). ln Figure 7 and Table 4, the highest yield was
recorded by genotype 14KB-G (11309/plant), followed in descending by genotypes 4UB4, 13KB-F, 10KB-C and lSBUYAU (500 g/plant). Significant variability was also observed
in production pattern (Table 3). Genotypes 16CPN, 13KB-F and 14KB-G were early
maturing genotypes, recording considerably good harvest superseding other genotypes
(Table 3). ln earliness, genotype 14KB-G tops other genotypes, with good production
starting at 2nd harvest and reaching peak production at 5th harvest, 169 days after
Proceedings of the dn National Congress on Genetics, 12-14 May 2005, Kuala Lumpur
101
ORAL PRESENTATIONS: PLANT GENETIOS
transplanting (DAT). Genotype 13KB-F on the other hand, showed consistently good
harvest, with two production peaks at 7th (2OB DAT) and 11th harvest (269 DAT).
P>F
Mean square
R-
CV
(%)
Range
Squared
Means
130.4 -183. 5
Weight (g) /plant
33097512.5
o.76
45.5
1
No of Fruits/plant
126402104
0.70
48.9
2350 - 345
9270.9
Fruit size (g)
0.048
0.81
13.5
0.78
-
0.49 g
Plant spread (cm)
875.3
0.67
14.2
144.5 -89.5
111.3
Plant height (cm)
666.20
0.67
13.2
123.5 -68.5
85.6
lndex of Plant
0.1275
0.64
12.5
1.65 -0.95
1.3
First harvest (DAT)
0
0.00
0
85-85
85
Last Harvest (DAT)
2903.72
o.41
12.4
354-287
324.3
0.35
4438.3
239.3
16.8
269-202
o.41
2903.73
Harvest Duration
(Days)
DAT @ Days after transplanting
Table 2. Analysis of Variance of twenty qenotvpes of locally qrown c/, padi
Significant variability was also shown by fruit traits. Two distinct fruit shapes were
observed (Table 7) with variability in size recording weight per fruit ranging from 0.35 g to
0.70 g (Table Q. Ex-farm price of RM4.00 /kg and RM 9.00/kg were offered for the big
and the small size respectively. Price of RM 12 per kg was offered for small 'type 3' pods
(0.5 g/pod). Smaller fruited genotypes with fruit size of less than 0.59 per pod appeared
to fetch considerably good price, and half of the twenty tested genotypes could be
grouped under this category. Of ten small fruited genotypes (Table 4), only genotypes
4UB-4, 10KB-C and 1BBUYAU were top yielders and showed potential for further
development for fresh use bird chilli. Unlike other tested genotype, fruits of genotype
1OKB-C are purple when unripe consequently not suitable for immature harvesting for
fresh use. Because of the purple colour of immature fruit trait, 10KB-C is to be considered
for processing purposes instead of for fresh use. ln processing purposes, the size of the
pods is immaterial. What is more critical in processing chilli, is the pungency and all the
tested genotypes were of hlgh pungency level as obtained through organoleptic test.
Based on fruit traits, top yielders 14KB-G, 13KB-F and 10KB-C showed good potential for
processing purposes. Their special characteristic of tier-branching and flat-top canopy
help to facilitate mechanical harvesting, a process that could enhance large scale
production.
Figure 1 , Dendrogram of 18 acessions of chilli padi based on yield and agronomic
characters: fruit size, plant height and plantt spread, plant index (spread on height) crop
duration and harvest duration.
Proceedings of the dn Nationat Congress on Genetics, 12-14 May 2005, Kuala Lumpur
102
ORAL PRESENTATIONS: PLANT GENETICS
721315C19811i2614r11
2_P_5158034
_01
UDGUKUlURKCKNUUYUKKK
B
B.I
B
B
I
D
B
ISS3E5A1BANDS25U4CFG
B
B
P
B
A
B
B
A
B
B
B
B
Conclusion
It can be
concluded that significant variability exists in morphological and
agronomic characters including plant stature not only between species but also within
species of chilli crop, The existence of the biological variability within lhe Capsicum spp
makes one species distinguishable from the other. Variability in floral and leaf morphology
separates the species while the fruit morphology and shapes have been used to
distinguished different varieties within species. Based on characterization of the flowers
and the leaf morphology, locally grown bird chillies appear to belong to two species
namely Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens.
Genotypes 16CPN, 14KB-G and 13KB-F were early maturing cili padi superseding
other tested genotypes. Genotypes 14KB-G and 13KB-F recorded considerably good
production starling at 2nd harvest and reaching peak production sth week of harvest 169
DAT. Genotype 13KB-F showed two production peaks at 7th(2OB DAT) and 11th harvest
(26e) DAr).
Of the high yielders, genotypes 4UB-4, lSBUYAU showed potential forfresh use
while genotypes 14KB-G, 13KB-Fand 10KB-C showed good potential for processing
purposes. These genotypes are to be used in further varietal development. lt is obvious
that the existence of the biological variability within lhe Capsicum spp. serve as a valuable
source of economically important genetic materials for the breeders. Variability is also an
indispensable resource for farmers to select and grow cultivars adapted to ecological,
cultural and economic needs.
Acknowledgement
The author wishes to thank Ms Salmiah Mahnoon, Ms Normadiah Abd Rahim and
Mr Tohid Singan for their assistance in conducting the trial. The author also wishes to
thank IRPA for funding this project (01-03-03-097).
References
Andrews, J. (1984). Peppers: The domesticated Capsicums. University of Texas Press.
IPBGR (1995). Descriptor lisl Capsicumspp. Rome: IPBGR
Proceedings of the dh National Congress on Genetics, 2-14 May 2005, Kuala Lumpur
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'103
ORAL PRESENTATIONS: P/.;A,NT GENETICS
Melor R., (2000). Utilization of genetic variability in chilli for pest and disease
management. Proc. Conf. of plant resource Managemenf. Sarawak. MAPPS.
MELOR R. (2003). BIODIVERSITY lN CAPSICUM SPP: MORPHOLOGY AND FRUIT
QUALITY. PROC STH GENETIC CONGRESS, 25.27TH MARCH 2003, PUTRA JAYA.
PGM.
Proceedings ofthe dh National congress on Genetics, 12-14 May 2005, Kuala
Lumpur
1o4
ORAL PRESENTATIONS: PLANT cENETICS
Table
3.
Ranking of twenty locally grown citi
Rank
(descending
vield/plant )
padi genotypes in descending weight by harvest
nth
1"'
2nd
3rd
3'o
5u'
o
16
13
14
13
10
13
20
14
4
10
4
3
4
2
5
7
14
3
6
4
16
18
14
2
13
4
13
9
16
2
20
1
15
1
5
6
7
B
9
10
I
16
4
3
I
1
10
15
I
19
10
14
3
B
15
6
18
Harvesting sequent *
gu'
7
I
13
4
18
0'n
11
12',
18
18
4
1
4
1
20
11
18
13
6
7
14
3
14
10
2
7
18
13
14
4
18
4
18
13
13
20
1
14
7
11
13
18
10
7
B
11
16
1
10
20
10
3
7
11
19
1
14
2
17
7
15
16
11
I
20
11
20
15
9
6
I
16
2
8
2
2
15
15
12
20
3
20
17
12
11
10
2
17
15
6
7
2
8
12
9
17
16
6
19
5
B
3
3
5
19
15
1
18
3
2
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
4
1'1
9
17
19
10
15
6
2
6
7
18
5
12
17
19
7
19
I
16
17
11
1
5
9
7
3
12
20
5
I
12
1
20
20
18
17
8
19
5
1
1
11
1'1
17
19
5
5
20
12
12
11
17
Mean (o)
3
99
270
299
973
1
B
069
17
12
19
3
453
1
20
15
4
10
6
2
15
14'n
13
6
7
I
u'
4
6
14
18
't0
13
4
13
14
14
18
13
b
7
11
I
4
1
7
11
3
15
16
8
5
10
3
B
12
19
12
12
5
B
I
11
1
11
20
I
3
9
8
12
17
12
6
14
I
14
19
17
2
5
16
6
5
19
3
84
34
1
17
16
16
16
19
202
171
313
128
77
108
153
I
Genotypes: 'l=1U81;2=2UB2i 3=3U83;4=4U84; 5=5U85;6=U86; 7=UB7;8=8KBA; 9=9KBB;10=.tOKBC; 1.t =.t 1KBD;.12=KBE;
'l3='l3KBF; 14=14KBG;15='l5lNAS: '16=CPNi 17='17cDGSA 1B=l gBUyAU:1g=Cp.170: 2o=KANDtS:
. Corresponding Days After Transptanting:
gth 24St
1'F =85:..2"d =1 18; 3d =128; 4d =.t 37: 5,h =164: 6'h
=.t 89: 7,i =208 i Bt =2291
1't'269: 12rr =283: 13rF=30't;14rh=340; .t5r" =367 days
Proceedings of the dh Nationat Congress on Genetics, 12-14 May 2005, Kuala Lumpur
7
17
15
2
12
6
15
2
5
19
16
5
10
10
15
20
1Oh
=262i
105
ORAL PRESENTATIONS: PLANT GENETICS
Table
4.
Variability in yield components and plant characteristics of twenty genotypes of locally grown cili padi
Plant
Plant
Fruit size (g) Plant
No of fruit
Weight
(o)
plant
lndex
Soread
Heiqht
Per
Per olant
1.Sabc
134.3ab
bc
91.75
1484.7bc
0.78 a
1 130.4a
14KBG
1.Oef
120.0abc
1 15.25 ab
0.43efgh
2349.9a
1008.4a
4UB-4
1.38abc
121.9ab
89.50bc
0.58cd
1465.7bc
B63.3ab
13KBF
1.65a
144.5a
89.50 bc
1761 .Sab
0.389h
635.8bc
lOKBC
'18Buyau
1.3bcd
1 13.0abc
88.25 bc
1085.1bcd
0.45efgh
490.8cd
1.43abc
109.Oab
78.0c
1 1 19.1bcd
0.35h
468.1 cd
6U86
1.1Odef
133.5ab
123.0 a
844.Bcd
0.53cde
434.1 cd
9KBB
1.53ab
121 .3abc
80.3 c
0.50def
405.4 cd
800.7cd
7UB-7
1.38abc
1 14.8 abc
81.5 c
0.43efgh
897.9 cd
389.6 cd
2UB-2
1.Sabc
111.5abc
74.5 c
751.6 cd
0.53cde
378.2 cd
16CPN
0.98ef
95.3bc
96.3 abc
929.7 cd
0.40fgh
378.0 cd
15INAS
1.43abc
103.0abc
73.5 c
0.70b
505.3 d
344.7 cd
KANDIS
1.4abc
93.8bc
68.5 c
0.50def
309.8 cd
619.0d
1UB-1
1.4abc
1 19.8abc
84.0 c
759.0 cd
0.40fgh
305.5 cd
BKBA
1.35bcd
1 10.3abc
85.0 c
0.35h
855.1 cd
300.4d
1lKBD
0.95f
90.5c
90.5 bc
0.63bc
224.8d
366.3d
CP170
1.23cde
74.O
c
89.5c
483.5d
0.50def
220.8d
3U83
1.33bcd
109.3abc
80.3 c
0.35h
686.8d
204.0d
lTGDGSA
1.33bcd
93.3bc
69.5 c
431.4d
0.48defg
201.5d
12 KBE
1.33bcd
101 .Bbc
79.3 c
0.58cd
344.8d
183.5d
5U8.5
Means with same letters are not significantly different according to Duncan Multiple Range Test.
Genotypes
Proceedings of the dh National Congress on Genetics, 12-14 May 2005, Kuala Lumpur
Maturity
Crop Duration
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
85a
322.3 ab
341.Oab
353.5a
287.Ob
334.3ab
315.Sab
319.3ab
334.3 ab
31B.3ab
337.5ab
314.8ab
334.0ab
307.8ab
337.5ab
353.5a
301.5ab
291.0b
303.Oab
353.5a
326.5ab
Harvest
Duration
237.3ab
256.Oab
268.5a
202.0b
249.3ab
230.Sab
234.3ab
249.3ab
233.3ab
252.Sab
229.Bab
249.Oab
222.Bab
252.Sab
268.5a
216.Sab
206.0b
218.Oab
268.5a
241.Sab
106