Investigation of Root Structures and Comparison Rooting Traits of Capsicum Species

Abstract

Pepper rootstock breeding studies based on strong root improvement are limited. In this study, it is aimed to investigate and compare the root structures of Capsicum annuum, Capsicum chinense and Capsicum baccatum species in interspecific Capsicum spp. rootstock breeding program for pepper. Total of 21 genotypes (4 genotypes C. annum, 9 genotypes C. chinense and 8 genotypes C. baccatum) in three different species were examined. WinRhizo root analysis program was used to examine root architectures of pepper genotypes and to determine rooting levels in detail. The total root length (cm), root surface area (cm2), root volume (cm3), root dry weight (g), average root diameter (mm) that constitute the root system architectures of pepper genotypes were determined. The root characteristics of the C. baccatum and C. chinense species were found to be stronger and superior than the C. annuum species. C. chinense in terms of root length and root surface area and C. baccatum in terms of root volume and dry weight were prominent. According to the properties of root system architecture; CB73 and CB4 genotypes in C. baccatum and CC47, CC61 and CC76 genotypes in C. chinense showed superior performance. © 2020, Centenary University. All rights reserved.