Seleções de populações de pimenteiras ornamentais para caracteres morfoagronômicos e de resistência ao etileno

Abstract

The genus Capsicum belonging to the Solanaceae family is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. This species presents diversity for morphoagronomic characteristics which gives it different potentialities of use, such as ornamental use. During the commercialization process of ornamental pepper plants, ethylene is capable of causing chlorophyll degradation and the abscission of leaves, flowers and fruits, which leads to the loss of commercial value. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate morphometric characteristics and ethylene resistance in ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) populations. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of the Center for Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba (CCA-UFPB), Areia / PB. In the F4 population the experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments and fifteen repetitions. Twenty-four morphoagronomic characteristics of plant, flower, fruit and ethylene resistance were evaluated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, with subsequent grouping of means by Tukey test, at 5% probability. In the F6 population, a completely randomized design was used, following the split plot arrangement, being eight populations and two witnesses. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using the 5% probability Skott-Knott test for grouping of means and subsequent regression. Within the populations studied, it is possible to practice selection to continue the Ornamental Pepper Breeding Program, considering the genetic variability found. The UFPB56.8 population showed sensitivity to ethylene phythormonium. The leaves were more sensitive to ethylene action, while the fruits were more resistant. The population 55.50.4.1 and the parents UFPB 77.3 and UFPB 134 showed sensitivity to ethylene phythormonium.