PHENOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF EXPERIMENTAL HABANERO PEPPER VARIETIES WITH HIGH AGRONOMIC POTENTIAL

Abstract

Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is a vegetable of high economic importance in Mexico; however, there are not enough varieties in the market. The Instituto Tecnológico de Conkal has created experimental varieties with agronomic potential. Nevertheless, phenological and physiological characterizations are required to identify and guarantee their true potential. This study evaluated the reproductive phenology and photosynthetic processes in two experimental varieties of habanero pepper (H241 and H224) and compared them to the most cultivated commercial variety in Mexico (Jaguar). Parameters of reproductive phenology and physiological variables were evaluated. Results showed that the H241 variety advanced flowering by 5 d and fruiting by 6 d in comparison to H224. The Jaguar variety statistically had the same number of fruits per plant as H241, but exceeded H244 by 35 %. The H241 variety had 44 and 25 % fewer flower abortions than H224 and Jaguar respectively, which represents lower reproductive energy cost (0.63 aborted flowers/harvested fruit). In the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (F_v/F_m), potential activity of PSII (F_v/F₀) and the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) no significant differences among varieties were observed; however, the H241 variety surpassed Jaguar by 17 % in both in photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) and net assimilation rate (A_N) but was statistically similar to H224. The Jaguar variety had a transpiration rate 12 % higher than H241, which was reflected in higher water use efficiency of H241 in relation to H224 and Jaguar (16 and 27 %, respectively). The H241 variety might compete against a commercial variety positioned in the market and should be used in future research on tolerance to water stress.