Genetic variation in Capsicum frutescens L. as a result of an SSD method modification

摘要

The main objective of the research was evaluation of the modified SSD (single seed descent) method in breeding of Capsicum frutescens L. The change consisted in an attempt to maintain high genetic variation due to SSD by means of limited selection ofplants. The research material was a heterozygous breeding population of C. frutescens L. Within this population half of individual plants were selected to be represented by two descendants next year. Thus, limited selection oriented to qualities of highimportance was performed and high genetic variation characteristic of SSD was intentionally narrowed. However, high differentiation of the level of observed qualities and high variation coefficients indicate that a population managed in this way maintained a satisfactory genetic variation level. Moreover, a negative correlation coefficient was found between the weight of seeds and the biological performance of fruits, understood as the share of the edible part of the pericarp in the fruit weight. The modification of SSD method makes it possible to maintain high, but intentionally oriented genetic variation.