Genetic variability studies in chilli germplasm under hot arid eco-system

摘要

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) a native of tropical Africa and West Indies, was introduced into India by the Portuguese in the seventeenth century. Capsicum annuum commonly known as red pepper or chilli is mainly cultivated for fruits which are used as vegetable for culinary purposes, in medicine as a stimulant and source of oleoresin. The fruits contain an active pungent principle substance, an alkaloid known as Capsaicin (C_18H_27O_3N). Chilli is one of the most important vegetable-cum-spice in Indian diet valued for its aroma, taste and pungency.