Genetic diversity and selection of high-yield chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes under soilless cultivation

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is a crop of immense value, celebrated for its widespread consumption, versatile applications, and integral role in culinary traditions around the globe. Despite its importance, enhancing yield production faces significant hurdles, particularly with traditional genotype analysis methods that often overlook essential effects and interactions critical for crop yield and selection. This study seeks to address these challenges by adopting innovative strategies for yield enhancement by employing hydrogelamended soilless cultivation systems, marking a significant leap forward in agricultural practices. Furthermore, the study evaluates the genetic diversity of chilli genotypes via morpho-physiological traits and ISSR markers, establishing a solid foundation for future breeding programs and advancing our understanding of effective chilli cultivation. This comprehensive approach involved analyzing 30 chilli genotypes, including 19 advanced mutant breeding lines from the Chilli Bangi variety (M6 generation) and 11 commercial genotypes, to explore their productivity under soilless culture conditions. Morphological characteristics revealed a significant heterogeneity among the 30 chilli genotypes grown under soilless condition. The genotypes were classified into five distinct genetic diversity clusters, revealing a substantial level of polymorphism at 74.39% by ISSR markers. The experiment on irrigation intervals revealed that adopting an alternate-day irrigation interval yields the most beneficial outcomes for chilli cultivation when adding hydrogel in the planting medium. This approach balances moisture retention and nutrient delivery optimally. Subsequently, the experiment on soilless cultivation techniques illustrated those soilless cultures, such as hydroponics and hydrogels (BioHydrogel and HydroStock), significantly enhance nutrient absorption, resulting in healthier and more productive chilli plants. Hydroponics optimized the control of nutrients (such as N, P, and K), while hydrogels ensured consistent moisture for improved hydration and nutrient uptake. In evaluating yield and yield-related attributes, the study carried out the genotype by soilless culture interaction analysis. This assessment revealed the hydrogel-amended planting mediums, namely HydroStock, and BioHydrogel, as favorable cultivation mediums. Genotype stability analysis identified G30, G27, G26, and G7 as highly stable, with both high mean yields and consistent performance across diverse soilless cultures. The study recommends using soilless culture techniques, particularly those incorporating hydrogels like BioHydrogel and HydroStock, to enhance nutrient absorption and improve chilli plant yield. These genotypes (G30, G27, G26, and G7) demonstrated remarkable yield stability, suggesting their potential for future productive and sustainable chilli production.

Text 123017.pdf Download (1MB) Official URL or Download Paper: https://ethesis.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/18692

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