Morphological characterization and quality evaluation of some cultivated paprika morphotypes (Capsicum annuum L.) from Tadla-Azilal region of Morocco

Abstract

To characterize eleven different morphological forms of Moroccan paprika grown under field conditions in Tadla-Azilal region, analysis of morphometric data of different morphotypes (variants) was performed. The 11 morphotypes were evaluated for their qualitative traits of ripe fruits. Statistically significant differences among these variants were found for all the fruit characters studied. The evaluated morphotypes differed also in vitamin C, capsaicin, ASTA value and coordinated chromatic of color. The morphotype fruits evaluated had high genetic diversity and potential to fulfill the industry requirements. Morphotype 1 had the most desired commercial trait such as high ASTA value, high DW/FW ratio and low pungency. The results obtained in this study can be used as accurate information to establish a program of breeding to develop new commercial hybrids with fruits enriched for more desired commercial traits.

Key words: Paprika, Morphological traits, commercial traits, Vitamin C, ASTA; Carotenoids, Capsaicinoids.