Phenotypic Variation among and within Three Peppers Species (Capsicum) from Mexico

The phenotypic variation and its distribution among species, morphotypes, within populations was estimated in 71 pertaining to 15 morphotypes of three domesticated species Capsicum from Mexico. Collections were made the states Sinaloa, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Yucatán two agroecosystems: Backyard-garden monoculture. Fifteen characteristics analyzed through one-way variance analysis multivariate analyses principal components (PCA) hierarchical clustering using Ward’s method. study performed a uniform greenhouse experiment. A high found all measured characteristics. Of total variation, 13.0% distributed 27.9% 8.1% populations, 51.0% populations. Because plants grew environment, these results indicate that differences observed have genetic basis. Univariate clearly differentiated suggesting category must be used nominate infraspecific Capsicum. identified contributed explain variation. first explained 59.64% seven more than 90% Among characteristics, number seed per fruit, weight width length stem diameter, days flowering, height plant component 1 whereas leaf, locules, fruits seeds 2. separated large different groups. One group consisted collected monoculture conditions other corresponded population backyard-garden conditions. characterized mainly by their longer, wider, higher fruits, less height, had smaller diameters, lower annuum frutescens considered wild or semi-domesticated, constituted non-differentiated does not allow dividing them species.