Caracterização morfológica, avaliação agronômica e análise de compostos bioativos em acessos de pimentas (Capsicum annuum)

Abstract

A large number of varieties of Capsicum (Solanaceae) are grown worldwide, with different shapes and colors. The uses of these peppers are such diverse as the fruit shapes. These are used in f ood, medicine, ornamentation and also as an artifact of defense. There are five domesticated species of Capsicum: Capsicum annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. frutescens and C. pubescens. The aim of this study was to contribute to knowledge of genetic resources of Capsicum annuum accessions from the Embrapa Clima Temperado Genebank (Pelotas – RS). In this sense, morphologic characterization, agronomic evaluation and chemical characterization activities were performed. Twenty accessions of C. annuum were subjected to morphologic characterization and agronomic evaluation. Wide genetic diversity was observed for days elapsed from sowing to flowering, days elapsed from sowing to the first ripe fruit production, plant height, diameter of canopy, number of fruits, fruit weight, weight fruits per plant, dry matter per fruit, relationship between fresh and dry matter of fruits, estimated production of dry matter per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, peduncle length, wall thickness fruit, growth habit, branching density, density of leaves, persistence between peduncle and plant, pungency, aroma, fruit surface, immature fruit color, mature fruit color, fruit shape, number of loci and persistence between fruit and peduncle. For chemical characterization, was investigated the production of bioactive compounds in ripe fruits of 14 accessions of C. annuum. The accessions showed genetic diversity for: antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and carotenoids. It was possible to identify suitable accession for use in breeding programs with different objectives, like peppers suitable for fresh consumption and processed or ornamental peppers. For the production of the bioactive compounds P39, P77, P119, P143 and P302 accessions demonstrated to be good sources of natural antioxidants, and potential use as an ornamental plant. The results of this study are important because they contribute to the knowledge of the genetic resources of Capsicum and show clearly the importance of conservation, characterization and evaluation of Active Germplasm Bank accessions.