Morphological diversity of BC1 families in ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Capsicum annuum L. is recognized for its high ornamental potential due to diverse plant stature, plant architecture, and fruit traits. The objective of this study was to evaluate BC1 families of ornamental pepper to identify genotypes with favorable aesthetic and agronomic attributes for selection in breeding programs. Six pure F8 lines were backcrossed to the ethylene-resistant donor parent UFPB 77.3, resulting in six BC1 families. These families were evaluated using 19 quantitative morphological descriptors of the plant, flower, and fruit. The analyses revealed significant genetic variability among the families, with high heritability values for traits related to plant stature and fruit morphology, indicating predominant genetic control and a satisfactory response to selection. Family 56.26.34.1.4.1.1.1 exhibited greater vegetative vigor and a more favorable combination of ornamental traits, whereas families 56.26.24.1.1.1.1.1 and 56.8.24.1.2.1.1.1 showed lower plant heights and greater earliness. Hierarchical clustering divided the BC1 families into three distinct groups, highlighting phenotypic differences. The first two canonical variables analysis explained 74.05 % of the total variability. The results demonstrate the high potential of the BC1 population for ornamental pepper breeding, enabling the selection of superior genotypes and the planning of strategic crosses focused on more attractive, standardized cultivars with greater post-harvest longevity.