Morphological diversity of floral traits in Tunisian Capsicum annuum landraces

Marwa Chouikhi [Laboratory of Horticulture, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Ariana, Tunisia]
Riadh Ilahy [Laboratory of Horticulture, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Ariana, Tunisia]
Imen Tlili [Laboratory of Horticulture, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Ariana, Tunisia]
Sonia Barbouchi [Laboratory of Horticulture, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Ariana, Tunisia]
Thouraya R’him [Laboratory of Horticulture, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Ariana, Tunisia]

This study assessed the morphological diversity of floral traits among sixteen Tunisian Capsicum annuum landraces grown under open-field conditions. Significant variation was recorded for all examined traits, including days to flowering, corolla length, anther and filament length, and calyx diameter. Flowering time ranged from 43 to 133 days, indicating a wide phenological divergence among genotypes. Most landraces exhibited pendant flower orientation, while a few showed intermediate positions. Correlations ranged from r = 0.69 to r = 0.85 among corolla, anther, filament, and calyx dimensions, suggesting coordinated floral development, whereas flowering time was largely independent of flower size. Cluster analysis distinguished early- and late-flowering groups, reflecting contrasting adaptive strategies and potential genetic differentiation. Overall, the observed floral variability underscores the diversity present within Tunisian pepper germplasm, offering valuable opportunities for breeding programs targeting earliness, reproductive efficiency, and environmental adaptability.

DOI: 10.26353/j.itahort/2025.3.4450

Keywords: Capsicum annuum, landraces, floral morphology, variability

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Chouikhi, M., Ilahy, R., Tlili, I., Barbouchi, S. and R’him, T. (2025) 'Morphological diversity of floral traits in Tunisian Capsicum annuum landraces', Italus Hortus, 32(3), pp. 44-50. doi: 10.26353/j.itahort/2025.3.4450