Agro-Morphological, Biochemical and Antioxidant Characterization of a Tunisian Chili Pepper Germplasm Collection

Karima Lahbib, Samia Dabbou, Fethi Bnejdi, Gaetano Pandino, Sara Lombardo, Mohamed El Gazzah and Safia El Bok
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Karima Lahbib: Laboratory of Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Climate Changes, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, El Manar II, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
Samia Dabbou: Unit of Bioactive and Natural Substances and Biotechnology UR17ES49, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street, Monastir 5019, Tunisia
Fethi Bnejdi: Laboratory of Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Climate Changes, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, El Manar II, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
Gaetano Pandino: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123 Catania, Italy
Sara Lombardo: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123 Catania, Italy
Mohamed El Gazzah: Laboratory of Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Climate Changes, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, El Manar II, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
Safia El Bok: Laboratory of Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Climate Changes, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, El Manar II, Tunis 2092, Tunisia

Agriculture, 2021, vol. 11, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: Pepper species have been described as being highly sensitive to climate change. Here, we discuss the variability of the agro-morphological and phytochemical responses of pepper cultivars in the context of ongoing climate changes during seven stages of maturity, including heat stress. The effects and interactions were calculated to determine the source of variation according to rising temperature. Capsaicin content (CAP), total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) levels and antioxidant activity (AA) were also determined at different harvest times (at 10, 25, 40, 55, 70, 85 and 100 days after anthesis, DAA). Agro-morphological data showed that the highest variation was recorded for fruit traits compared to flower and plant ones. In particular, calyx shape margin, calyx annular constriction, fruit shape at blossom end and fruit size had a significant impact on the morphologic diversity among accessions. Levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity depended on the genotype and the harvest time. TPC and AA increased at 100 DAA, while TFC were highly detected at the early harvest. Principal component analysis (PCA) allowed us to separate three clusters with well-defined biochemical traits. In particular, regardless of harvest time, Baklouti Chébika, Baklouti Sbikha and Chaabani accessions presented higher levels of TPC, TFC and AA regardless of the considered harvest time. In conclusion, high genetic variability was noted within the analyzed pepper germplasm, thus suggesting the need for major consideration of both agro-morphological and biochemical traits for pepper breeding programs. The current research was conducted to facilitate better management under high-stress conditions due to global warming

Keywords: Capsicum annuum L.; accessions; agro-morphological parameters; polyphenolic compounds; antioxidant activity; genetic discrimination (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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