Summary
This study examined 14 hot pepper accessions grown at two contrasting Italian sites to partition variation in yield and bioactive compound content between genetic and environmental sources. Genotype was the dominant source of variation for all traits; environment accounted for over 30% of variation in carotenoids, ascorbic acid and tocopherols but less than 0.5% for capsaicinoids. Genotyping by sequencing and population structure analysis identified 2120 SNPs and revealed genetic relationships among accessions, providing guidance for breeding programmes targeting improved bioactive compound profiles.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Italy and demonstrates environment-dependent variation in phytochemical content in horticultural crops under Mediterranean or similar European conditions. The findings on genotype-by-environment interaction and molecular diversity assessment are transferable to UK glasshouse and field horticulture, particularly regarding selection strategies for nutrient-dense pepper varieties, though UK growing conditions (cooler, lower light) may generate different absolute phytochemical levels.
Key measures
Yield and fruit morphology; carotenoid, ascorbic acid, tocopherol and capsaicinoid content; single-nucleotide polymorphisms (genotyping by sequencing); hierarchical clustering and population structure analysis
Outcomes reported
The study measured morpho-agronomic traits and phytochemical compounds (carotenoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherols, capsaicinoids) in 14 hot pepper accessions across two locations, and performed genotyping by sequencing to identify 2120 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and assess genetic diversity.
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