Identification of potential donor for flooding tolerance in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

This study was conducted to identify potential donors for flooding tolerance in chilli genotypes on the basis of morphophysiological, biochemical and fruit set percentage. Twenty chilli genotypes were characterized both at seedling (flooding for 12h, 24h and 48h) and at reproductive stage (flooding for 24h and 48 h) for flooding tolerance. Various morphophysiological and biochemical traits were recorded after recovery period of five days. Flooding for different durations at seedling stage resulted in decrease in percent survival, increase in root number and root length, decrease in chlorophyll content of leaves in all the genotypes. A significant increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes and accumulation of osmolytes was also recorded. Flooding at reproductive stage affected the fruit set percentage in all the genotypes but the genotype S343 was least affected. Further, cluster analysis supported our results by dividing all the genotypes into two clusters, one contained check variety and S343 genotype and second cluster had all the other genotypes. It is evident from the present study that the genotype S343 performed best under flooding conditions as it had maximum percent survival, better root characteristics and fruit set percentage. Our study would assist in the preliminary selection of several germplasm/breeding materials for flooding tolerance and help identify their potential utility in crop improvement.