Genetic improvement of bell pepper under protected structures-A review

Bell pepper, commonly known as sweet pepper or capsicum, is the most important commercial and high value vegetable crop rich in vitamin C mainlygrownin Asia, Africa and SouthAmerica and domesticated throughout the world. Cultivation of bell pepper under protected structure is spread all over the world. In Indian scenario the cultivation of bell pepper is increasing steadily under naturally ventilated polyhouse. Genetic improvement programme of crop involves several activities such as germplasm conservation, evaluation of genetic diversity, selection of promising genotypes/hybrids, progenitor’s selection, hybridization and evaluation of segregating populations. The major objective is for high productivity of quality produce during off seasons with minimum usage of pesticides. Bell pepper has a tendency towards autogamy even though it is hermaphroditic in nature. Besides conventional breeding methods, molecular genetics, tissue culture and genetic engineering are becoming increasingly important. There is need to develop quality enrich hybrids/varieties of bell pepper.