International Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science IJPBCS

Vol. 9(1), pp. 1088-1096, May, 2022. © www.premierpublishers.org, ISSN: 2167-0449

Research Article

Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of

Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens
L.) in Northern Benin
Nadège Aimée AKPO1, Cyrille KANLINDOGBÈ2*, Diane ZANNOU KPITI3, Emmanuel SEKLOKA4, Léonard
AFOUDA5, Somani Olive HOUNSOU BATCHO6
1,2,3,4,5,6
Laboratory of Phytotechny, Plants Breeding and Protection, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou, Republic
of Benin, BP 123, Benin

In Benin, chilli pepper is a widely consumed as vegetable whose production requires the use of
performant varieties. This work assessed, at Parakou and Malanville, the performance of six F1
hybrids of chilli including five imported (Laali, Laser, Nandi, Kranti, Nandita) and one local (De
cayenne), in completely randomized block design at four replications and 15 plants per elementary
plot. Agro-morphological data were collected and submitted to analysis of variance and factor
analysis of mixed data. The results showed the effects of variety, location and their interactions
were highly significant for most of the growth, earliness and yield traits. Imported hybrid varieties
showed the best performances compared to the local one. Multivariate analysis revealed that 'De
cayenne' was earlier, short in size, thin-stemmed, red fruits and less yielding (≈ 1 t.ha-1). The
imported hybrids LaaliF1 and KrantiF1 were of strong vegetative vigor, more yielding (> 6 t.ha-1) by
developing larger, long and hard fruits. Other hybrids showed intermediate performances. This
study highlighted the importance of imported hybrids in improving yield and preservation of chili
fruits. However, stability and adaptation analyses to local conditions are necessary for their
adoption.

Keywords: Earliness, growth and yield, hybrids performances, preservation, stability, adoption, capsicum frutescens

INTRODUCTION

In Benin, market gardening stands for an important source compared to the diet based on cereals and starches,
of employment in urban and peri-urban areas and especially for populations with low income (Sorho et al.,
especially on the banks of rivers and/or in the valleys of 2014). Being an annual species preferentially autogamous
certain areas (Tiamiyou, 1995) and would contribute to the (Chaine-Dogimont, 1993), local varieties of chili pepper
creation of nearly 60,000 direct jobs (PADAP, 2003). This are in general pure lines. Due to the constraints related to
activity generates significant income, relieves thousands hybrid seeds access for small urban or peri-urban farmers,
of families and reduces food insecurity problems (PADAP, the majority of production is grown with these local
2003). Chili pepper, one of the common market garden varieties from several generations of self-production.
crops in Benin, is the most popular condiment after tomato, Seeds are often taken from previous harvests and very few
in urban environments for food because of its nutritional market gardeners exclusively use commercial seeds
qualities, pungent flavor and pleasant aroma (Bosland and
Votara, 2001, Denden et al., 2002Gnimadi, 2008). Corresponding Author: Cyrille KANLINDOGBE;
Originally from tropical America and then disseminated in Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Protection, Faculty of
Europe, Africa and Asia (Zimmer et al., 2012). This Agronomy, University of Parakou, Republic of Benin, BP:
vegetable plant thus provides a nutritional supplement 123 Benin. Email: [email protected]

Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Northern Benin
Akpo et al. 1089

250 14 300 14

12 250 12
200

Rain height (mm)

Number of rain days
10 10
Rain height (mm)

Number of rain
200
150 8 8
150
6 6
100
100
4 4
50 50
2 2

0 0 0 0
May June July August September October November May June July August September October November
Months Months
Rain days (Parakou) Pluviometry (Parakou) Rain days (Malanville) Pluviometry(Malanville)
a) Rainfall at Parakou location
b) Rainfall at Malanville location
Figure 1: Rainfall and number of rainy days during the trials at Parakou and Malanville
Source: Data from Meteorology National Agency of Benin

(Assogba et al., 2008; Dinssa et al., 2016). As a result, Plant material

yields are low and the plants are particularly vulnerable to
biotic and abiotic stresses induced by recurrent climatic The plant material consisted of five exotic hybrid varieties
disturbances. Global production is affected and cannot and one locally marketed cultivar (De cayenne) usually
satisfy national needs. The supply of chilli peppers in Benin grown by farmers in the study area (Table 1).
in general, and in main cities in particular, remains well
below demand (Assogba et al., 2008). Foreign trade Table 1: Characteristics of different assessed varieties
statistics for 2004 revealed that a large part of imports Varieties Origins Provenances Varietal
come from neighboring countries and even from the Sahel structure
(Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso) (Tandem, 2009). However, Laali India Bayer F1 hybrid
market garden species, in particular chili pepper, are Crop/science
among the rare autogamous species with a high heterosis Laser India Bayer F1 hybrid
potential for the yield of fresh fruits, number of fruits per Crop/science
plant, length, thickness and size (Kalloo, 1988; Doshi and Nandi India Bayer F1 hybrid
Shukla, 2000). This is what justifies that many commercial Crop/science
varieties in the world are rather hybrids. In order to raise Kranti, India Bayer F1 hybrid
crop yields through an efficient seed policy, hybrid Crop/science
varieties from regions with similar climate to Benin such as Nandita India Bayer F1 hybrid
India can be evaluated. The present study falls within this Crop/science
framework and proposes to assess agro-morphological De Ivory Bénin F1 hybrid
performances of six exotic hybrid varieties of chili pepper cayenne Coast Semence
(Capsicum frutescens) under Benin growing conditions.
Experimental design and trial husbandry

MATERIAL AND METHODS The varieties seeds were sown in the nursery in alveoli
plates containing sterilized potting soil where the
Experiment locations germinated plants remained for five weeks. For
transplanting, the experimental design used on both
The trial was conducted in 2015 on experimental site of the locations was a randomized complete block of six
Faculty of Agronomy of University of Parakou (09 ° 20.291 treatments at four replications. Transplanting was carried
'North latitude, 002 ° 38.917' East longitude and 361 m out at one plant per plot at spacings of 50 x 50 cm and 60
altitude above sea level) and replicated on the rice- x 40 cm in Malanville and Parakou respectively. Each
growing area of Bodjécali in Malanville (11° 49.896 North elementary plot measured 1.5 m x 2 m (or 3 m²) and 1.8 m
latitude, 003 23° 517 East longitude and 163 m altitude x 2 m (or 3.6 m 2) respectively in Malanville and Parakou.
above sea level). Cumulative rainfall was higher in Thus, on both locations, each elementary plot housed 3
Malanville (930 mm) than in Parakou (750 mm), and well lines of 15 plants/plot. Fourteen days after transplanting
distributed during the trial periods at both locations. August (dat) of plants, a first fertilization based on NPK (14-23-14)
and September were the wettest months (Figure 1). The was performed at a rate of 20 g/plant followed by
soils are of the tropical ferruginous type in Parakou, and of application of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) at 2% to
the sandy-clay type on the rice-growing area in Malanville prevent pest attacks (whiteflies, thrips, aphids, caterpillars
(Azontondé et al., 2009). etc.). Then, after the first flowers set, a maintenance

Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Northern Benin
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 1090

fertilizer with urea (46% N) was applied at the rate of Data analysis
10g/plant at 35th and 110th days after transplanting. To
control weediness, regular weeding and hoeing were Data were entered using Excel spreadsheet, and analyzed
practiced each two weeks. thanks to R software 3.6.3 (R Core Team, 2020). For each
quantitative trait, the variability was assessed by
Data collection computing descriptive statistics followed by analyzes of
variance to assess the difference between varieties,
The measured morphological traits were collected on the locations as well as variety by location interaction. A global
five plants of the central line of each elementary plot description of the varieties was finally carried out by Factor
(Sekloka et al., 2016). On each of these plants, the fruit Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD). To this end, the
characterization data were taken on three ripe fruits FactoMineR package developed by Le et al. (2008) was
located respectively in the low, middle and high positions. used.
The qualitative morphological variables were observed at
plot scale by determining the dominant modality of each
trait. The earliness and fruit yield were evaluated on the RESULT
entire central lines of each elementary plot (Table 2).
Assessment of visual variability characteristics
between varieties
Table 2: Description of analyzed variables
Variables (unity) Description Like the local variety 'De cayenne', all imported hybrids
Morphological traits showed elongated fruit. Their color at full maturity ranges
Stem height (haut- Measured from the root collar of from light red to dark red, with predominance of bright red
tige in cm) plant to insertion of the youngest color, observed on 3 of the 5 imported varieties (Figure 1).
branch
Stem diameter Ratio of stem circumference to π
(Dia-tige in cm)
Etiolation index (IE Ratio of diameter to stem height
in %) expressed as percentage
Number of nodes Counted on the main stem, from
on the stem (nb- the collar to insertion of the
nœuds) youngest leaf
Internode height Ratio of stem height to number of
on the stem (HEN node of the stem
in cm)
Fruit Height (haut- Measured using a tape measure
fruit in cm)
Fruit diameter Calculated by the ratio of the fruit
(Dia-fruit in cm) circumference to π
Intensity of red Visually appreciated through
color of fruit three modalities: Light red, bright
(couleur_fruit) red and dark red
Figure 1: Shape and intensity of red color of fruits of
Fruit consistency Appreciated by touch in three assessed varieties
(consistance_fruit) categories: Soft, semi-hard, hard
Agronomic characteristics of varieties When fully ripe, the varieties LaaliF1, LaserF1, NandiF1,
Date of flowering Date when 50% of the plants NanditaF1 standing for nearly 67% of the whole, showed
(Dat.flo in dat) flower on a plot after transplanting fruits of semi-hard consistency. Only KrantiF1 variety
Date of maturity Date when 50% of the plants presented hard fruit and ‘De Cayenne' soft fruit.
(Dat.mat in dat) ripen on a plot after transplanting
Average Fruit Ratio of total fruit weight to Analysis of quantitative traits variability
Weight (PMF) number of fruits
Number of pips per Counting the number of pips in Whether in Parakou or Malanville, high differences and
fruit(nb.pepin) each fruit magnitude between the extreme values, and high
Fruits yield (Rdt in Ratio of total weight of fruits to the coefficients of variation were observed for several
t/ha) plot area evaluated traits, especially for the yield parameters (CV>
Centimentre (cm), percentage (%), day after transplanting 30%) (Table 3).
(dat), ton per hectare (t/ha)
From one location to another, most of the agronomic and
morphological variables showed significant differences
between varieties (p<0.05) (Table 3).
Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Northern Benin
Akpo et al. 1091

For stem growth, ‘De cayenne’ variety showed overall the growth, De cayenne, LaserF1 and NanditaF1 varieties
lowest growth performances in height (haut_tige ≈ 25 - 32 recorded overall the lowest growth values. In both
cm) and thickness (Dia_tige ≈ 0.6 - 0.9 cm) in both locations, the varieties KrantiF1 and LaaliF1 developed the
locations. The varieties LaaliF1 (haut_tige ≈ 50 m; Dia_tige largest and longest fruits respectively (Table 3).
>1 cm) and NanditaF1 (haut_tige ≈ 62 cm, Dia_tige ≈ 1.6
cm) developed the strongest and slenderest stems For earliness, De cayenne and LaaliF1 varieties were
(Dia_tige >1 cm; haut_tige= 0.5 m) in Parakou and found to be the earliest in Parakou (128.25 dat) and
Malanville respectively. Based on stem internode height Malanville (67.25 dat) respectively, while LaserF1 variety
(HEN), NandiF1 (0.37) and KrantiF1 (2.46) exhibited the was the latest (Table 3). Assessment of fruit yield showed
shortest internodes at Parakou and Malanville average yields of 3.49 t/ha in Parakou and 6.48 t/ha in
respectively, while Nandita F1 recorded the longest at both Malanville. De cayenne and LaserF1 varieties were the
locations (Table 3). least yielding (0.4 - 1.59 t/ha) while LaaliF1 and KrantiF1,
the most ones (6.3-10.09 t/ha) (Table 3). In overall, the
On the other hand, etiolation index (EI) ranged from 2.54 different genotypes performed better in terms of average
% (NanditaF1) to 3.20 % (LaaliF1, NandiF1) in Parakou performances of stem growth and yield traits in Malanville
and from 2.00% and 2.71% in Malanville. As for fruit location versus Parakou (Table 3).
Table 3: Agro-morphological performances of varieties in Parakou and Malanville
Variables Min Variety Max Variety Mean CV (%) Pr(>F)
Parakou
Dia_tige 0.58 De cayenne 1.07 LaaliF1 0.93 28.66 <0.001***
haut_tige 24.81 De cayenne 48.09 LaserF1 40.15 29.02 <0.001***
HEN 0.37 NandiF1 0.64 Nandita F1 0.52 41.14 <0.001***
IE 2.54 NanditaF1 3.20 LaaliF1, NandiF1 2.80 19.22 <0.001***
nb_noeuds 44.44 De cayenne 119.05 LaserF1 90.72 52.88 <0.001***
date_fl 101 De cayenne 115 LaserF1 108.5 4.75 <0.001***
date_mat 128.25 De cayenne 193.5 LaserF1 170.75 13.15 <0.001***
PMF 1.34 LaserF1 7.33 KrantiF1 3.53 66.29 <0.001***
Rdt 0.4 De cayenne 6.3 LaaliF1 3.49 60.32 <0.001***
Dia_fruit 0.89 LaserF1 1.49 KrantiF1 1.17 22.87 <0.001***
haut_fruit 4.52 De cayenne 11.85 LaaliF1 8.15 35.47 <0.001***
nb_pepin 57.39 De cayenne 107.94 KrantiF1 85.25 33.55 <0.001***
Malanville
Dia_tige 0.87 De cayenne 1.57 NanditaF1 1.41 23.68 <0.001***
haut_tige 31.5 De cayenne 61.98 NanditaF1 51.28 22.35 <0.001***
HEN 2.46 KrantiF1 2.93 NanditaF1 2.78 18.05 0.032*
IE 2.00 2.71 2.37 20.74 0.011*
nb_noeuds 12.75 De cayenne 21.18 NanditaF1 18.67 19.6 0.000***
date_fl 39.25 LaaliF1 46 LaserF1 42.92 8.04 0.083ns
date_mat 67.25 LaaliF1 94 LaserF1 79.5 11.99 <0.001***
PMF 1.04 LaserF1 3.7 KrantiF1 2.26 41.69 <0.001***
Rdt 1.59 De cayenne 10.09 LaaliF1 6.48 47.71 <0.001***
Dia_fruit 0.95 NanditaF1 1.52 KrantiF1 1.15 25.38 <0.001***
haut_fruit 7.09 De cayenne 12.14 LaaliF1 9.36 27.61 <0.001***
nb_pepin 58.02 NanditaF1 98.25 KrantiF1 75.98 35.48 <0.001***
Height (haut_tige) and Diameter (Dia_tige) of stem, internode height (HEN) and Number of nodes on the stem
(nb_nodes); Etiolation index (IE); Diameter (Dia_fruit) and height (haut_fruit) of the fruit; date of flowering (Date_fl) and
of maturity (Date_.mat), Average fruit weight (PMF), Number of seeds per fruit (nb_pepin), Fruit yield (Yield)( Rdt ), days
after transplanting (dat), ns not significant (> 0.05); * significant (<0.05), ** highly significant (<0.01); *** very highly
significant (<0.001)
Furthermore, the combined evaluation of average Joint analysis of qualitative and quantitative
performances on the two locations showed that apart from characteristics of hybrids
earliness parameters, most of the measured variables
showed very highly significant differences between All the quantitative and qualitative agro-morphological
varieties (p<0.001). The differences between locations traits were submitted to Factor Analysis of Mixed Data
and interactions variety * location were also highly (FAMD) for joint assessment of varieties performances.
significant for most of tested variables (p<0.001) (Table 4). The analysis revealed that the five main factor axes
explained 100% of the information carried by all of the
starting variables. The first two axes alone have captured
more than 74% of this total variability (Table 5).
Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Northern Benin
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 1092

Table 4: Effects of the different factors and their interactions on assessed traits
Variables Mean CV (%) Variety effect Location effect Variety*location
Dia_tige (cm) 1.09 21.9 <0.001*** <0.001*** 0.437ns
*** ***
haut_tige (cm) 43.03 22.7 <0.001 <0.001 0.132ns
* ***
HEN (cm) 1.51 14.4 0.016 <0.001 0.007**
IE (%) 2.57 8.7 <0.001*** <0.001*** 0.323ns
*** ***
nb_noeuds 54.99 27.5 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001***
***
Dia_fruit (cm) 1.16 24.2 <0.001 0.19ns
<0.001***
***
Haut_fruit(cm) 8.78 31.9 <0.001 0.000 ***
<0.001***
ns
Date_fl (dat) 75.71 4.18 0.997 0.000*** 0.01*
Date_mat (dat) 125.13 12.8 0.578ns 0.000*** <0.001***
***
PMF 2.90 53.12 <0.001 0.019* 0.002*
Nb_pepin 80.47 0.35 <0.001*** <0.001*** <0.001***
Rdt (t/ha) 4.98 47.65 <0.001*** <0.001*** 0.045*
Height (top_stem) and Diameter (Dia_stem) of stem, Height of internode (HEN), Number of nodes on the stem
(nb_nodes); Etiolation index (IE); Diameter (Dia_fruit) and height (haut_fruit) of the fruit; date of flowering (Date_fl) and
of maturity (Date_.mat), Average fruit weight (PMF), Number of seeds per fruit (nb_pepin), Fruit yield (Yield)( Rdt), days
after transplanting (dat), ns not significant (> 0.05); * significant (<0.05), ** highly significant (<0.01); *** very highly
significant (<0.001)

Table 5: Characteristics of the factor axes

Axis 1 Axis 2 Axis 3 Axis 4 Axis 5
Eigen value 6.25 5.63 2.47 1.51 0.15
Explained
Variance (%) 39.05 35.16 15.44 9.43 0.92
Cumulative
variance (%) 39.05 74.21 89.65 99.08 100.00

The correlation circle of variables in the first factor plane

showed strong correlations between traits and factor axes
(Figure 2). The variables of earliness (dates of flowering
and of maturation) and stem growth (height, diameter)
have been positively correlated with each other on the one
hand, and with the first axis on the other. This axis
basically describes the earliness and growth of vegetative
organs of varieties. The diameter and height of fruits, the
number of pips, average fruit weight have been positively
correlated with each other, and also with the second axis.
This axis characterizes the growth and productivity of Figure 2: Circle of correlation showing projected variables
fruits. The yield to a certain extent was moderately in first factor plan
described by each of the two axes (Figure 2). Axis or Dimension 1 (Dim 1) and 2 (Dim 2)
Height (haut_tige) and Diameter (Dia_tige) of stem,
internode height (HEN) and Number of nodes on the stem
(nb_nodes); Etiolation index (IE); Diameter (Dia_fruit) and
height (haut_fruit) of the fruit; date of flowering (Date_fl)
and of maturity (Date_.mat), Average fruit weight (PMF),
Number of seeds per fruit (nb_pepin), Fruit yield (Yield)
(Rdt)

The factor map of all the variables characterizes not only

the strength of quantitative traits relationship with the axes,
but also the association of qualitative parameters with
these axes (Figure 3). Fruit consistency is strongly
associated with the first axis while the intensity of red fruit
color is more described by the second axis.

Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Northern Benin
Akpo et al. 1093

DISCUSSION

Assessment of agronomic and morphological

performances of new genotypes in contrasting
environments is essential step for promotion and adoption
of performant and adapted variety in given cropping area
(Yan and Tiker, 2006). Assessment of visual
characteristics of F1 hybrids of chili pepper showed that
bright red and semi-hard fruits were dominant for color
intensity and fruit consistency, respectively, for all
varieties. These characteristics are of great importance in
the preference and shelf life of varieties. Also, the
variability of such qualitative traits is undoubtedly linked to
the expression of one or a few genes whose identification
Figure 3: Factor map of quantitative and qualitative could be carried out by molecular characterization (Saidou
variables et al., 2014; Sekloka et al., 2016).
Height (haut_tige) and Diameter (Dia_tige) of stem,
internode height (HEN) and Number of nodes on the stem In addition, analysis of morphometric and agronomic
(nb_nodes); Etiolation index (IE); Diameter (Dia_fruit) and variability within these chili pepper varieties revealed
height (haut_fruit) of the fruit; date of flowering (Date_fl) significant differences between the extreme values and
and of maturity (Date_.mat), Average fruit weight (PMF), high coefficients of variation for several studied traits. This
Number of seeds per fruit (nb_pepin), Fruit yield (Yield)( reflects the existence of important phenotypic
Rdt ), Intensity of red color of fruit (couleur_fruit), Fruit heterogeneity between varieties. This could result from the
consistency (consistance_fruit) expression of strong genotypic heterogeneity which will
remain to be confirmed by molecular analyzes, but also
The projection of the varieties in the first factor plane from the effect of environmental factors (Saidou et al.,
(Figure 4) showed the first axis quite clearly discriminates 2014; Sekloka et al., 2016; Amsalu et al., 2017). Thus, the
the local variety "De cayenne" from the exotic varieties location effects and variety * location interactions on plants
LaserF1 and Nandita F1 located respectively on the growth in size and thickness were highly significant for the
negative and positive sides of this axis. "De cayenne" most parts. These results show plants growth varied
variety was earlier, with soft fruits, short size and thin stem, significantly from one location to another. As result,
therefore with low vegetative vigor. However, LaserF1 and important variation of environmental conditions (rainfall,
Nandita F1 varieties were late, with semi-hard fruits, long temperature, soils fertility, etc.) would influence
sizes and large stems, therefore with strong vegetative morphological growth of the plants. Thus, the difference of
vigor. rainfall amounts between Malanville and Parakou
locations (930 mm versus 750 mm) and soils nutrient state
The second axis distinguishes the varieties KrantiF1 and from one location to another could explain this
LaaliF1 which presented the largest, long and hard fruits morphological variability.
with better weight, and the greatest number of pips. These
varieties were the most yielding. The assessment of etiolating indices determined from
plant thickness and height, revealed LaaliF1 and NandiF1
In addition, NandiF1 variety presented overall intermediate showed the highest indices among the varieties. This
performances between all the varieties studied (Figure 4). finding reflects that these genotypes would be important
for developing plant resistance to lodging or breakage
Dark red
hard
under bad weather effect (wind, rain etc.) so as to support
high fruit load. These results are congruent with the
findings of Aljebjo and Orakwue (2002), which showed the
same significant differences in growth between chilli
Light red
pepper accessions in Nigeria. Similar trends were also
highlighted by Ayana and Bekele (2000) on sorghum
Semi-hard accessions from Ethiopia and Eritrea, and by Nebié et al.
(2012) on sweet grain sorghum cropped in north-central
Bright red
Burkina Faso.

Soft Furthermore, the analysis of earliness traits for the most

part, proved strong significant differences between
varieties on each location, and also location effect and
varieties *location interaction were mostly significant. All
Figure 4: Factor map of varieties and their qualitative this testifies to inter-varietal variability environmental
categories in the first plan
Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Northern Benin
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 1094

influence and cross effect of genotypes and environment agronomic characteristic that could help to cope with the
on the varieties earliness, most of which are of Indian phenomena of climate disturbances, in particular drought
origin. So, variations among locations conditions which has become recurrent (Gbaguidi et al., 2015;
(temperature, rainfall, sunshine, photoperiod, etc.) during Sekloka et al., 2016). Therefore, these results reflect the
phenological stage could explain environment influence on need to maintain and conserve the variety 'De Cayenne',
earliness of evaluated genotypes. In the same sense, the earlier cycle, alongside with any breeding program of new
work of Mechlia and Mougou (1990), carried out over the variety of chilli pepper.
period from planting to the first harvest of three vegetables
species (tomato, melon and cucumber), have shown that
cycle length in days for a given species which can present CONCLUSION
important variations depending on the growth period.
The study assessed the performances of six hybrid
About yield component, the variations in yield were genotypes of chili pepper within Benin cropping conditions.
significant between varieties, between locations and even It highlighted significant agro-morphological performances
for the varieties *location interaction. These results can variability among varieties of chilli pepper evaluated in
undoubtedly be reflected by the fact that the yield is Parakou and Malanville locations. The new imported
complex quantitative trait conditioned by genetic potential hybrids revealed the best growth and yield performances
of the variety, the growing environment and by Genotype compared to 'De cayenne’, local variety cultivated in the
x Environment interaction. This presence of varieties locations. Thus, variety 'De cayenne' turned out to be the
*location interaction highlights that most genotypes react earliest, with low vegetative vigor, soft fruit and the least
differently by changing rank from one location to another. yielding, while imported varieties 'LaaliF1' and 'KrantiF1'
This current result is in accordance with previous findings were the most vigorous and yielding with larger long and
of Rego et al. (2011) on Brazilian chili varieties and of hard fruits. To meet the needs of the farmers and market
Olaniyi et al. (2020) on Nigeria Tea (Camellia sinensis), in terms of yield and fruit shelf life, the best imported
who also observed in their works that the yield was hybrids can be considered for popularization with farmers,
influenced by the effects of Genotype (G), Environment (E) or for use in chili pepper varietal breeding. However, it
and G x E interaction. The presence of G x E interaction proves essential to extend the trials over a few additional
pointed out difficulties for recommendation of stable years for detailed G x E evaluation in order to highlight the
genotype across all environments (Yan and Tiker, 2006; achieved yield stability.
Olaniyi et al., 2020).

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Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Northern Benin
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 1096

Accepted 25 April 2022

Citation: Akpo NA, Kanlindogbè C, Zannou Kpiti D,

Sekloka E, Afouda L, Hounsou Batcho SO (2022).
Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid
Varieties of Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in
Northern Benin. International Journal of Plant Breeding
and Crop Science, 9(1): 1088-1096.

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Evaluation of Agro-morphological Performances of Hybrid Varieties of Chili Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Northern Benin