In vitro screening of chilli germplasm for drought tolerance Article Swipe
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· 2025
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.46653/jhst25081032
· OA: W4412371524
Drought stress is a global problem. It is well established that it is a threat to almost all types of crops, including vegetables. Plant scientists have developed various strategies to deal with this menace. One of these strategies is to screen out tolerant genotypes which can withstand the stress. Chilli (Capsicum frutescens Mill.) is one of the most important horticultural crops used as a condiment all over the world. Chilli plants are susceptible to water-deficient conditions. Therefore, this study was conducted to screen out the available chilli germplasm for drought tolerance. In this study, 30 chilli genotypes were used to screen against drought stress. These chilli genotypes were screened under in vitro conditions using four different levels (0, 5, 10 and 15%) of polyethene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000) solution, which were applied to seeds during germination. Drought stress induced by these levels of PEG-6000 solution indicated that all the studied parameters (germination percentage, average root and shoot lengths, average root and shoot fresh weights and average root and shoot dry weights) were negatively affected. On the basis of the results, chilli genotypes including Chilli Hot Queen, Advanta-509, Divya, HM-78, Hot Queen, High Fly 2 and Kot Sultan were found to be drought-tolerant genotypes. Whereas, HHP-091A, HHP-082B, Zenia, Acc.32362, Hot Red, C.K.D-2204, Sky Red, Sky Star 4, Sky Line 2, Kuni, Ghotki, Talhari, Amber, Red Giant, Hot Flame, Loralai and Pusa Jawala were drought-sensitive genotypes under in vitro conditions.
