v14i1.351

eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v14i1.351

Submitted date: 7 June 2024
Accepted date: 25 April 2025
Published date: 26 May 2025
Pp. 48–57.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CHILI LANDRACES WITH PHARMACEUTICAL POTENTIAL IN NORTHEAST INDIA

Marcus Vanlalremruatsaka, P.C. Lalrinfela, Rebecca Vanlalsangi, K. Zosangpuii, Fanai Lalsangluaii, Lalrosangpuii, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai*, Maria Lalhmingmawii, David Rosangliana & Samuel Lallianrawna

*Corresponding author. E-mail: m.vabeiryureilai@gmail.com

Abstract
Chili (Capsicum spp.) is a globally important crop valued for its culinary and pharmaceutical properties, particularly its capsaicin content. Mizoram, in Northeast India, is a recognized center of chili diversity, yet its native landraces remain under-characterized. This study aimed to identify and characterize 14 chili landraces collected from various sites across Mizoram, using morphological traits and capsaicin content as key parameters. Of the landraces examined, 12 were identified as C. frutescens and two as C. annuum. Cluster analysis based on 28 morphological traits grouped the landraces into two clusters with 36% similarity, confirming the usefulness of morphological descriptors for germplasm differentiation. All landraces exhibited high capsaicin content, with BC09 recording the highest (617.8 mg/100 g dry weight; 98,848 SHU) and BC12 the lowest (146.2 mg/100 g; 23,392 SHU). The findings underscore the exceptional pungency and morphological diversity of Mizoram's chili landraces and highlight their potential for pharmaceutical applications and elite breeding programs. This study provides a critical foundation for the taxonomic clarification, conservation, and global promotion of Mizoram chilies as regionally unique and commercially valuable genetic resources.

Key words : Capsaicin, capsicum, dendrogram, landrace, estimation, morphology, varieties

Section Editor: Carlos I. Arbizu