Morphoagronomic characterization of t sweet pepper (Capsicum spp.) germplasm collection in the colombian Caribbean

"Topito" sweet pepper is considered one of the main vegetables in the colombian Caribbean region due to tradition and daily consumption in at least six of the seven continental departments of the Atlantic coast. Development of research lines for genetic improvement to obtain increased production cultivars are highly relevant. To determine the morphological and agronomic variability of the sweet pepper germplasm collection in the colombian Caribbean to use it for genetic improvement, a characterization with 45 qualitative and quantitative descriptors for Capsicum spp. in 125 accessions for the colombian Caribbean was carried out. A complete randomized design was used for nine plants. Data analysis was done through Ward's classification method using Gower's distance. Results showed polymorphism in 19 qualitative characteristics, with 67.9% variability. Data mixed analysis allowed to separate Capsicum genus species of the collection; likewise, collection phenotypic variability has potential for using in genetic breeding programs for desirable characters such as fruit quality, plant architecture and production.