Study on variation in morpho-anatomical attributes and germination features of five varieties of Capsicum annuum L. grown in Algeria

Abstract

The introduction of seeds of new varieties in Algeria will make it possible to increase the capacities of adaptation of the plants of Capsicum annuum L. to the variable conditions of their environment having a great influence on the flowering, the self-fertilization and the fructification. The study of seed germination was carried out on five varieties: (Ciliegia Piccante Pepper; Hungaria yellow max hot; Cayenne Pepper; Grueso de Plaza and Largo de Reus), which begins with the imbibition until obtaining percentages of accumulated water in the following seed albumens: 91.33; 91.05; 91.09; 91.35 and 91.28. The recorded lag time is variable: 7, 10, 14, 15 to 17 days, by the mass of albumen and by the tegumentary dormancy due to the presence of polyphenols in the tegumentary cell walls. The percentage, speed, vigor and germination index of Capsicum seeds increase with their density and weight. They are of the order of [(63, 4.5, 2.9); (77, 5, 3.9); (83, 4.7, 4); (90, 5.7, 5.5); (100, 6, 6.8)] % and (0.86, 1.18, 1.21, 1.13, 2.03) germinated seeds/day. The average germination time decreases with their density, they are at (22, 20, 21, 17, 17) days. A morphological description of the plant has been made. This is followed by an anatomical analysis of the radicle at the level of the root hair region and the cotyledonary leaves presenting a structure less developed than that of the true leaves later formed. They provide the metabolites necessary for the first growth stage of the seedling by photosynthesis.