Variety traits

Parthenocarpy in Pepper

Capsicum annuum L.

The ability of pepper plants to form fruit without fertilization, resulting in seedless or semi-seedless fruit production. This trait helps stabilize yields under unfavorable temperature conditions or pollinator shortages.

In the reference 6 varieties crop Bell pepper, where this is mentioned in the description.

To assess the parthenocarpic potential in pepper, a flower emasculation method is employed followed by the monitoring of fruit set. Parthenocarpic plants are classified by their ability to form seedless fruits with a characteristic glossy appearance, as opposed to dull, non-setting ovaries. The trait is quantitatively assessed via the percentage of fruit set, their weight, and the number of seeds, with genotypes showing high trait expression achieving up to 60% fruit set.

Currently, there are virtually no commercial pepper cultivars with full genetic parthenocarpy; most forms exhibit the trait in a facultative manner in response to stress factors, such as low nighttime temperatures. In breeding, the key objective is to maintain fruit marketability, as the lack of seeds can lead to increased ribbing and changes in fruit shape.

General information about the subject — on the page Parthenocarpy.

Sources8

Varieties of Bell pepper mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.