Comprehensive Morpho-Functional Profiling of Peruvian Andean Capsicum pubescens Germplasm Reveals Promising Accessions with High Agronomic and Nutraceutical Value.

ABSTRACT: Capsicum pubescens (rocoto) is an Andean domesticate with notable agronomic and nutraceutical potential, yet it remains underrepresented in chili pepper breeding programs. In this study, 78 accessions from the Peruvian Andes were evaluated in a single field environment during the 2024 growing season for 28 variables spanning plant architecture, phenology and yield, color (CIELAB), weight, fruit morphology, physicochemical variables, and functional phytochemicals, including total phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, capsaicinoids, and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS). Descriptive analyses revealed broad phenotypic diversity in key variables such as yield and bioactive compounds. Spearman correlations uncovered a clear modular structure, with strong within-domain associations

SUBMITTER: Salas-Zeta EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12845375 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature