Dela Cruz, Charles Vincent M. <br/><br/>
Characterization of chili (Capsicum frutescens) accessions collected from various sites in Ilocos Norte / 
Charles Vincent M. Dela Cruz 
 - City of Batac :  MMSU,   2024. 
 - xiv, 86 leaves :  29 cm.  
<br/><br/> Thesis (BS Agriculture major in Horticulture) -- Mariano Marcos State University-College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development, Batac City<br/> 
<br/><br/>Bibliography : leaves 80-82 
<br/><br/> Morphological characterization and evaluation of the phenotypic diversity of <br/>11 chili accessions were studied at the chili field genebank established at the <br/>Experimental Area of the Crop Research Laboratory at Mariano Marcos State <br/>University. The study aimed to (1) morphologically characterize chili germplasm <br/>collection using the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) <br/>descriptors’ list for chili, and  (2) evaluate the extent of phenotypic diversity among the <br/>collected germplasm for effective conservation and utilization. The experimental <br/>design that was used in the study was Descriptive Research Design. The study revealed <br/>variations in seedling characteristics such as hypocotyl pubescence, cotyledonous leaf <br/>color, and cotyledonous leaf shape. Hypocotyl pubescence varied from sparse to <br/>intermediate, while cotyledonous leaf color varied from light green to dark green. Stem <br/>color, stem pubescence, plant height, growth habit, canopy width, branching habit, leaf <br/>color, leaf shape, mature leaf length, and mature leaf width also varied. Inflorescence <br/>characteristics include the number of flowers per axil, flower position, and calyx <br/>margin. Fruit characteristics include fruit color at intermediate, set, mature, and fruit <br/>length, width, weight, pedicel length, and surface. Seed characteristics include seed <br/>surface and number of seeds per fruit, with variations in smooth to wrinkled surfaces <br/>and seed number. No variation in seed color was observed. The study highlights the <br/>importance of understanding and addressing these variations in seedlings for optimal <br/>growth and development. The study found variations in seedling, plant, inflorescence, <br/>fruit, and seed characteristics among eleven accessions, but similar phenotypic <br/>diversity in corolla shape, color, and fruit shape, indicating limited genetic variation, <br/>potentially impacting breeding programs.