Characterization of Cultivated varieties of Capsicum from Three Districts of West Bengal, India

The cultivated varieties of Capsicum from three southern districts of West Bengal have been characterised on the basis of gross morphological characters. At first the species of cultivated varieties have been roughly identified as C. annuum, C. frutecens and C. chinense. The gross morphological variable characters among the studied specimens are examined critically. Using morphological variable characters a dendrogram is produced. Fruit shapes variability of the Capsicum varieties are studied by Geometric Morphometric Analysis method. All these studies indicate that the selected Capsicum varieties cultivated in West Bengal are actually inter-specific or inter-varietal fertile hybrids. Therefore clear cut morphological distinct characters for discrimination of species is absent in the studied varieties of Capsicum.