Selection of bird chilli (Capsicum frutescens) for commercial scale planting

R. Melor

Abstract

Ten bird chilli (cili padi) accessions were serially evaluated for high yield, early maturity and synchronized fruiting habit. In all trials CP 170, CP Kandis and CP Raub showed consistently good performance for all the selection parameters, including producing yields significantly higher than the targeted yield of 500 g/plant for bird chilli. The three bird chilli accessions were ready for first harvest at 3 months after transplanting compared to more than 3 months in other tested accessions. CP Kandis showed non-synchronized fruiting habit with no peak production, whilst fruiting in CP 170 showed a peak production 4–5 months after transplanting, indicating synchronized fruiting. Both CP 170 and CP Raub had similar fruit shape but the pods of CP Raub were comparatively bigger and were not easily detachable from the fruit axil. Because of these drawbacks, CP Raub was not selected despite being superior in yield. Accession CP 170 with synchronized fruiting, early maturity and easily detachable fruit stalks, isconsidered most suitable for large scale planting. CP 170, therefore, constitutes a better alternative compared to CP Kandis.

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