Genetic Improvement of Miahuateco Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) (Solanaceae) through Gamma Radiation of 60Co

Objective: To improve genetic attributes in Miahuateco chili (Capsicum annuum L.) through gamma irradiation with 60Co. Design/Methodology/Approach: Seeds were irradiated at doses of 0, 100, 200, and 300 Gy at the National Institute of Nuclear Research. The evaluated variables were LD50, agronomic yield, plant height, polar and equatorial diameters, percentage of aborted flowers, number of branches, and plant color, which were assessed under a completely randomized design (44)16 experimental units. Results: The results indicate that the application of 200 Gy induces higher agronomic yield. The LD50 is reached at 145 Gy. High doses of gamma irradiation caused a high percentage of aborted flowers, as well as chlorosis in the plant. Study Limitations/Implications: The seeds used in this project were landraces, which exhibited significant heterogeneity that could have affected flowering and fruiting. However, this was not a substantial factor for this project. Findings/Conclusions: It is concluded that 200 Gy of gamma radiation from 60Co induces genetic variability in the species, improving certain agronomic attributes of interest.