Development of innovative sweet pepper varieties with high reproductive potential under the conditions of the Lower Volga region

Abstract

Relevance. The cultivation of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), as one of the economically significant crops, is associated with substantial difficulties. In this regard, breeding work aimed at developing new genotypes with high adaptive and reproductive potential, capable of ensuring stable productivity and forming seeds with high varietal and sowing qualities under the influence of adverse abiotic factors, is of paramount importance. Methods. The studies were conducted between 2023 and 2025 at the All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Vegetable and Melon Growing. The objects of the study were breeding lines of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). A comprehensive assessment of the material was performed, including the analysis of morphological characteristics of plants and fruits, yield indicators, biochemical composition, organoleptic evaluation, and calculation of the adaptability coefficient. Results. During the study, promising lines of sweet pepper were obtained and selected. The identified breeding lines significantly exceeded the standard variety in terms of morphological characteristics and key yield structure parameters. Five samples were selected with a yield of 36.7–50.1 t/ha, which surpasses the standard by 6.1–44.8%. These lines are characterized by attractive, elongated-conical fruits and serve as genetic donors for high and stable yields, as well as uniform fruit setting and ripening. The adaptability coefficient of the studied samples approached unity, indicating the high adaptability of the new lines. This confirms their high yield potential and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors typical of the Astrakhan region.