Identification of Resistant Sources Against Colletotrichum capsici in Capsicum Germplasm

Diverse chilli germplasm, consisting of 22 Capsicum annuum L. and three C. frutescens L. accessions was evaluated for resistance against anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum capsici) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In the laboratory screening with seed, the accession IC-570408 (C. annuum) recorded the lowest seed area infected (13.2%), followed by EC391083 (20.1%) and categorised as moderately resistant. Pathogen inoculation by spraying on one month old seedlings under greenhouse conditions conformed that IC570408 is immune with zero per cent disease index. The screening methodology used and the potential of identified sources of resistance in chilli breeding programme are highlighted.