Growth, yield and capsaicinoid contents of 14 cultivars of hot pepper (Capsicum spp.) at two elevations of Thailand.

Chili peppers are grown worldwide but information is limited on the differential response of chili varieties at various elevations on growth, yield, and capsaicinoid contents. Therefore the objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the effect of environments at different elevations on growth, yield and capsaicinoid contents of different hot pepper varieties and (2) to identify suitable varieties for yield and capsaicinoids under different elevations. Fourteen cultivars of hot pepper based on the cultivating region and pungency were grown during a rainy season, at elevations of 200 m (Khon Kaen) and 680 m (Chiangmai) in Thailand. A randomized complete block design with 3 replications containing 10 plants in each replication was used in both experiments. Data on plant growth, fruit yield and capsaicinoid content from both locations were combined for analysis. The interactions between varieties and locations were observed in most characteristics studied. Growth and capsaicinoid contents, for most varieties were higher at Chaingmai than at Khon Kaen. Dry fruit yield of KKU-P-21031, KKU-P-22006 and KKU-P-32024 were high at Chiangmai, while that of KKU-P-11012, KKU-P-11015, KKU-P21041, and KKU-P-31141 were high at Khon Kaen. Dallay Khorsaney and KKU-P-11175 gave high yield in both locations. In addition, KKU-P21041, KKU-P-22006, KKU-P-31141 and Dallay Khorsaney gave high capsaicinoid contents and capsaicinoids yield at both locations. Moreover, most of the medium and high pungent varieties gave higher pungency at higher elevation though it fluctuated for low pungent varieties.