Chillies and Capsicums in India

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important spice crop with high commercial value owing to its bioactive compounds in fruits such as capsaicinoids and carotenoids, which have potential applications in food, spice, phytofeed, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. The crop is originated from South and Central America and got introduced to India in 1498. Due to its pungency, color, and flavor it has become indispensable commodity in Indian cuisine. The fruits are used in Ayurveda for treating various aliments since ancient times. India is the largest producer and exporter of dry chilli in the world. Because of its cross-pollinating nature, numerous landraces have been evolved in the country and is being considered as secondary center of origin for Capsicum sp. having a wide range of diversity, especially with respect to varied fruit colors, pungency, and flavor. There are five domesticated species [Capsicum annuum, C. chinense, C. frutescens (C. annuum var glabriusculum; Taxonomic serial no. 30493, ITIS, 2022), C. pubescens, and C. baccatum]. The several landraces evolved in India have wider applications in crop improvement programs. Capsicum genetic resources have been widely explored and conserved at national gene banks with more than 5000 collections. Genetic resources have to be depleted fully against biotic and abiotic stresses as new pathotypes, pests, and diseases are emerging along with erratic climates. In India, evaluation of genetic resources led to identification of several potential resistant sources for various stresses, which are being used globally. Capsicum genetic resources have been used successfully in crop improvement program for resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and fruit bioactive compounds, which lead to development of improved varieties and F1 hybrids for commercial cultivation. However, wild germplasm is limitedly used in breeding programs, which can be fully explored for identification of new sources of resistance and novel alleles against various stresses. Advancement of new generation sequencing technologies and molecular technologies is enabling marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. To augment and enhance yield and fruit quality, good agricultural practices along with mechanization, postharvest drying, and management practices have been standardized. Achievements made in chilli improvement and agronomic and postharvest practices illustrate further crop research and their opportunities in Indian and international markets.