Micropropagation of Paprika (Capsicum annuum) and Its Subsequent Performance in Greenhouse Cultivation

Abstract

Paprika (Capsicum annuum) is one of the important fruit vegetable crops and there is a big demand in the world fresh market. Conventionally the species is propagated mainly by seeds, but seeds of paprika are expensive, especially in Korea, and a burden to growers. Therefore, a simple micropropagation system was developed for paprika 'Ferrari' using nodal explants. Also, plant growth and fruit productivity were investigated by comparing micropropagated plants (MPP) vs. seed propagated plants (SPP). In the micropropagated plants, seeds were germinated on the 1/2 MS in a dark condition, and shoot tip explants were taken and cultured on the MS medium. Elongated shoots were cut into multiple single nodal cuttings and then were cultured on the fresh MS for shoot growth and rooting. Well-rooted plants were acclimatized in a greenhouse. In the seed propagated plant, seeds were germinated in rockwool cubes and then seedlings were transplanted in rockwool slabs after true leaves appeared. In the comparison of greenhouse performance of SPP and MPP, no. of fruits from MPP was 49.8% higher than that of SPP, though its plant height and main stern length were smaller. Therefore, micropropagated plants can be expected to be used as alternative propagules and to increase grower's income by decreasing cost on propagules.