Capsaicin – Possible Inhibitory Factor of Androgenesis of Pepper

Abstract

The androgenesis of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is very limitatingprocess and it is followed by many inhibitory factors such as: pepper genotype;the structure and the stadium of microspores i.e. microspores are suitable forthe induction of androgenesis in the phase of first pollen mitosis or just beforeit; the genetic predisposition for somatic embryogenesis; the hormonalregulation in vitro condition; growth conditions; and many others. Science doesnot have enough explanations for all known and unknown limiting factors ofthis process in the species of Capsicum genus. The inhibitory influence ofsecondary metabolites, especially capsaicin, is not explored at all, but in theliterature there are data that some pepper genotypes as bell-shape and sweetones have higher androgenetic potential than the hot genotypes.The results from the present research work, performed on nine varietiesof pepper which differ in spicy, showed that the androgenetic potential of thepepper in anthers culture is dependent on the capsaicin contained in the fruitsof the pepper. Most probable the genetic predisposition for synthesis ofsecondary metabolites - capsaicin, beside all the other factors is also inhibitorytrait of the somatic embryogenesis of the pepper.