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Abstract
Hot peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) are popular in the Caribbean
among growers, consumers, agro-processors. CARDI has been conserving and
developing the Regional Capsicum germplasm. The Institute selected the first
commercial cultivars such as the West Indies Red and CARDI Green which are being
planted in many countries. Over the recent past the Moruga Red has been purified,
stabilised and commercialised in Trinidad and Tobago. Other selections derived from
the Regional gene pool such as the Scotch Bonnet, Tiger Teeth, Red Congo and
Cayenne were also purified and stabilised. The Scotch Bonnet was improved through a
backcross programme implemented in Jamaica. The cross between Scotch Bonnet χ
Bird Pepper resulted in two selections, Joyce and Phyllis, with yellow berries. As the hot
pepper industry grew in CARICOM, CARDI led the way in also developing a sustainable
commercial seed production system linking Barbados, Antigua and Belize. The positive
impact made by both genetic improvement and the steady supply of high quality seed
on the overall growth of the hot pepper industry, was briefly described. Emphases
should be placed on breeding for resistances and the expression of hybrid vigour in
future work.