Abstract
The seed distribution by birds in different regions creates a wide genetic diversity and latent levels that could affect germination. The objectives were to evaluate the characteristics of the fruit and the influence of AG3 or KNO3 on the germination of 11 ecotypes from different origins of piquin chili in Mexico. The effect of the three chemical pretreatments was analyzed in terms of germination percentage using the average separation of each factor and the interaction, as determined by Tukey's test at a significance level of 0.01. All the collections differ in weight, fruit diameter, number, and fruit seed weight, and these variables are related to fruit weight. The weight and seed number per fruit also relate to fruit diameter. KNO3 promotes a higher percentage of seed germination than the other treatments. The variations in the characteristics of fruits and seeds among the collection sites represent the genetic diversity of piquin chili. KNO3 was the most effective in breaking dormancy to enhance germination in the tested collections.
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