Determination of High-temperature Tolerance of Some Pepper Genotypes

Heat tolerance is generally defined as the ability of the plant to grow and produce economic yield under high temperatures. Heat stress due to high ambient temperatures is a serious threat to worldwide crop production. This study was conducted to determine the high temperature tolerance of some pepper genotypes suitable for open field and greenhouse production. Tolerance was determined in a growth chamber and at two different locations. Twenty-three pepper genotypes, (5 reported to be sensitive and 18 reported to be tolerant), were screened in the growth chamber at night  14 °C, at daylight –40 °C.  Fruit number (number/plant) and total fruit weight (g/plant) were determined and it was found that genotypes 32, 36, 414, 407, 441, 425, 100, 213, 414, 1747, and 475A were tolerant. These genotypes were also tested at two locations, Alata and Sanlıurfa, which have high temperatures of 38 °C and 43 °C, respectively, and had high performance. These lines can be used to develop high temperature-tolerant genotypes for the open field and greenhouse.