Phenotyping characterization of the landraces (LD) from the national tomato, eggplant, pepper collections of Armenia

Abstract

Farmers in our republic have a number of ancient forms belonging to the Solanaceaefamily (Salanaceae Juss), which are not only important for use in breeding, but they are also highly resistant and rich in phyto-insecticidal compounds, medicinal plants, and have ethnobotanical and ethnopharmaceutical significance. The collection and preservation of these local forms has enriched the amount of genetic resources and their use in the breeding process has become important. Since the territories of a number of regions of the republic are geographically distant from the vegetable growing regions of the Ararat Plain, the local ancient forms(LD)of the main vegetable crops of the Solanaceaefamily -tomato, eggplant, sweet and hot pepper -that are present in theseregions and that have been formed by local farmers have been collected and are currently being studied to characterize their phenotype.Aim of the study: Research work was carried out to improve the phenotypic characteristics of the local ancient(LD)forms of Armenian eggplant, pepper, tomato stored at the Scientific Center and make them available through the EURISCO database, ensuring access to information for breeders, thus strengthening the information system of plant genetic resources. This approach has increased the valorization of Armenian genetic resources, promoting its use for breeding purposes, facilitating the use of spermatozoa for sustainable use.