The knowledge of genetic diversity is essential for the efficient improvement of it in varietal improvement. This knowledge is based on the description of genetic resources. Morphological characteristics are first candidates for this description. In this context, an evaluation was then conducted to determine the morphological diversity of chili peppers in Kisangani.
A total of one hundred and ninety-nine (199) fruits of the ripe chili peppers of the local varieties grown and sold were purchased at the different markets of the city of Kisangani, according to the random sampling technique.
The’ set of results allowed to identify five (5) phenotypes or dominant botanical forms including: Red elongated1, Red elongated2, Red round, Yellow elongated and Yellow round. The elongated Red1 phenotype was more represented in the study population (38%), while the round Yellow phenotype was less frequent (5%).
The average weight varied between 0.3 and 6.40g with a significant difference. The average length between 17.76 and 45.94 mm; the average diameter 6.28 to 31.15 mm; number of seminal boxes 1 to 4 per fruit. There was no correlation between seed box number and weight, but a fairly good correlation between seed number and weight.