Genetic resources of Capsicum : a global plan of action

Results of that meeting are presented in this report. Against a background description of the economic and nutritional importance of Capsicum peppers, the need for a more stable and complete taxonomy is discussed, along with the distribution, origin, and diversity of this genus. Efforts to genetically improve features pertinent to production, processing, and disease resistance are then reviewed; the potential universality of inter-species genetic compatibility is noted. The ensuing discussion, pointing out the inadequate coverage of variability in both wild and domesticated species in worldwide Capsicum collections, reviews collection needs by country, with emphasis on Latin America; sampling techniques are suggested. Guidelines for conserving Capsicum by carefully storing and multiplying national collections and by establishing long-term, all-inclusive base collections at selected sites are indicated.