Reproductive characterization of interspecific hybrids among Capsicum species

The objective of this study was the reproductive characterization of Capsicum accessions as well as of interspecific hybrids, based on pollen viability. Hybrids were obtained between Capsicum species. Pollen viability was high in most accessions, indicating that meiosis is normal, resulting in viable pollen grains. The pollen viability of species C. pubescens was the lowest (27 %). The interspecific hybrids had varying degrees of pollen viability, from fertile combinations (C. chinense x C. frutescens and C. annuum x C. baccatum) to male sterile combinations. Pollen viability also varied within the hybrid combination according to accessions used in the cross. Results indicate that male sterility is one of the incompatibility barriers among Capsicum species since hybrids can be established, but may be male sterile.