Common Classification Systems for Pepper Plants

A Comparative Overview of Global Capsicum Cataloging and Naming Frameworks

1. Introduction

Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are tracked and categorized across many systems: scientific, genetic, institutional, and cultural. These systems provide different ways of organizing pepper diversity—by species, origin, phenotype, genome, or purpose. This article surveys the major classification frameworks and repositories used by researchers, breeders, seed banks, and growers.

2. Binomial Taxonomy (ICN)

– Based on the International Code of Nomenclature (ICN), each pepper is identified by Latin binomial.
– Example: Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum.
– Used in formal botany, herbaria, and published taxonomic literature.
– Limited in dealing with hybrids, cultivars, or informal types.
– Source: [https://www.iaptglobal.org/nomenclature](https://www.iaptglobal.org/nomenclature)

3. USDA GRIN (Germplasm Resources Information Network)

– National system used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
– Accessions are tracked with origin, species, collection location, and phenotype.
– Strong on historical collections and open-access data.
– Link: [https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov](https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov)

4. CAP (Chile Pepper Institute Accession Program)

– Maintained by New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute (CPI).
– Focuses on chile peppers with culinary, ornamental, and research significance.
– Accessions use ‘CAP’ numbers (e.g., CAP 455 = Bhut Jolokia).
– Often used in scientific studies of genetics, heat, and morphology.
– Link: [https://cpi.nmsu.edu](https://cpi.nmsu.edu)

5. CGN (Centre for Genetic Resources, Netherlands)

– Major European genebank based in Wageningen.
– Maintains hundreds of Capsicum accessions with detailed passport data.
– Frequently referenced in breeding and academic work.
– Link: [https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/statutory-research-tasks/cgn.htm](https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/statutory-research-tasks/cgn.htm)

6. IPK Gatersleben (Germany)

– German genebank and molecular research center.
– Accessions cataloged with emphasis on genotype and long-term seed viability.
– Excellent digitized phenotypic data available for Capsicum.
– Link: [https://gbis.ipk-gatersleben.de/](https://gbis.ipk-gatersleben.de/)

7. AVRDC / WorldVeg (Taiwan)

– Formerly the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center.
– Major source of tropical pepper landraces and breeding lines.
– Collections used throughout Southeast Asia and Africa.
– Strong in C. frutescens and hot types.
– Link: [https://avrdc.org](https://avrdc.org)

8. EMBRAPA (Brazil)

– Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation.
– Focus on preserving wild and cultivated South American Capsicum.
– Strong in C. baccatum and C. chinense diversity.
– Regional accessions with ethnobotanical data.
– Link: [https://www.embrapa.br](https://www.embrapa.br)

9. INRAE (France)

– French National Research Institute for Agriculture.
– Maintains pepper resources as part of broader Solanaceae work.
– Focus on breeding, fruit traits, and disease resistance.
– Link: [https://www.inrae.fr](https://www.inrae.fr)

10. TARGENE / EU-SOL Projects

– EU-based collaborative research platforms.
– Use genomic markers and GBS (genotyping-by-sequencing) to define relationships.
– Work includes mapping hybrid lines, identifying QTLs for heat, shape, and disease traits.

11. COGN / Bioversity Descriptor Systems

– International descriptor sets define traits for consistent cataloging.
– Descriptors include flower position, leaf shape, pod color stages, growth form.
– Adopted by FAO, Bioversity International, and genebanks globally.
– Useful for database standardization, not casual use.
– Descriptor sheets: [https://www.bioversityinternational.org](https://www.bioversityinternational.org)

12. WikiPepper and Hobbyist Classification Systems

– WikiPepper Universal Pepper Nomenclature: Combines species codes, pod traits, pattern codes, and growth notes.
– Fataalii, Matt’s Peppers, PepperLover, and other communities use internal codes for their seed lines.
– Helps track unstable hybrids, landraces, and non-commercial peppers.