A Structured Explanation of Pepper Terminology and How It All Fits Together

1. Species

A species is a basic biological unit. In *Capsicum*, it refers to groups of plants that are genetically distinct, sometimes reproductively isolated, and adapted to specific ecological ranges.

**Cultivated species include:**
– *C. annuum*: jalapeños, bells, cayenne
– *C. chinense*: habanero, reaper, ghost
– *C. baccatum*: aji types
– *C. frutescens*: tabasco
– *C. pubescens*: rocoto

**Wild species:** Over 20 species including *C. chacoense*, *C. eximium*, and *C. galapagoense*. These often have unique traits valuable for breeding and conservation.

2. Subspecies and Botanical Varieties

These are natural, genetic subdivisions within a species. Subspecies or botanical varieties evolve through geographic or ecological isolation and differ consistently from the main population.

Example: *C. annuum var. glabriusculum* is the wild progenitor of domesticated annuum peppers.

3. Cultivars

Short for ‘cultivated variety.’ A cultivar is a human-selected, genetically stable line propagated for desirable traits like color, size, heat, or productivity.

**Examples:**
– ‘Jalapeño M’
– ‘Fatalii’
– ‘Pimento de Padron’

Cultivars are written in single quotes and not italicized.

4. Landraces

Landraces are genetically diverse, locally adapted populations developed over generations by traditional seed-saving and open pollination. They reflect specific regional preferences and environmental conditions.

**Examples:**
– ‘Chilhuacle Negro’
– ‘Criollo de Morelos’
– ‘Chiltepin’ (semi-wild, gathered rather than planted)

5. Accessions

An accession is a stored sample of genetic material—usually seeds—maintained by a gene bank, university, or breeding program. It represents a specific population at a specific time.

Each is assigned a unique identifier, e.g., CGN19198 (Netherlands genebank), PI640749 (USDA). Accession data can include wild collections, heirlooms, breeding lines, or landraces.

6. Hybrids

A hybrid is the offspring of a cross between genetically distinct parents. Often designated F1, they are bred for vigor, uniformity, and specific traits. F1 hybrids do not breed true from seed.

**Example:**
– ‘Jaloro’ (F1 yellow jalapeño)
– Many superhot peppers are suspected natural hybrids of *C. chinense* × *C. frutescens*.

7. Crosses

A cross is any intentional mating between two parent plants. It may be:
– Intraspecific (within the same species)
– Interspecific (between species)

**Example:**
– Bhut Jolokia (*C. chinense* × *C. frutescens*)
– Experimental cross: ‘Aji Lemon’ × ‘Carolina Reaper’

Crosses may result in hybrids, breeding lines, or be used in F2–F5 selection programs.

8. Breeding Lines, Selections, and Strains

– **Breeding line**: A partially stabilized population selected over generations for desirable traits.
– **Selection**: An individual plant chosen from a population for desirable characteristics.
– **Strain**: A variant within a cultivar or landrace, often regional or breeder-specific.

**Examples:**
– ‘Scotch Bonnet (MOA Yellow strain)’
– ‘Red Savina’ (a selected strain of habanero)

9. Open-Pollinated vs Hybrid

– **Open-pollinated (OP)** plants will produce true-to-type offspring if kept genetically isolated. Landraces and heirlooms are OP.
– **Hybrid (F1)** seeds are the first generation from two different parents and may not produce consistent offspring.
– OP seeds can be saved; hybrid seeds should not be unless you’re breeding further.

10. Heirlooms

Heirlooms are old, open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down over multiple generations. Some are landraces, others are stabilized cultivars. They’re valued for flavor, story, and adaptability.

11. Wild Peppers and Domestication

Wild *Capsicum* species tend to be small, hot, and bird-dispersed. Domesticated peppers have been selected for larger fruit, less bitterness, and increased productivity.

Some varieties like ‘Chiltepin’ occupy the edge between wild and cultivated.

12. Real-World Hierarchy Example

Species: *C. chinense*
→ Landrace: ‘Scotch Bonnet (Jamaica)’
→ Cultivar: ‘Scotch Bonnet MOA Yellow’
→ Strain: ‘MOA Yellow Select Line 3’
→ Accession: CGN21500 from original seed stock
→ Hybrid: ‘Scotch Bonnet MOA’ × ‘Reaper’ F1 cross

13. Summary Table

Term | Type | Created By | Stable? | Example
—–|——|————|———|——–
Species | Biological | Nature | Yes | *C. baccatum*
Subspecies | Biological | Nature | Yes | *C. annuum var. glabriusculum*
Landrace | Cultural | Traditional Farmers | Genetically diverse | Criollo de Morelos
Cultivar | Agricultural | Breeders | Yes | ‘Fatalii’
Hybrid (F1) | Agricultural | Breeders | No (F2+) | ‘Jaloro’
Cross | Breeding Term | Breeders | Not yet | ‘Lemon Drop’ × ‘Reaper’
Accession | Conservation | Genebanks | N/A | PI640749
Strain | Informal | Growers | Maybe | ‘MOA Yellow (Jamaica strain)’
Selection | Breeding | Breeder | Individual | ‘Red Savina’

14. Final Thoughts

Understanding these categories helps clarify what you’re growing, preserving, or breeding. They reflect both the biology and culture of peppers, from ancient landraces to modern commercial hybrids.