| Term | Definition |
| Accession | A specific, documented population of a plant species preserved in a gene bank, breeding program, or research collection. Each accession has a unique ID and known origin, used to maintain genetic diversity and track traits. Examples include PI, CGN, CAP, and USDA GRIN numbers. |
| Aji | A generic South American term for chile pepper. While often used for Capsicum baccatum types, many ajis belong to other species like C. chinense or C. pubescens. It does not define species or heat level. |
| Anthesis | The period during which a flower is fully open and functional; crucial for pollination timing. |
| Anthocyanin | Purple pigment seen in some leaves and pods, often sun-induced. |
|
AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) |
A French certification meaning ‘controlled designation of origin.’ While most commonly applied to wine, cheese, and agricultural products in France, it can occasionally appear in pepper cultivar names to assert regional origin and authenticity. Not a botanical classification. |
| Aphids | Common soft-bodied insects that infest new growth and excrete honeydew. |
|
Auxins |
A class of plant hormones that regulate growth and development, especially cell elongation and root formation. Auxins are involved in phototropism, apical dominance, and fruit development. Synthetic auxins are used in rooting compounds to encourage propagation from cuttings. |
| Backcross (Bx) | A hybrid crossed back to one of its parents to stabilize desired traits. |
|
BBG7 |
Bubblegum 7 Pot, known for bleeding calyxes; a phenotype in the superhot Capsicum chinense group. |
| Beneficial Insects | Organisms like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites that control pest populations naturally. |
| Bhut Jolokia / Ghost Pepper | Two names for the same pepper: a hybrid of C. chinense and C. frutescens from Northeast India. Known for extreme heat (over 1 million SHU). |
| Biofungicide | A disease-suppressing product made from live microorganisms or their byproducts, such as bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) or fungi (Trichoderma spp.). Used to prevent or treat fungal diseases in an environmentally friendly way. Effective in integrated pest management (IPM) systems. |
| Bird Peppers | A general term for small, pungent chile peppers dispersed by birds. Not a botanical category, it refers to various species including wild C. annuum var. glabriusculum, C. frutescens types like tabasco, and others like chiltepin, tepin, and siling labuyo. The term is ambiguous and used regionally to describe unrelated peppers with similar traits. |
| Blossom End Rot | A calcium deficiency disorder causing dark, sunken spots on the pod tip. |
|
BOC |
Bhut Orange Copenhagen, a popular superhot chile cultivar derived from Bhut Jolokia. |
|
BT |
Bacillus thuringiensis, a biological pesticide targeting caterpillars. |
|
C. acuminatum |
An outdated or disputed classification sometimes applied to small wild chiles in South America. Often treated as a synonym of other wild Capsicum species. Rare and not widely accepted. |
| C. annuum | The most widely cultivated Capsicum species, includes bell peppers, jalapenos, and cayennes. Germination: 75-8°F. Origin: Central America and Mexico. Known for diversity in pod shape and size. Flowers usually white. Example: Jalapeno. Common and well adapted to varied climates. |
| C. annuum | The most widely cultivated Capsicum species. Includes bell peppers, jalapenos, and cayennes. Germination: 75-85°F. Origin: Central America and Mexico. Example: Jalapeno. Highly diverse. White flowers. Adaptable and globally common. |
| C. annuum var. glabriusculum | Wild form of C. annuum. Also known as chiltepin or tepin. Produces tiny, hot, upright fruits favored by birds. Native to SW U.S., Mexico, Central America. Germination: 75- 85°F. Compact bushes with white flowers. Important in breeding. |
| C. annuum var. kuscoy | A distinctive subspecies or landrace of C. annuum from Turkey, noted for its upright, narrow, tapering pods and aromatic floral flavor. Rare in commercial markets. Valued for its unique pod form and niche culinary applications. |
| C. baccatum | South American species with corolla spots and sweet, fruity pods. Germination: 75- 85°F. Origin: Andes. Example: Aji Amarillo. Large, sprawling plants. Semi-common. Yellowish flower markings distinguish it from others. |
| C. baccatum | Recognized by yellowish spots on corollas. Germination: 75-85°F. Origin: South America, especially Peru and Bolivia. Popular in Andean cuisine. Example: Aji Amarillo. Larger, sprawling plants with fruity, mild to medium heat pods. Semi-common. |
| C. benoistii | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. benoistii. |
| C. caballeroi | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. caballeroi. |
| C. cardenasii | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. cardenasii. |
| C. chacoense | Wild species from Paraguay and Bolivia. Produces tiny, upright, very hot red berries. Germination: 75-85°F. Short, bushy plants. Used in breeding for disease resistance. Rare in cultivation. |
| C. chinense | Includes many superhots like the habanero and ghost pepper. Germination: 80-90°F, slow to sprout. Origin: Amazon Basin. Plants have wide leaves and creamy flowers with greenish or purple-tinged anthers. Example: Bhut Jolokia. Known for high capsaicinoid content and fruity aroma. Rare in wild form. |
| C. chinense | Tropical species known for fruity aroma and extreme heat. Includes habanero and ghost pepper. Germination: 80-90°F. Origin: Amazon Basin. Example: Habanero. Cream-colored flowers with green or purple anthers. Heat often exceeds 300,000 SHU. |
| C. coccineum | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. coccineum. |
| C. dimorphum | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. dimorphum. |
| C. eshbaughii | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. eshbaughii. |
| C. eximium | Wild Bolivian pepper with purple flowers and small upright pods. Part of the ‘purple- flowered clade.’ Germination: 80-90°F. Example: Ulupica. Grows in high-altitude regions. Rare and significant for genetic research. |
| C. eximium | A wild Bolivian species with purple flowers and upright pods. Origin: Andes. Germination: 80-90°F. Typically small, berry-like fruits. Example: Ulupica. Rare in cultivation, often confused with other wild types. Compact growth habit. |
| C. flexuosum | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. flexuosum. |
| C. frutescens | Compact plants producing upright, pungent pods. Includes tabasco and malagueta. Germination: 75-85°F. Origin: South America. Example: Tabasco. Flowers often remain partially closed. Grows well in humid climates. |
| C. frutescens | Includes tabasco and malagueta types. Germination: 75-85°F. Origin: Central and South America. Compact, upright plants with flowers that remain closed. Fruits grow upright. Example: Tabasco. Often used in sauces. Moderately common in cultivation. |
| C. galapagoense | Endemic to the Galapagos Islands. Tiny, fuzzy-leaved plant with small pods and white flowers. Germination: 80-85°F. Extremely rare and valued for conservation. Possibly related to C. frutescens. |
| C. galapagoense | Endemic to the Galapagos Islands. Extremely rare. Germination: 80-85°F. Tiny fruits, pubescent stems and leaves, white flowers. Example: Galapagos Chile. Conservation interest due to isolation and low genetic variation. |
| C. hunzikerianum | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. hunzikerianum. |
| C. lanceolatum | Rare wild species with lance-shaped leaves and purple flowers. Germination: 80-85°F. Native to Guatemala and Honduras. Distinct genetics. Difficult to cultivate. Nearly absent from commercial seed trade. |
| C. longidentatum | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. longidentatum. |
| C. lycianthoides | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. lycianthoides. |
| C. minutiflorum | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. minutiflorum. |
| C. mirabile | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. mirabile. |
| C. parvifolium | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. parvifolium. |
| C. praetermissum | Wild or semi-domesticated species sometimes grouped with C. baccatum. Origin: Brazil. Germination: 75-85°F. Purple-tinted flowers and upright pods. Example: Cumari do Para. Rare and valued in breeding programs. |
| C. pubescens | Cold-tolerant Andean species. Known for thick-walled pods, black seeds, and hairy leaves. Germination: 65-75°F. Example: Rocoto. Violet flowers. Performs poorly in high heat. Rare and genetically unique. |
| C. pubescens | The only domesticated species with hairy leaves and black seeds. Germination: 65- 75°F. Origin: Andes (Peru, Bolivia). Cold-tolerant but sensitive to heat. Example: Rocoto. Thick-walled fruits, violet flowers. Rare and genetically distinct. |
| C. regale | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. regale. |
| C. rhomboideum | Non-pungent, wild species with rhomboid leaves and yellow flowers. Germination: 75- 85°F. Chromosomally distinct. Berries are inedible. Found in Central America. Used in genetic research. Extremely rare. |
| C. schottianum | Wild Capsicum species. Extremely rare and poorly documented. Native to South America. Often part of genetic and taxonomic studies. Limited or no cultivation data available for C. schottianum. |
| C. tovarii | Wild Peruvian species closely related to C. pubescens. Small upright pods, violet flowers. Germination: 75-85°F. Rare and of interest to plant taxonomists. Occurs at high elevations. |
| Calcium | Essential for cell wall development and fruit quality. Deficiency can lead to blossom end rot. Often supplemented via calcium nitrate or lime. |
| Calyx | Green leafy part attached to the top of a pod; may ‘bleed’ in some superhots. |
|
Calyx Bleed |
A red or purple pigment extending from the calyx onto the stem, common in BBG varieties. |
| CAP | CAP stands for ‘Capsicum Accession Prefix,’ used in the chile pepper community to reference a unique accession in a breeding or gene bank program. Each CAP number corresponds to a specific population of a Capsicum species, maintained for research, seed preservation, or heritage purposes. These identifiers help track lineage, traits, and provenance. Used similarly to PI (Plant Introduction), CGN (Centre for Genetic Resources Netherlands), etc. |
| Capsaicin | The primary capsaicinoid responsible for the heat in chile peppers. Chemically classified as an alkaloid, it binds to TRPV1 receptors in mammals, causing a burning sensation. Pure capsaicin rates 16,000,000 SHU. It is one of several related compounds found in Capsicum species. |
| Capsaicinoids | A group of pungent compounds unique to Capsicum species, including capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin. These vary in proportion by variety and determine heat level. Synthesized in placental tissue of the fruit. Measured in SHU via HPLC testing. |
| Capsicum | The botanical genus for all chile peppers, belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Includes 5 domesticated species: C. annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. pubescens, and C. frutescens and over 20 wild species. Native to the Americas. Known for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. |
| Cell Pack | Small divided plastic trays for seedling propagation. |
|
CGN |
Centre for Genetic Resources (Netherlands), assigns accession numbers to pepper genotypes. |
| Cheese Pepper | Term used for certain round, flattened, thick-walled peppers like ‘Pimiento Cheese’, often sweet and used in stuffing or preserving. |
| Cherry Pepper | Round, squat peppers resembling cherries. Includes hot and sweet types. Often seen in pimento or ornamental types. |
| Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin | These names refer to closely related or overlapping wild or semi-wild Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum types. ‘Tepin’ and ‘chiltepin’ typically refer to small, round, wild peppers often called ‘bird peppers.’ ‘Pequin’ usually refers to elongated, cultivated forms. Regional names vary, including McMahon’s Bird Pepper and others. These peppers are often intensely hot, with smoky or citrusy undertones, and highly variable in form. |
| Chili Chiltepin | See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin. |
|
Chili Pequin |
See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin. |
|
Chili Tepin |
See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin. |
|
Chili vs. Chile vs. Chilli |
All spellings refer to Capsicum fruit: ‘chile’ is Spanish, ‘chili’ is American English, ‘chilli’ is British English. |
| Chiltepin | See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin. |
|
Coco Coir |
A seed-starting and potting medium made from coconut husk fibers. Excellent water retention and root aeration. Often buffered to remove excess salts. |
| Cold Hardiness | Refers to a plant’s ability to survive cold temperatures. Most Capsicum species are frost-sensitive and cannot tolerate freezing. C. annuum tolerates down to ~32°F (0°C) briefly, C. baccatum slightly more cold-tolerant (~30°F / -1°C), C. chinense is more tropical (~40°F / 4°C minimum), C. frutescens is similarly sensitive (~40°F / 4°C), and
C. pubescens is the most cold-tolerant, surviving light frosts (~28°F / -2°C). Prolonged exposure below these temperatures will kill or damage plants. Overwintering indoors or in protected environments is common. |
| Copper (Fungicide) | A broad-spectrum fungicide used to control fungal and bacterial diseases including blight, mildew, and anthracnose. Common formulations include copper sulfate and copper oxychloride. Overuse can lead to phytotoxicity and soil buildup. |
| Corolla | The collective petals of a flower, often attracting pollinators. |
|
CRISPR |
Modern genome-editing tool used experimentally in pepper breeding. |
|
Cross-pollination |
Transfer of pollen between different cultivars or species. |
|
Crossing |
Intentional or accidental pollination between different plants or varieties. |
|
Cultivar |
A cultivated variety of a plant selected for specific traits such as color, heat, or shape. |
| Damping Off | Damping off is a fungal or oomycete-driven disease that affects seeds and young seedlings, often causing them to rot at the soil line and collapse. It typically occurs in high-humidity, low-ventilation conditions with overly moist soil. Common pathogens include Pythium, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium spp. Symptoms include water- soaked stems, sudden wilting, dark lesions at the soil level, and fuzzy fungal growth. Prevention strategies include using a sterile seed-starting medium, avoiding overwatering, maintaining good airflow, spacing seedlings to reduce humidity, and applying preventative fungicides or biologicals such as Trichoderma. |
| Desiccation | Drying process used to preserve pods for storage or seed saving. |
|
Determinate |
Growth habit where the plant stops growing once flowers set. |
|
Diatomaceous Earth |
A fine powder made from fossilized diatoms, used as a mechanical insecticide. It kills soft-bodied insects by damaging their exoskeletons and dehydrating them. Effective against ants, aphids, and mites when kept dry and applied at soil or leaf level. |
| Diploid | Having two sets of chromosomes (2n); all domesticated Capsicum are diploid. |
|
Edema |
A physiological disorder where plants absorb water faster than they transpire, causing cell rupture. Appears as blisters or corky bumps, especially on leaves or stems. Often due to overwatering or high humidity. |
| Embryo | The part of a seed that develops into a new plant; crucial in seed viability. |
|
Endocarp |
The inner wall of the fruit, often surrounding the seeds. |
| Endosperm | Nutritive tissue in seeds that supports embryonic development. |
|
Espelette |
A protected AOC pepper from the Basque region of France; C. annuum, mildly spicy. |
|
Exocarp |
The outer skin of the pepper pod. |
|
F1 Hybrid |
First-generation crossbred plant with uniform traits. |
|
Fertilizer – Nitrogen (N) |
Promotes leafy growth; needed in early stages but can delay flowering if overused. |
|
Fertilizer – Phosphorus (P) |
Supports root development and flowering; essential during bloom and fruit set. |
|
Fertilizer – Potassium (K) |
Crucial for overall plant health, fruit development, and disease resistance. |
|
Fertilizer Schedule |
A structured plan for applying nutrients. Common: seedling phase (low NPK), vegetative (high nitrogen), flowering (high phosphorus & potassium). Frequency ranges from weekly to biweekly depending on medium and growth stage. |
| Foliage Color | Describes the pigmentation of pepper leaves, which may be green, dark purple, variegated, or mottled. Purple foliage is often due to high anthocyanin content. Variegation can be genetic or virus-induced. Unusual leaf color may indicate ornamental breeding, environmental stress, or nutrient imbalance. |
| Fungicide | A chemical or biological agent that inhibits or kills fungal pathogens. Used preventively or reactively against diseases like damping off, powdery mildew, and root rot. Types include copper-based, sulfur-based, and biological fungicides like Trichoderma. |
| Genome | The complete set of DNA; Capsicum genomes are large (~3.5 Gb for C. annuum). |
|
Genotype |
The genetic makeup of a plant; determines traits like color or heat. |
|
Germplasm |
Genetic material of a plant used for breeding or conservation. |
|
Glabrous Skin |
Refers to smooth, hairless skin typical of most domesticated Capsicum annuum. Wild relatives often have slight fuzz or matte finishes. |
| Grafting | Joining a scion (top) from one plant to the rootstock of another to improve vigor, disease resistance, or cold tolerance. Less common in Capsicum but possible. |
| Grafting | A horticultural technique where a scion (desired plant) is fused onto a rootstock (resilient base plant) to combine traits like disease resistance, vigor, and fruit quality. Used in peppers to overcome soilborne pathogens, improve yields, or explore hybrid vigor. Requires compatibility and precise vascular alignment. |
| GRIF (Germplasm Resources Information Network) | A USDA-managed database documenting plant germplasm accessions for breeding and conservation. GRIF records include origin, taxonomy, and traits. Often cited using PI (Plant Introduction) numbers for chile peppers and other crops. |
| Grow Light Spectrum | Refers to the range of light wavelengths used in grow lighting. Blue light (400-500 nm) supports vegetative growth, red light (600-700 nm) promotes flowering and fruiting, and full-spectrum lights combine both for balanced development. |
| Grow Lights | Artificial lighting systems used to provide photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for indoor or supplemental growth. Full-spectrum LEDs are ideal. |
| Guajillo | Common dried Mexican chile; usually refers to a mild to medium C. annuum with reddish skin. Not a cultivar, but a market name. |
| Guindilla | Generic term in Spain for long, slender chiles; often pickled. |
|
Haplodiploidy |
A condition in some organisms, not peppers, where males are haploid and females diploid. |
| Haploid | Having one set of chromosomes (n); important in breeding via doubled haploids. |
|
Hardening Off |
Gradual acclimation of seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting. |
|
Heat Log Scale |
A base -10 logarithmic heat scale from 0 (no heat) to 9 (pure capsaicin). |
|
Heat Mat |
A heating device placed beneath seed trays or pots to provide consistent bottom warmth, improving germination rates and speed. Especially useful for heat-loving plants like peppers that require soil temperatures of 75-90°F. Often used with thermostats for precise control. |
| Heirloom | A cultivar passed down through generations, typically open-pollinated and over 50 years old. |
| Heterosis | Hybrid vigor; increased growth or yield in hybrid offspring. |
|
Hybrid |
A plant produced by crossing two genetically distinct parents; F1 hybrids are uniform but don’t breed true. |
| Hygrometer | A device used to measure humidity. Important in seed starting and indoor growing to maintain ideal conditions for germination and growth. |
| Indeterminate | Growth continues indefinitely; common in wild and vining pepper types. |
|
Interspecific Hybrid |
A cross between two different Capsicum species. |
|
Isolate Code |
Unique identifier for a cultivar or landrace in databases or breeding programs. |
|
Isolation Distance |
Space needed to prevent cross-pollination in seed-saving. |
|
Japones |
A dried chile commonly used in Mexican and Asian cuisine. Despite the name, it is not of Japanese origin. Small, slender, and moderately hot. Typically a type of C. annuum, used in stir-fries and chili oils. |
| JPN (Japones Chile) | JPN is shorthand for ‘Japones,’ a misnamed chile type that is not of Japanese origin. The chile japones is a small, hot Capsicum annuum used dried in Mexican and Asian cooking. The name likely arose due to trade or resemblance to peppers used in Japanese cuisine. |
| KS (Khang Starr) | KS denotes peppers bred or stabilized by Khang Starr, a home grower and YouTube personality known for developing unique hybrids and sharing seeds with the pepper- growing community. Common examples include KS Lemon Starburst and KS White Thai. |
| Landrace | A locally adapted, traditional cultivar developed through natural and cultural selection over time. |
| Locoto | See Rocoto. |
|
Magnesium |
A secondary nutrient essential for chlorophyll production. Deficiency appears as interveinal yellowing in older leaves. Often supplemented via epsom salt. |
| Malagueta | Brazilian/Portuguese hot chile related to tabasco types. |
|
Manzano |
See Rocoto. |
|
Marker-Assisted Selection |
Using DNA markers linked to traits to select breeding lines. |
| Mattapeno | An open-pollinated jalapeno cultivar developed by Matt Garver. Known for producing thick-walled, juicy pods with low heat and early ripening. Favored by home growers for its productivity and ornamental potential. |
| McMahon’s Bird Pepper | See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin. |
| Mesocarp | The fleshy middle layer of the pepper pod. |
|
Micronutrients |
Calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and trace minerals are vital; calcium prevents blossom end rot. |
| Mildew |
A group of fungal diseases including powdery mildew and downy mildew, which appear as white or gray patches on leaves. Triggered by high humidity and poor airflow.
Managed with spacing, airflow, resistant varieties, and fungicides like copper or sulfur. |
| MOA (Ministry of Agriculture) | Appears in cultivar names like ‘Scotch Bonnet MOA Red,’ indicating official release by a country’s Ministry of Agriculture commonly in Jamaica. Signifies a standardized and nationally distributed variety. |
| Monoecious | Plant with both male and female flowers on the same individual. |
|
Mycorrhizae |
Symbiotic fungi that colonize plant roots, improving nutrient and water uptake, particularly phosphorus. Mycorrhizae form networks that connect plants and enhance soil structure. Often added to soil as inoculants to support healthy root systems, especially in low-fertility or disturbed soils. |
| Naga | A group of superhot peppers originating in South Asia, often closely related to Bhut Jolokia. ‘Naga’ refers to the Naga people and region. Includes Naga Morich and Dorset Naga. |
| Neem Oil | Organic pesticide used to control mites, aphids, and fungal issues. |
|
Nematodes |
Microscopic roundworms found in soil. Parasitic nematodes attack plant roots (e.g. root-knot nematodes), causing galls and stunted growth. Beneficial (free-living) nematodes are used in pest control, preying on grubs and soil-dwelling insects. Their balance affects plant health. |
| Nodal Split | Cracking or splitting at nodes due to rapid growth or stress. |
|
Nodes |
Points on a stem where leaves or branches emerge; important for pruning and topping. |
|
NuMex |
Prefix for pepper varieties developed at New Mexico State University (NMSU), especially through the Chile Pepper Institute. Famous NuMex releases include NuMex Big Jim, NuMex Twilight, and NuMex Joe E. Parker. |
| Nutrients | Essential elements plants need for growth. Primary macronutrients are Nitrogen (N) for leaf growth, Phosphorus (P) for roots and flowers, and Potassium (K) for overall vigor and fruit development. Secondary nutrients include Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S). Micronutrients include Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), and Molybdenum (Mo). Balanced fertilization supports healthy development through all growth stages, as detailed in fertilizer schedules. |
| OP | See Open Pollinated. |
|
Open Pollinated |
Describes a cultivar that produces true-to-type offspring when pollinated naturally, assuming no cross-pollination occurs. These varieties are stable across generations and are often used in seed saving and heirloom breeding. Open pollinated plants are distinct from hybrids (F1), which do not breed true. |
| Open Pollinated (OP) | Plants that reproduce true to type via natural pollination. |
|
Ornamental Pepper |
Peppers bred primarily for visual appeal (color, shape, compact growth), often very pungent. Includes ‘Black Pearl’ and ‘Numex Easter’. |
| Orthodox Seed | Seed that can be dried and stored long-term without losing viability. |
|
Outcrossing |
Cross-pollination between different plants, increasing genetic diversity. |
|
Overwintering |
Keeping a pepper plant alive indoors during winter, often in dormancy. Cut back, reduce watering, and keep in a cool, bright spot. |
| Paprika | Paprika refers to both a type of Capsicum annuum and the dried, ground spice made from it. Originated in Hungary and Spain, paprika varies by heat and sweetness. Types include sweet, hot, smoked (pimenta), and bittersweet. True paprika peppers are often low-heat and bred for rich red pigment and flavor. |
| PAR Meter | Measures Photosynthetically Active Radiation (400-700 nm) reaching plants. Used to assess grow light effectiveness and plant light exposure. |
| Parasites | Organisms that live on or inside a host plant or insect and derive nutrients at the host’s expense. Plant parasites include root-knot nematodes and parasitic fungi, while insect parasites (e.g. parasitic wasps) can be beneficial by attacking harmful pests. |
| Pasilla | Means ‘little raisin’ in Spanish; used for long, dark dried C. annuum. In the U.S., sometimes confused with other chiles. |
| Pepper vs. Chile | ‘Pepper’ is commonly used in the U.S. and English-speaking countries. ‘Chile’ (or ‘chili’) is used in Latin America and culinary contexts. Botanically, both refer to Capsicum species. |
| Pequin | See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin. |
| Pericarp | The fruit wall, comprising exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp; most of the edible flesh. |
|
Perlite |
White, porous volcanic glass added to growing media to improve drainage and aeration. |
| Permethrin | A synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used to control aphids, caterpillars, and other garden pests. Effective but toxic to pollinators and aquatic life. Often found in home garden sprays and should be used with caution, especially around flowering plants. |
| Pests | Organisms that damage plants by feeding, burrowing, or transmitting disease. Common chile pests include aphids, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, hornworms, and leafminers. Integrated pest management (IPM) uses a combination of physical, biological, and chemical controls to manage pest populations. |
| Petin | Regional South Texas variation of ‘piquin’; can refer to similar small native chiles. No strict botanical distinction. |
| pH Levels | A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14. Peppers prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, usually between pH 6.0 and 7.0. pH impacts nutrient uptake and microbial activity. Adjust using lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower it). Soil tests are recommended to maintain optimal conditions. |
| Pimiento | Sweet red pepper used in stuffing olives and pimento cheese; also refers to sweet cherry types. |
| Pistil | Female reproductive part, includes stigma, style, and ovary. |
|
Placenta |
The internal tissue of a pepper pod where capsaicin is concentrated and seeds attach. |
| Pod Shape | Refers to the physical form of the chile fruit. Shapes include conical, round, pendant, blocky, lanceolate, bonnet, goat-horn, twisted, and more. Pod shape is often a trait used for cultivar identification and may suggest species, heat level, or intended use (e.g., drying, stuffing, ornamental). |
| Pods | The fruit of the Capsicum plant; varies in size, shape, and heat. |
|
Pruning |
Trimming branches to shape the plant, improve airflow, or encourage branching. Done during vegetative phase or after harvest. |
| Pungency | The sensation of heat caused by capsaicinoids in peppers. |
|
Pythium |
A genus of water molds (oomycetes) responsible for root rot and damping off. Thrives in wet, poorly drained conditions. Not a true fungus but behaves similarly. Prevention includes good drainage and avoiding overwatering. |
| QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) | Genomic regions associated with specific measurable traits, such as pod size. |
| Quarantine Pest | A pest requiring control measures to prevent its spread during international trade. |
|
Raised Beds |
Garden beds elevated above ground level to improve drainage, soil control, and root health. Useful for peppers in heavy soils. |
| Recalcitrant Seed | Seed that loses viability quickly and cannot be stored dry. |
| Rocoto | A common name for Capsicum pubescens, a cold-tolerant chile species native to the Andes. Known for its thick walls, apple-like shape, black seeds, and hairy leaves.
Flavor is fruity and heat can be intense. Also referred to as ‘locoto’ in Bolivia and parts of Argentina, and ‘manzano’ (meaning ‘apple-shaped’) in Mexico. Despite name differences, these all refer to the same species. |
| Rootbound | Condition where plant roots circle and tangle due to insufficient container space. |
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Scoville Heat Units (SHU) |
A measure of pungency based on dilution until heat is no longer detected. |
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Seed Dome |
A clear plastic cover placed over seed trays to retain humidity and warmth during germination. |
| Seed Starter Mix | A light, finely textured soil-free mix used to germinate seeds. Usually contains peat or coir, vermiculite, and perlite. |
| Seed Tray | A flat container with cells used to start seeds in a compact space before transplanting. |
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Self-pollination |
Pollination within the same flower or plant, common in Capsicum. |
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Sepal |
The outer parts of the flower (calyx), which enclose and protect the bud. |
| SHU (Scoville Heat Unit) | The Scoville Heat Unit is a measure of pepper pungency based on the concentration of capsaicinoids (mainly capsaicin). Originally developed by Wilbur Scoville in 1912 using a taste panel and sugar water dilutions, the method has since been replaced by High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This lab method quantifies capsaicin in parts per million (ppm), which is then multiplied by 16 to yield SHU. Pure capsaicin measures 16,000,000 SHU, making it the theoretical upper limit of the scale. |
| Solanaceae | The nightshade family, which includes Capsicum, tomato, potato, and tobacco. |
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Spider Mites |
Tiny pests that suck sap from leaves, causing stippling and leaf drop. |
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Spinosad |
A natural insecticide derived from the fermentation of Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Targets thrips, caterpillars, leafminers, and other soft-bodied pests. OMRI-listed and commonly used in organic agriculture; acts on insect nervous systems while being relatively safe for beneficials if applied correctly. |
| Stabilized Hybrid | A hybrid that has been inbred over several generations to become genetically stable. |
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Stamen |
Male reproductive organ of the flower, producing pollen. |
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Sterile Medium |
A seed-starting or growing substrate that has been heat-treated or manufactured to be free of pathogens, pests, and weed seeds. Used to prevent diseases like damping off. Common materials include sterilized peat, coir, vermiculite, and perlite. |
| Stippling | Speckled leaf damage caused by sap-sucking pests like mites. |
| Superhot | Informal classification for peppers over 1,000,000 SHU. Usually C. chinense cultivars like Carolina Reaper, Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, and 7 Pot variants. |
| Sweet Pepper | Any Capsicum variety lacking capsaicin. Includes bell peppers, sweet banana, and Italian frying types. Can exist in C. annuum, C. baccatum, and others. |
| Systemic Insecticide | Chemical absorbed by the plant that affects pests feeding on it. |
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Tabasco Type |
Often used to describe erect, slender-fruited C. frutescens plants resembling the Tabasco cultivar. |
| TAM | Stands for Texas A&M University. Appears in pepper names like ‘TAM Jalapeno,’ referring to cultivars developed by their breeding program. These are often bred for milder heat, disease resistance, and commercial viability. |
| Tepin | See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin. |
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Tepin / Chiltepin / Piquin |
These terms are often used interchangeably but may refer to different wild or semi- domesticated small-fruited peppers. Tepin and chiltepin typically refer to wild C. annuum var. glabriusculum, native to the U.S. Southwest and Mexico, while ‘piquin’ can refer to cultivated variants or small-fruited hot peppers. These names are context- dependent and not botanically strict. |
| Thrips | Tiny, slender insects that feed by puncturing plant cells and sucking out contents. Cause silvery or stippled leaf damage, distortion, and can transmit viruses. Difficult to detect due to their size and speed. |
| Topping | Removing the apical meristem to promote bushier growth. |
| Trade Gallon | Nursery pot size of ~0.71 U.S. gallons (2.7 L), smaller than a true gallon. |
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Transgenic |
Organism modified with genes from another species; not common in Capsicum trade. |
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Transplanting |
The process of moving seedlings or young plants from one growing environment (like trays) to their final location (pots or garden). |
| Trichoderma | A beneficial genus of fungi used as a biological control agent against soilborne pathogens like Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. Trichoderma colonizes the root zone, outcompetes harmful microbes, and stimulates plant defenses. Often included in seed treatments and organic fungicides. |
| Trichome | Tiny hairlike structures on leaves or stems, which can deter pests or reduce water loss. |
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Turgidity |
The state of being swollen or firm due to water pressure inside plant cells. Turgid cells keep plants upright and hydrated. Loss of turgidity results in wilting. |
| Up-potting | Transferring a plant to a larger container to accommodate root growth. Done when roots outgrow their initial pot. |
| UPOV Code | International cultivar registration system for plant breeders’ rights. |
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Variegation |
A condition where leaves or pods display multiple colors, often due to genetic mutation or viral expression. |
| Variety | A naturally occurring or selectively bred subgroup of a species with distinct traits. |
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Vermiculite |
A mineral used in seed-starting mixes to retain moisture. Promotes even germination and reduces soil compaction. |
| Viability | The ability of seeds to germinate and produce healthy plants. |
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Volatile Oil |
Aromatic compound in peppers contributing to flavor and perceived heat. |
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Whiteflies |
Small, winged insects found on leaf undersides. They feed on sap and excrete honeydew, promoting sooty mold. Heavy infestations weaken plants and spread diseases. |
| Winterizing | The process of preparing pepper plants for cold weather. In mild zones, prune and mulch in-ground plants; in colder zones, pot and bring indoors. |
| Worm Castings | Nutrient-rich organic matter produced by earthworms; improves soil texture and provides bioavailable nutrients. |