A specific, documented population of a plant species preserved in a genebank, 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.

A generic South American term for chili 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.

The period during which a flower is fully open and functional; crucial for pollination timing.

Purple pigment seen in some leaves and pods, often sun-induced.

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.

Common soft-bodied insects that infest new growth and excrete honeydew.

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.

A hybrid crossed back to one of its parents to stabilize desired traits.

Bubblegum 7 Pot, known for bleeding calyxes; a phenotype in the superhot Capsicum chinense group.

Organisms like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites that control pest populations naturally.

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).

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.

A general term for small, pungent chili 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.

A calcium deficiency disorder causing dark, sunken spots on the pod tip.

Bhut Orange Copenhagen, a popular superhot chili cultivar derived from Bhut Jolokia.

Bacillus thuringiensis, a biological pesticide targeting caterpillars.

Essential for cell wall development and fruit quality. Deficiency can lead to blossom end rot. Often supplemented via calcium nitrate or lime.

Green leafy part attached to the top of a pod; may 'bleed' in some superhots.

A red or purple pigment extending from the calyx onto the stem, common in BBG varieties.

Chili accession numbers from the Chile Pepper Institute (New Mexico State University).

The primary capsaicinoid responsible for pungency in peppers; produced in the placenta.

Chemical compounds responsible for pungency, including capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin.

The botanical genus encompassing all peppers, including sweet and hot varieties.

A rare wild species native to Brazil, closely related to C. baccatum.

The most common species, includes bell peppers, jalapeño, and many ornamentals.

Wild progenitor of C. annuum; includes Tepin and Bird's Eye.

Known for Aji varieties; characterized by fruity flavor and winged flowers.

Wild ancestor of Aji types; upright pods.

Domesticated Aji types with pendulous fruit.

A wild, frost-tolerant pepper native to high-altitude Bolivia.

A wild species found in Paraguay and Argentina; small upright pods.

Includes superhots like the Carolina Reaper, Bhut Jolokia, and Habaneros.

A proposed wild form of C. chinense with small pods.

Rare Brazilian wild species; little known outside genebanks.

A little-known wild species with distinctive leaf dimorphism.

Rare wild species endemic to Brazil.

A wild species related to C. eximium, with purple flowers.

A wild Bolivian species with small, upright pods and violet flowers.

Rare wild species; known for cold tolerance.

Includes Tabasco peppers; small, erect fruit, often used in sauces.

Endemic to the Galapagos Islands; very rare, fuzzy leaves.

Wild species with deeply lobed leaves, native to South America.

Highly endangered Guatemalan wild species; basal in phylogenetic trees.

One of the smallest-flowered Capsicum species; high wildness.

Wild species from Brazil; not widely cultivated or studied.

Wild Brazilian species with narrow leaves and pungent berries.

A wild species native to Brazil, used in breeding and conservation.

Wild type of the Brazilian species used in breeding.

Distinct for hairy leaves and black seeds; includes Rocoto and Manzano.

Rare proposed variant of pubescens with unique growth patterns.

The domesticated Rocoto with hairy foliage and black seeds.

Non-pungent, non-edible wild species; distinct chromosome number.

Rare and poorly studied wild species.

Tiny wild species native to Peru; closely related to C. pubescens.

Small divided plastic trays for seedling propagation.

Centre for Genetic Resources (Netherlands), assigns accession numbers to pepper genotypes.

Term used for certain round, flattened, thick-walled peppers like Pimiento Cheese', often sweet and used in stuffing or preserving.

Round, squat peppers resembling cherries. Includes hot and sweet types. Often seen in pimento or ornamental types.

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.

See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin.

See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin.

See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin.

All spellings refer to Capsicum fruit: 'chili' is Spanish, 'chili' is American English, 'chilli' is British English.

See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin.

A seed-starting and potting medium made from coconut husk fibers. Excellent water retention and root aeration. Often buffered to remove excess salts.

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.

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.

The collective petals of a flower, often attracting pollinators.

Modern genome-editing tool used experimentally in pepper breeding.

Transfer of pollen between different cultivars or species.

Intentional or accidental pollination between different plants or varieties.

A cultivated variety of a plant selected for specific traits such as color, heat, or shape.

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*.

Drying process used to preserve pods for storage or seed saving.

Growth habit where the plant stops growing once flowers set.

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.

Having two sets of chromosomes (2n); all domesticated Capsicum are diploid.

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.

The part of a seed that develops into a new plant; crucial in seed viability.

The inner wall of the fruit, often surrounding the seeds.

Nutritive tissue in seeds that supports embryonic development.

A protected AOC pepper from the Basque region of France; C. annuum, mildly spicy.

The outer skin of the pepper pod.

First-generation crossbred plant with uniform traits.

Promotes leafy growth; needed in early stages but can delay flowering if overused.

Supports root development and flowering; essential during bloom and fruit set.

Crucial for overall plant health, fruit development, and disease resistance.

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.

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.

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*.

The complete set of DNA; Capsicum genomes are large (~3.5 Gb for C. annuum).

The genetic makeup of a plant; determines traits like color or heat.

Genetic material of a plant used for breeding or conservation.

Refers to smooth, hairless skin typical of most domesticated *Capsicum annuum*. Wild relatives often have slight fuzz or matte finishes.

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.

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.

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 chili peppers and other crops.

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.

Artificial lighting systems used to provide photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for indoor or supplemental growth. Full-spectrum LEDs are ideal.

Common dried Mexican chili; usually refers to a mild to medium C. annuum with reddish skin. Not a cultivar, but a market name.

Generic term in Spain for long, slender chiles; often pickled.

A condition in some organisms, not peppers, where males are haploid and females diploid.

Having one set of chromosomes (n); important in breeding via doubled haploids.

Gradual acclimation of seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.

A base-10 logarithmic heat scale from 0 (no heat) to 9 (pure capsaicin).

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.

A cultivar passed down through generations, typically open-pollinated and over 50 years old.

Hybrid vigor; increased growth or yield in hybrid offspring.

A plant produced by crossing two genetically distinct parents; F1 hybrids are uniform but don't breed true.

A device used to measure humidity. Important in seed starting and indoor growing to maintain ideal conditions for germination and growth.

Growth continues indefinitely; common in wild and vining pepper types.

A cross between two different Capsicum species.

Unique identifier for a cultivar or landrace in databases or breeding programs.

Space needed to prevent cross-pollination in seed-saving.

Catch-all term for small, slender, dried hot *Capsicum annuum* peppers often used in Mexican and Asian cooking. Despite the name meaning 'Japanese' in Spanish, the chile is not of Japanese origin. Typically used in its dried form for stir-fries, sauces, and chili oils.

A hybrid chile pepper cross between the superhot *7 Pot Jonah* and the dark-foliaged *Pimienta de Neyde*. Known for its intense heat, unique color transitions, and genetic instability, often producing diverse phenotypes. Bred and circulated among hobbyist growers.

JPN is shorthand for 'Japones,' a misnamed chili type that is not of Japanese origin. The chile japonés 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 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.

A rare Turkish pepper notable for its elongated shape, upright growth, and unusual floral/fruity aroma. Sometimes confused with ornamental types.

A locally adapted, traditional cultivar developed through natural and cultural selection over time.

See Rocoto.

A secondary nutrient essential for chlorophyll production. Deficiency appears as interveinal yellowing in older leaves. Often supplemented via epsom salt.

Brazilian/Portuguese hot chile related to tabasco types.

See Rocoto.

Using DNA markers linked to traits to select breeding lines.

An open-pollinated jalapeño 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.

See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin.

The fleshy middle layer of the pepper pod.

Calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and trace minerals are vital; calcium prevents blossom end rot.

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.

Appears in cultivar names like 'Scotch Bonnet MOA Red,' indicating official release by a countries Ministry of Agriculture commonly in Jamaica. Signifies a standardized and nationally distributed variety.

Plant with both male and female flowers on the same individual.

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.

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.

Organic pesticide used to control mites, aphids, and fungal issues.

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.

Cracking or splitting at nodes due to rapid growth or stress.

Points on a stem where leaves or branches emerge; important for pruning and topping.

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.

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.

See 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.

Plants that reproduce true to type via natural pollination.

Peppers bred primarily for visual appeal (color, shape, compact growth), often very pungent. Includes 'Black Pearl' and 'Numex Easter'.

Seed that can be dried and stored long-term without losing viability.

Cross-pollination between different plants, increasing genetic diversity.

Keeping a pepper plant alive indoors during winter, often in dormancy. Cut back, reduce watering, and keep in a cool, bright spot.

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 (pimentón), and bittersweet. True paprika peppers are often low- heat and bred for rich red pigment and flavor.

Measures Photosynthetically Active Radiation (400–700 nm) reaching plants. Used to assess grow light effectiveness and plant light exposure.

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.

Means 'little raisin' in Spanish; used for long, dark dried C. annuum. In the U.S., sometimes confused with other chiles.

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.

See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin.

The fruit wall, comprising exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp; most of the edible flesh.

White, porous volcanic glass added to growing media to improve drainage and aeration.

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.

Organisms that damage plants by feeding, burrowing, or transmitting disease. Common chili 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.

Regional South Texas variation of 'piquin'; can refer to similar small native chiles. No strict botanical distinction.

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.

Sweet red pepper used in stuffing olives and pimento cheese; also refers to sweet cherry types.

Female reproductive part, includes stigma, style, and ovary.

The internal tissue of a pepper pod where capsaicin is concentrated and seeds attach.

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).

The fruit of the Capsicum plant; varies in size, shape, and heat.

Trimming branches to shape the plant, improve airflow, or encourage branching. Done during vegetative phase or after harvest.

The sensation of heat caused by capsaicinoids in peppers.

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.

Genomic regions associated with specific measurable traits, such as pod size.

A pest requiring control measures to prevent its spread during international trade.

Garden beds elevated above ground level to improve drainage, soil control, and root health. Useful for peppers in heavy soils.

Seed that loses viability quickly and cannot be stored dry.

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.

Condition where plant roots circle and tangle due to insufficient container space.

A measure of pungency based on dilution until heat is no longer detected.

A clear plastic cover placed over seed trays to retain humidity and warmth during germination.

A light, finely textured soil-free mix used to germinate seeds. Usually contains peat or coir, vermiculite, and perlite.

A flat container with cells used to start seeds in a compact space before transplanting.

Pollination within the same flower or plant, common in Capsicum.

The outer parts of the flower (calyx), which enclose and protect the bud.

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.

The nightshade family, which includes Capsicum, tomato, potato, and tobacco.

Tiny pests that suck sap from leaves, causing stippling and leaf drop.

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.

A hybrid that has been inbred over several generations to become genetically stable.

Male reproductive organ of the flower, producing pollen.

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.

Speckled leaf damage caused by sap-sucking pests like mites.

Informal classification for peppers over 1,000,000 SHU. Usually C. chinense cultivars like Carolina Reaper, Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, and 7 Pot variants.

Any Capsicum variety lacking capsaicin. Includes bell peppers, sweet banana, and Italian frying types. Can exist in C. annuum, C. baccatum, and others.

Chemical absorbed by the plant that affects pests feeding on it.

Often used to describe erect, slender-fruited C. frutescens plants resembling the Tabasco cultivar.

Stands for Texas A&M University. Appears in pepper names like 'TAM Jalapeño,' referring to cultivars developed by their breeding program. These are often bred for milder heat, disease resistance, and commercial viability.

See Chili Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin.

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.

Definition

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.

Adding fresh layer of soil, compost, or decorative material (bark, pebbles, moss, etc.) to the surface of the potting mix, for the purpose of retaining moisture, supressing weeds, and providing additional nutrients if compost or organic matter is used.

Removing the apical meristem to promote bushier growth.

Nursery pot size of ~0.71 U.S. gallons (2.7 L), smaller than a true gallon.

Organism modified with genes from another species; not common in Capsicum trade.

The process of moving seedlings or young plants from one growing environment (like trays) to their final location (pots or garden).

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.

Tiny hairlike structures on leaves or stems, which can deter pests or reduce water loss.

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.

Transferring a plant to a larger container to accommodate root growth. Done when roots outgrow their initial pot.

International cultivar registration system for plant breeders' rights.

A condition where leaves or pods display multiple colors, often due to genetic mutation or viral expression.

A naturally occurring or selectively bred subgroup of a species with distinct traits.

A mineral used in seed-starting mixes to retain moisture. Promotes even germination and reduces soil compaction.

The ability of seeds to germinate and produce healthy plants.

Aromatic compound in peppers contributing to flavor and perceived heat.

Small, winged insects found on leaf undersides. They feed on sap and excrete honeydew, promoting sooty mold. Heavy infestations weaken plants and spread diseases.

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.

Nutrient-rich organic matter produced by earthworms; improves soil texture and provides bioavailable nutrients.