Evaluation of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes for resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin production

A total of 17 chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes were screened under artificial conditions in the laboratory for resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection. Among them, AVT II 11-5, AVT II 11-6, AVT II 11-7, AVT II 11-9, IET 13-4 and IET LCA 334 were found to be resistant against A. flavus, while none of the genotype expressed immune or highly susceptible reactions. The genotypes viz., AVTI 12-3, AVTI 12-8, AVT II 11-3, AVT II 11-8, IET 13-1 and IET KA exhibited moderately resistant reaction, whereas the genotypes AVT II 11-1, IET 13-8 and IET 13-2 were moderately susceptible. Two genotypes viz., AVT II 11-2 and AVT I 12-9 were found to be susceptible to A. flavus. Among the tested genotypes, IET 13-1 exhibited resistance to aflatoxin production. The highest AFB1 content (576.9 ng/g) was recorded in IET KA, while highest AFB2 content (80.31 ng/g) was observed in AVT 11-7. No positive correlation was observed between resistance of chilli genotypes to A. flavus infection and their level of resistance to aflatoxin production.