Morphometric patterns and preferential uses of Capsicum peppers in the State of Roraima, Brazilian Amazonia

Abstract

Our objective was to study distinctions in the morphology of the pepper fruits (Capsicum spp., Solanaceae) used by indigenous (living in traditional villages) and non-indigenous groups (originated from migration and colonization, with or without miscegenation, living on non-indigenous lands) in the State of Roraima, Northern Brazilian Amazonia. In this sense, we used a database with 182 subsamples of Capsicum spp. Accessions were collected at 39 sites (14 indigenous and 25 non-indigenous), which were characterized additionally in relation to the predominant phytophysiognomy (savanna or forest) and home zone (rural or urban). We found morphological differences in pepper fruits related to both phytophysiognomy and home zone of the collecting site, but not to ethnical origin. We believe those differences are more related to the inherent crop practices, which suffer strong environmental influence, than to user preference. Both indigenous and non-indigenous groups preferred morphotypes from C. chinense and C. frutescens, which have small and highly pungent fruits. Nevertheless, fruit color was not important. These morphotypes are used by both indigenous and non-indigenous users for preparing sauce and jiquitaia (pepper powder). We suggested 'cultural adherence' as the reason for the common preferred use of peppers by both ethnical groups analyzed in Roraima.