Unravelling the Genetic Resources and Breeding Potential of Capsicum Landraces of Northeast India

Abstract

Northeast India, characterised by its unique geography, ethnic diversity, and remarkable ecological richness, represents a major hotspot for crop genetic resources, particularly for diverse and distinctive chilli landraces. The region harbours unique Capsicum landraces such as Bhut Jolokia, Dalle Khursani, Mizo chilli and Hathei Chilli. This region sustains an extraordinary range of chilli varieties, many carrying geographical indications. These Capsicum landraces represent not only culinary treasures but also powerful genetic reservoirs, exhibiting remarkable capsaicinoids concentrations, phytochemical richness, and pronounced trait diversity. In the face of rising climatic and biotic stresses, their inherent resilience, nutritional value, and broad-spectrum bioactivity make them invaluable for future breeding programs. Recent molecular and morphological studies reveal significant intra- and interspecific variations among these landraces, highlighting their potential as sources of important alleles for tolerance to drought, pests, and diseases. Furthermore, the diverse metabolite profiles and distinctive fruit morphologies of Northeast Indian Capsicum support their industrial, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications, promising enhanced global food security and sustainable agriculture. However, many of these resources remain underexplored due to limited research coverage, conservation efforts, and technical know-how. Emphasis is thus placed on systematic conservation and molecular exploitation of these Capsicum genetic resources to ensure their sustainable use and to unlock novel traits for crop improvement worldwide. This review synthesises advances in the genetic, biochemical, and morphological characterisation of these regional resources, underscoring their critical importance as a foundation for global chilli improvement and agricultural resilience