Pepper Glossary
Add to Glossary183 terms from the world of peppers, chili cultivation, and pepper science.
A
Accession
A documented plant population in a genebank with unique ID and known origin for maintaining genetic diversity.
Aji
South American term for chili pepper, often C. baccatum types but can refer to other species.
Anthesis
Period when a flower is fully open and functional for pollination.
Anthocyanin
Purple pigment in some leaves and pods, often sun-induced.
AOC
French certification meaning "controlled designation of origin," occasionally used in pepper cultivar names.
Aphids
Common soft-bodied insects that infest new growth and excrete honeydew.
Auxins
Plant hormones regulating growth, cell elongation, and root formation; used in rooting compounds.
B
Backcross (Bx)
A hybrid crossed back to one parent to stabilize desired traits.
BBG7
Bubblegum 7 Pot pepper known for bleeding calyxes in the superhot C. chinense group.
Beneficial Insects
Organisms like ladybugs and lacewings that control pests naturally.
Bhut Jolokia / Ghost Pepper
Hybrid pepper from Northeast India exceeding 1 million SHU.
Biofungicide
Disease-suppressing product from live microorganisms for environmentally friendly disease prevention.
Bird Peppers
Small, pungent chili peppers dispersed by birds; includes various species and varieties.
Blossom End Rot
Calcium deficiency disorder causing dark spots on pod tips.
BOC
Bhut Orange Copenhagen superhot cultivar derived from Bhut Jolokia.
Bt
Bacillus thuringiensis biological pesticide targeting caterpillars.
C
Calcium
Essential for cell wall development; deficiency leads to blossom end rot.
Calyx
Green leafy part attached to pod tops; may bleed in some superhots.
Calyx Bleed
Red or purple pigment extending from calyx onto stem in BBG varieties.
CAP
Chili accession numbers from the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University.
Capsaicin
Primary capsaicinoid responsible for pungency, produced in the placenta.
Capsaicinoid
Chemical compounds responsible for heat, including capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin.
Capsicum
Botanical genus (Capsicum) encompassing all peppers, sweet and hot varieties.
Capsicum acuminatum
Rare wild species native to Brazil, closely related to C. baccatum.
Capsicum annuum
Most common species; includes bell peppers, jalapeños, cayennes, and serranos.
Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum
Wild progenitor of C. annuum; includes Tepin and Bird's Eye.
Capsicum baccatum
Species known for Aji varieties with fruity flavor and winged flowers.
Capsicum baccatum var. baccatum
Wild ancestor of Aji types with upright pods.
Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum
Domesticated Aji types with pendulous fruit.
Capsicum cardenasii
Wild, frost-tolerant pepper native to high-altitude Bolivia.
Capsicum chacoense
Wild species from Paraguay and Argentina with small upright pods.
Capsicum chinense
Includes superhots like Carolina Reaper, Bhut Jolokia, and Habaneros.
Capsicum chinense var. microcarpum
Proposed wild form of C. chinense with small pods.
Capsicum coccineum
Rare Brazilian wild species little known outside genebanks.
Capsicum dimorphum
Little-known wild species with distinctive leaf dimorphism.
Capsicum dusenii
Rare wild species endemic to Brazil.
Capsicum eshbaughii
Wild species related to C. eximium with purple flowers.
Capsicum eximium
Wild Bolivian species with small upright pods and violet flowers.
Capsicum flexuosum
Rare wild species known for cold tolerance.
Capsicum frutescens
Includes Tabasco peppers; small erect fruit used in sauces.
Capsicum galapagoense
Endemic to Galapagos Islands; very rare with fuzzy leaves.
Capsicum geminifolium
Wild species with deeply lobed leaves from South America.
Capsicum lanceolatum
Highly endangered Guatemalan wild species; basal in phylogenetic trees.
Capsicum minutiflorum
One of the smallest-flowered Capsicum species.
Capsicum mirabile
Wild Brazilian species not widely cultivated or studied.
Capsicum parvifolium
Wild Brazilian species with narrow leaves and pungent berries.
Capsicum praetermissum
Wild Brazilian species used in breeding and conservation.
Capsicum pubescens
Distinct for hairy leaves and black seeds; includes Rocoto and Manzano.
Capsicum pubescens var. kuscoy
Rare proposed variant with unique growth patterns.
Capsicum pubescens var. pubescens
Domesticated Rocoto with hairy foliage and black seeds.
Capsicum rhomboideum
Non-pungent, non-edible wild species with distinct chromosome number.
Capsicum scolnikianum
Rare and poorly studied wild species.
Capsicum tovarii
Tiny wild species from Peru, closely related to C. pubescens.
Cell Pack
Small divided plastic trays for seedling propagation.
CGN
Centre for Genetic Resources (Netherlands) assigning accession numbers to genotypes.
Cheese Pepper
Term for round, flattened, thick-walled peppers like Pimiento Cheese.
Cherry Pepper
Round, squat peppers resembling cherries; includes hot and sweet types.
Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin
Related wild or semi-wild C. annuum var. glabriusculum types with variable forms.
Coco Coir
Seed-starting medium from coconut husk fibers with excellent water retention.
Cold Hardiness
Plant ability to survive cold temperatures; most Capsicum are frost-sensitive.
Copper (Fungicide)
Broad-spectrum fungicide controlling fungal and bacterial diseases including blight.
Corolla
Collective petals of a flower 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
Cultivated variety selected for specific traits like color, heat, or shape.
D
Damping Off
Fungal or oomycete disease affecting seeds and seedlings, causing rot at soil line.
Desiccation
Drying process for preserving pods for storage or seed saving.
Determinate
Growth habit where plant stops growing once flowers set.
Diatomaceous Earth
Fine powder from fossilized diatoms used as mechanical insecticide.
Diploid
Having two chromosome sets (2n); all domesticated Capsicum are diploid.
E
Edema
Physiological disorder from water absorption exceeding transpiration, causing cell rupture.
Embryo
Seed part developing into new plant; crucial for seed viability.
Endocarp
Inner fruit wall often surrounding seeds.
Endosperm
Nutritive tissue supporting embryonic development in seeds.
Espelette
Protected AOC pepper from Basque France; C. annuum, mildly spicy.
Exocarp
Outer skin of pepper pod.
F
F1 Hybrid
First-generation crossbred plant with uniform traits.
Fertilizer Schedule
Structured nutrient application plan varying by growth stage.
Foliage Color
Pigmentation of pepper leaves, which may be green, purple, variegated, or mottled.
Fungicide
Chemical or biological agent inhibiting or killing fungal pathogens.
G
Genome
Capsicum genomes are large, approximately 3.5 billion base pairs.
Genotype
Genetic makeup determining traits like color or heat.
Germplasm
Genetic material used for breeding or conservation purposes.
Glabrous Skin
Smooth, hairless skin typical of domesticated C. annuum.
Grafting
Horticultural technique fusing scion onto rootstock to combine desirable traits.
GRIF
USDA-managed database documenting plant germplasm accessions for breeding and conservation.
Grow Lights
Artificial lighting systems providing photosynthetically active radiation for indoor growth.
Guajillo
Common dried Mexican chili; mild to medium C. annuum with reddish skin.
Guindilla
Generic Spanish term for long, slender chiles, often pickled.
H
Haplodiploidy
Condition where males are haploid and females diploid; not relevant in peppers but referenced in entomology context.
Haploid
Having one chromosome set (n); important in doubled haploid breeding.
Hardening Off
Gradual acclimation of seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
Heat Log Scale
Base-10 logarithmic scale from 0 to 9 measuring heat intensity.
Heat Mat
Heating device providing bottom warmth, improving germination rates and speed.
Heirloom
Cultivar passed through generations, typically open-pollinated and over 50 years old.
Heterosis
Hybrid vigor; increased growth or yield in hybrid offspring.
Hybrid
Plant from crossing genetically distinct parents; F1 hybrids don't breed true.
Hygrometer
Device measuring humidity, important for seed starting and indoor growing.
I
Indeterminate
Growth continues indefinitely; common in wild and vining pepper types.
Interspecific Hybrid
Cross between two different Capsicum species.
Isolate Code
Unique identifier for cultivars in databases or breeding programs.
Isolation Distance
Space preventing cross-pollination in seed-saving practices.
J
Japones
Term for small, slender dried C. annuum peppers used in Mexican and Asian cooking.
JPN (7 Pot Jonah x Pimienta de Neyde)
Hybrid from 7 Pot Jonah and Pimienta de Neyde.
K
KS (Khang Starr)
Peppers bred by Khang Starr, a hobbyist grower and YouTube personality.
Kuscoy
Rare Turkish pepper with elongated shape and unusual floral/fruity aroma.
L
Landrace
Locally adapted, traditional cultivar developed through natural and cultural selection.
Locoto
Alternative name for Rocoto pepper.
M
Magnesium
Secondary nutrient essential for chlorophyll production and plant health.
Malagueta
Brazilian/Portuguese hot chile related to tabasco types.
Manzano
Alternative name for Rocoto pepper.
Marker-Assisted Selection
Using DNA markers linked to traits for selecting breeding lines.
Mattapeno
Open-pollinated jalapeño cultivar with thick-walled, juicy pods and low heat.
McMahon's Bird Pepper
Historic C. annuum var. glabriusculum reference from early American horticulture.
Mesocarp
Fleshy middle layer of the pepper pod.
Micronutrients
Calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and trace minerals vital for plant growth.
MOA
Ministry of Agriculture designation in cultivar names indicating official release.
Monoecious
Plant with both male and female flowers on same individual.
Mycorrhizae
Symbiotic fungi colonizing roots, improving nutrient and water uptake.
N
Naga
Group of superhot peppers from South Asia, often related to Bhut Jolokia.
Neem Oil
Organic pesticide controlling mites, aphids, and fungal issues.
Nematodes
Microscopic roundworms; parasitic types attack roots causing stunted growth.
Nodal Split
Cracking or splitting at nodes due to rapid growth or stress.
Nodes
Stem points where leaves or branches emerge; important for pruning.
NuMex
Prefix for varieties from New Mexico State University's Chile Pepper Institute.
O
Open Pollinated
Cultivar producing true-to-type offspring via natural pollination.
Ornamental Pepper
Peppers bred for visual appeal, often very pungent.
Orthodox Seed
Seed that dries and stores long-term without losing viability.
Outcrossing
Cross-pollination between different plants increasing genetic diversity.
Overwintering
Keeping pepper plants alive indoors during winter, often in dormancy.
P
Paprika
Both a C. annuum type and dried, ground spice; originated in Hungary and Spain.
Pasilla
Means “little raisin”; used for long, dark dried C. annuum.
Pepper vs. Chile
“Pepper” common in English-speaking regions; “chile” used in Latin America. Both correct.
Pericarp
Fruit wall comprising exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp; most edible flesh.
Petin
Regional South Texas variation of piquin; term for small native chiles.
pH Levels
Measure of soil acidity; peppers prefer pH 6.0 to 7.0.
Pimiento
Sweet red pepper used in olive stuffing and pimento cheese.
Pistil
Female reproductive flower part including stigma, style, and ovary.
Placenta
Internal pod tissue where capsaicin concentrates and seeds attach.
Pod Shape
Physical form of chile fruit including conical, round, pendant, and blocky.
Pods
Fruit of Capsicum plants varying in size, shape, and heat.
Pruning
Trimming branches to shape plant, improve airflow, or encourage branching.
Pungency
Heat sensation caused by capsaicinoids in peppers.
Q
QTL
Quantitative Trait Loci — genomic regions associated with specific measurable traits like pod size.
Quarantine Pest
Pest requiring control to prevent spread during international trade.
R
Raised Beds
Elevated garden beds improving drainage, soil control, and root health.
Recalcitrant Seed
Seed losing viability quickly and unable to be stored dry.
Rocoto
C. pubescens variety, cold-tolerant with thick walls and fruity flavor.
Rootbound
Condition where roots circle and tangle from insufficient container space.
S
Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
Pungency measure based on dilution until heat detection ends.
Seed Dome
Clear plastic cover retaining humidity and warmth during germination.
Seed Starter Mix
Light, finely textured soil-free mix for seed germination.
Seed Tray
Flat container with cells for starting seeds before transplanting.
Self-pollination
Pollination within same flower or plant, common in Capsicum.
Sepal
Outer flower parts enclosing and protecting the bud.
SHU (Scoville Heat Unit)
Measure based on capsaicinoid concentration quantified by HPLC.
Solanaceae
Nightshade family including Capsicum, tomato, potato, and tobacco.
Spinosad
Natural insecticide from fermentation targeting thrips and caterpillars.
Stabilized Hybrid
Hybrid inbred over generations becoming genetically stable.
Sterile Medium
Seed-starting substrate free of pathogens, pests, and weed seeds.
Stippling
Speckled leaf damage from sap-sucking pests like mites.
Superhot
Informal classification for peppers exceeding 1,000,000 SHU.
Sweet Pepper
Any Capsicum variety lacking capsaicin, including bell peppers.
Systemic Insecticide
Chemical absorbed by plants affecting pests feeding on them.
T
Tabasco Type
Small, erect-fruited C. frutescens resembling the Tabasco cultivar.
TAM
Texas A&M University designation for pepper cultivars from their breeding program.
Tepin
See Chile Piquin / Tepin / Chiltepin / Pequin.
Thrips
Tiny slender insects feeding by puncturing cells and sucking contents.
Top Dressing
Adding fresh soil or compost layer to potting mix surface.
Topping
Removing apical meristem to promote bushier growth.
Trade Gallon
Nursery pot size approximately 0.71 US gallons.
Transgenic
Organism modified with genes from another species; uncommon in Capsicum.
Transplanting
Moving seedlings from growing environment to final location.
Trichome
Tiny hairlike structures on leaves deterring pests or reducing water loss.
Turgidity
State of firmness from water pressure inside plant cells.
U
Up-potting
Transferring plants to larger containers for root growth accommodation.
UPOV Code
International cultivar registration system for plant breeders' rights.
V
Variegation
Multiple colors on leaves or pods from genetic mutation or viral expression.
Vermiculite
Mineral in seed-starting mixes retaining moisture for even germination.
Viability
Ability of seeds to germinate and produce healthy plants.
W
Whiteflies
Small winged insects feeding on sap and excreting honeydew on leaves.
Worm Castings
Nutrient-rich earthworm byproduct improving soil texture and nutrition.