PHOTOPERIODIC RESPONSE OF WILD CHILI CHILE PIQUIN (CAPSICUM-ANNUUM VAR AVICULARE DIERB)

The effect of two photoperiods on photosynthetic rate, stomatal conduc tivity and leaf surface structure is reported for wild chili (chile pi quin). High photosynthetic rate under low radiation intensity and vice versa was found. However, the rate of photosynthesis was inversely re lated to stomatal resistance. Wild chili showed two daily photosynthet ic peaks corresponding to periods of low radiation intensity. The phot osynthetic capacity, abundant epicuticular wax and absence of stomata in the upper leaf surface may be characteristics related to the adapta tion of chile piquin to the semiarid environment.