Creating triploid germplasm via induced 2n pollen in Capsicum annuum L.

2n pollen of diploid chili (Capsicum annuum L. `Xianjiaoʹ) was induced by heat shock (35.5°C, 4 h) or low temperature treatment (11°C, 48 h). The percentages of 2n pollen were increased to 8.3% and 10.5% respectively. The cytogenetic mechanisms of 2n pollen formation were first division restitution, second division restitution and abnormal cytokinesis. Diploid 2n pollen was less competent than n pollen in fertilization. Only one triploid plant arose from 78 progenies after fertilization by 2n pollen. The four offspring plants of the triploid were diploid. The morphological characters of the triploid and microsporogenesis were also evaluated.