Partial Characteristics Study on Native Chili (Karen Chili) Planting in the Western Region of Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this research is to investigate the Karen chilies in western Thailand,
by to compare the differences of their physical and chemical characteristics with the
cultivated on flat area. The study of planting in 3 provinces, 1) Phurakam, Takolang,
Bangkama, Ratchaburi Province, 2) Bangkazu, Phetchaburi Province and 3) Khaosamchan,
Kanchanaburi Province, the results showed that physical appearance in term of shape, skincolor
and fruit size of the chili were different depend on each area. The capsaicinoids content,
spices and capsanthin were different, with the Karen chili from Ban Bang Kazu has the
highest spiciness equal to 1,183,679 SHU, followed from Ban Phurakam, Tako Lang,
Khaosamchan and Ban Bangkama, respectively. And the Karen chili from Ban Phurakam has
the highest capsanthin content. The comparison of physical appearance with planting in the
cultivated on flat area showed that the chili plants height have an average height of 70-100 cm
and found the yellow mosaic leaves and root rot symptoms. The appearance, shape and skincolor
of fruit remain the same, differ only in the size of the fruit. The amount of capsaicin
content and spiciness of Karen chili in the cultivated on flat area decreased by more than 80%
in all samples. In addition, the amount of capsanthin is significantly different.