One hundred and one Capsicum genotypes of hot and sweet peppers belonging to four different species were appraised as for their reaction to the attack of phytophagous mites. Evaluations consisted of the examination of genotypes for the presence of established colonies of mites, under natural infestation in greenhouse conditions. Leaves were observed at stereoscopic microscope to detection of colonies and glass slides were prepared with specimens aiming observation at compound microscope. Colonies of two species were identified, Polyphagotarsonemus latus and Tetranychus urticae. Of all of the genotypes tested, 7.5% of the genotypes of Capsicum annuum, 50% of C. frutescens, 57% of C. baccatum and 100% of C. chinensis, did not have colonies of neither of the mites species.
Capsicum annuum; C. baccatum; C. chinensis; C. frutescens; Polyphagotarsonemus latus; Tetranychus urticae; plant breeding