Evaluation Form
Pepper “Sample”
Offered commercially in the US since at least 1981 on a very limited basis. Described as a sweet, yellow
bell pepper.
Growing instructions
Peppers are most commonly transplanted outside after the last frost when the soil has warmed. A population size of
three plants at minimum is preferred so that the range of variation in the variety is captured. We recommend
transplanting a few extra plants in case of plant mortality.
Evaluation
The evaluation process covers the entire life cycle of the variety. Thus, the planting needs to be regularly monitored
for the appearance of specific life stages. The important life stages for peppers are (1) flowers and immature fruit;
and (2) mature fruit. Evaluation at each of these life stages should occur when approximately 75% of the plants have
reached that particular stage. A list of characters to evaluate with a set number of options is provided for each
stage. Observe the entire planting and then choose the best answer.1
Photo-documentation
Photographs are another key aspect to the evaluation process. Each life stage mentioned above should be captured
in a photograph. There are reminders in the evaluation form. In addition, we would like a photograph of the entire
planting to show the growth habit of the plants. Nice portrait or compositional photos are always appreciated and
may be used for promotional purposes.
Taste Evaluation
Taste evaluation is a very important part of the evaluation process. Flavor attributes to think about when tasting the
fruit are provided. Because taste is highly subjective, it is a good idea to include family and friends in your
evaluations.
Varietal Narrative
In addition to documenting a prescribed set of characters, we would like you to write a short description of the
variety as a whole. Use this opportunity to describe your overall impression of the variety, whether you liked it or
not, and what stood out about it. Feel free to write about any aspects of the variety.
1
Significant variation in the population or obvious off-type plants may be an indicator of a mixed accession. If you observe
this, refer to the accompanying “Instructions for Mixed Accessions” at the back of this form.
1
Pepper Evaluation Form
General instructions
Please circle the best fit answer for each character. Choose “Other” if none of the options accurately
represent what you see and then write your answer in the “Notes” field. The “Notes” field can also be
used to expand upon your answer or describe any variation in the population. Significant variation or
distinct “off-types” observed in the population may be indicators of cross-pollination in the previous
generation. Please refer to the “Instructions for Mixed Accessions” should you encounter this.
Stage 1: Flowers and immature fruit
Record when at least 75% of plants have some flowers and immature fruit.
Number of flowers per axil:
One
More than one
Typical range (if more than one):
Flower color: White Purple White with purple throat Purple with white throat Other
Notes:
Initial fruit color: Green Pale green Green and purple Purple Pale yellow Other
Notes:
Purple coloration on immature fruit: Present Absent
Notes on intensity and frequency:
Fruit color at intermediate stage: No intermediate stage Orange Purple Green Other
Notes:
Photodocumentation:
Have you taken a photograph of the flowers yet? Yes No
Have you taken a photograph of immature fruit yet? Yes No
Taste evaluation
Taste some immature fruit. Some key attributes to consider are pungency (heat), sweetness, overall
flavor, juiciness, and skin thickness.
Comments:
Stage 2: Mature fruit
Record when at least 75% of plants have some fully ripe fruit.
Color of stem:
Green
Green with purple nodes
Purple
Other
Notes:
2
Sparse
Stem pubescence:
Intermediate
Dense
Absent
Notes:
Sparse
Intermediate
Dense
Sparse
Intermediate
Dense
Leaf pubescence:
Absent
Notes:
Branching habit:
Notes:
Green
Notes:
Leaf color:
Purple
Yellow-green
Variegated (describe colors)
Other
Leaf shape (see figure below):
Circle the most representative shape.
Notes:
Plant growth habit (see figure below):
Circle the most representative shape.
Notes:
Plant height (cm):
Typical range (in):
Fruit set: Low Intermediate
High
Notes:
Color of mature fruit:
Red
Orange
Red-orange
Yellow
Purple
Brown
Other
Notes:
3
Fruit shape (see figure below):
Circle the primary fruit shape.
Notes:
Fruit shape at pedicel attachment (see figure below):
Circle the most representative shape.
Notes:
Position of fruit:
Pendant
Horizontal
Erect
Notes:
Fruit shape at blossom end (see figure below):
Circle the most representative shape.
Notes:
4
Fruit surface:
Smooth
Semi-wrinkled
Wrinkled
Notes:
Market classification (optional – answer only if you feel confident):
Bell Jalapeno Serrano Squash Tabasco Cherry Mirasol Habanero
Pimento Wax Other
Notes:
Fruit length:
Cayenne
Ancho
Length, typical range (in):
Fruit width:
Width, typical range (in):
Fruit wall thickness: Thick Intermediate Thin
Notes:
Fruit seediness: many seeds moderately seedy
few seeds
Notes:
Photodocumentation:
Have you taken a photograph of ripe fruit yet? Yes
Have you taken a photograph of an entire plant yet?
No
Yes
No
Taste evaluation
Taste some ripe fruit. Some key attributes to consider are pungency (heat), sweetness, overall flavor,
juiciness, and skin thickness.
Comments:
Varietal Narrative Description:
Use this space to paint a concise portrait of the variety, highlighting important characteristics and
attributes that stood out to you. Record your overall impression of it, whether you liked it or not, and
anything else you want people to know about it (disease resistance, relative time to maturity, hardiness,
etc.)
Congratulations! You have completed the evaluation! Please submit photos via email to
steffen@seedsavers.org or via mail (hard copy) and return this completed form in the mail (see
other side):
5
Seed Savers Exchange
Attn.: Steffen Mirsky, VEG program
3094 N Winn Rd
Decorah, IA 52101
6