Deciphering nutrient and antioxidants profiling in chilli (Capsicum annum L.) genotypes under sodium carbonate induced sodicity

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is a crop cultivated as both as a vegetable and a spice, valued for its green and red fruits. This study evaluates the nutritional and antioxidant profiles of dry red chilli fruits grown under sodic conditions. The experiment consists of thirty chilli genotypes grown in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The results obtained from the dry red fruits indicated that the genotype IC545732 recorded the highest proline content (356.78 µg g-1), total free amino acid content (56.30 mg g-1), and crude fibre content (22.43%), with statistical significance. Similarly, IC545732 exhibited the highest levels of mineral nutrients and antioxidant content. Conversely, the genotype TNAUH00400035 recorded the highest protein content (16.45%) while exhibiting the lowest proline content (228.67 µg g-1), as well as the lowest mineral nutrient and antioxidant content (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the study revealed a positive correlation between proline content and total free amino acid levels, as well as key antioxidants viz., vitamin C, total phenol, and ?-carotene content. Conversely, proline content was negatively correlated with protein content. These findings suggest that the nutritional constituents and antioxidants content respond significantly to variations in proline content. Therefore, superior genotypes with high proline content, antioxidants, and mineral nutrients could be used in future crop improvement programs.