Peru has deposited native chili pepper seeds at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Norway), the world's most important security repository for agricultural biodiversity. The delivery strengthens the protection of key genetic resources and places Peruvian chili peppers in an environment designed to withstand extreme scenarios.
The operation was led by the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation through the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA), which formalized the shipment of 25 seed samples belonging to four species of the Capsicum genus. The objective is to ensure that, in the event of catastrophes or massive crop losses, the material can be recovered and multiplied Safely.
What has been sent and why it matters
The deposited lot includes 25 seed samples of chili peppers of the Capsicum chinense species, C. frutescens, C. baccatum and C. annuum. These species provide a wide diversity of aromas, colors and heat levels, and are valuable for research seeking more resistant varieties to climate change and new pests.
According to INIA, safeguarding these seeds is a commitment to the future: protect germplasm The chili pepper harvest preserves flavors, culinary identities, and genetic improvement options for agriculture. The mission was supported by the Peruvian Embassy in Norway and technically coordinated by NordGen.
Svalbard: Backstop to Global Agriculture
The Global Seed Vault is located more than 130 meters inside a mountain in the Svalbard archipelago. The site takes advantage of the permafrost and the naturally low temperature to preserve the material for decades without electricity consumption, and is built to withstand earthquakes and other catastrophes.
This international repository brings together more than 1,3 million samples from almost every country, representing more than 6.000 crop species. The Nordic Genetic Resource Center (NordGen) oversees access and logistics, ensuring traceability and safeguarding. long-term from the seeds.
European connection and opportunities for Spain
The Norwegian reserve brings these resources closer to European research networks in plant breeding, food security, and biodiversity. For Spain, with a tradition in peppers and chili peppers (also Capsicum), access to diverse germplasm of native chili peppers can favor the development of materials with better tolerance to water stress, heat and emerging diseases.
Furthermore, the diversity of organoleptic compounds in Peruvian chili peppers offers room for innovation in gastronomy and the European food industry, while maintaining control over the spiciness, aroma and color of sauces, marinades and preserves without losing genetic traceability.
Behind the shipment: the INIA germplasm bank
The deposited material comes from the work of the INIA Germplasm Bank, which safeguards more than 17.000 samples corresponding to 56 crops in 21 Agricultural Experimental Stations. In the case of Capsicum, the priority is to preserve well-characterized lines with potential for use in genetic improvement.
INIA emphasizes that ex situ conservation is complemented by the work of farmers and communities that maintain the varieties in situ. This dual approach to conservation allows chili pepper seeds of agricultural and cultural interest to be preserved. protected and available for future research and reintroductions.
What species are preserved and their value
The species sent—C. chinense, C. frutescens, C. baccatum, and C. annuum—cover very different spiciness profiles and culinary uses. Among the best-known Capsicum varieties in Peru are the yellow chili, panca chili or the charapita, examples that illustrate the breadth of flavors and culinary applications of the genre, although the INIA has not detailed which of them exactly make up the deposit.
For Europe, this genetic diversity is a strategic source of traits of interest: stable productivity in changing climates, greater resistance to emerging pathogens and differentiated sensory profiles. Integrating this material into European programs can accelerate the varietal adaptation without compromising organoleptic quality.
The collaboration with NordGen and the orderly access to the Svalbard Vault ensure that testing and eventual multiplication are carried out with scientific and biosafety criteria, preserving the integrity of the collections and their traceability for future generations.
With this shipment, Peru strengthens its role in the conservation of plant genetic resources The Capsicum and Europe project ensures a foothold for research and breeding. The chili pepper seeds remain safe in the Arctic, ready to support farmers, scientific centers, and food chains if needed. recover or reintroduce material of proven quality.
