Question About Locules

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Note: Sometimes your editor doesn’t know the answer to a specific question and then I have to go to Dr. Paul Bosland, professor of horticulture at New Mexico State University. Here’s my question about locules, the hollow spaces in a pepper pod.

Q: Hello Paul,

Is there are relationship between cross-section shape and number of locules in chile pods? Specifically, can a shape described as quadrangular have an average of three locules? Thanks,

Dave

A: Dave, The cross walls do shape the fruit, so if on average it has 3 locules it  will be round (like a jalapeño) or triangular like a Hungarian type. If the quadrangular is like a bell pepper, then there is a need for 4 locules. Sometimes one locule will bigger than another in the same fruit, which has an effect on the shape. So there is a relationship between number of locules and shape, but not an absolute relationship. I hope this helps. Best,

Paul

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