Abstract: The drought resistance of chilli pepper with different fruit shapes at seedling stage was identified and evaluated using the simulating drought stress method in greenhouse. The morphological and physiological indexes were measured and analyzed. The results showed that the relative growth rate， relative water content and chlorophyll content were decreased with the prolonging of drought stress. Meanwhile， relative electrical conductivity rate， content of MDA and free proline accumulation were increased. Using cluster analysis，12 strains of chilli pepper were divided into three grades of drought resistance， i.e.， drought tolerant strains， moderate drought tolerant strains， and drought sensitive strains. The morphological characteristics of the drought tolerant strains was short and compact plant type with linear fruit. And the morphological characteristics of the drought sensitive strains was high and loose plant type with short\|claw fruit.

Key words: chilli pepper, physiological index, drought resistance, cluster analysis