Pepper

Bioactive molecules derived from seaweed extracts are revolutionary bio-stimulants used to enhance plant growth and increase yield production. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a commercially available seaweed liquid extract, namely, True-Algae-Max (TAM®), as a plant growth stimulant on nutritional, and antioxidant activity of Capsicum annuum. Three concentrations of TAM® (0.25, 0.5, and 1%) of various NPK: TAM® ratios were investigated via foliar spray, over 2017 and 2018 cultivation seasons, under greenhouse conditions. TAM® is rich in phytochemical compounds, such as ascorbic acid (1.66 mg g−1), phenolics (101.67 mg g−1), and flavonoids (2.60 mg g−1) that showed good antioxidant activity (54.52 mg g−1) and DPPH inhibition of 70.33%. Promoting measured parameter results stated the extensive potentiality of TAM® application, in comparison with conventional NPK treatment. Yield and composition of C. annuum were significantly improved in all TAM® treated groups, especially th...

The presented study describes the effectiveness of induced androgenesis in in vitro pepper anther culture. The aim of this study was the establishment of effective technology for induction of embryogenesis in pepper anther culture; development of the embryos into plantlets; successful adaptation and acclimatization of plantlets from sterile to greenhouse conditions, and the breeding process of obtained androgenetic pepper lines in the plastic tunnel conditions. From 19 pepper genotypes under investigation, 12 possessed potential for embryo formation in anther culture. After the acclimatization and adaptation of plantlets, seed material from four pepper genotypes were collected: Piran, Kurtovska kapija SR, Zlaten medal SR and Feherozon. From the collected seed material, breeding processes of androgenetic pepper lines was set up in plastic tunnel (from April-October 2007-2010). The pepper genotypes and androgenetic lines as their products differ among themselves in the length of phono...

Pungency in Capsicum fruits is due to the accumulation of the alkaloid capsaicin and its analogs. The biosynthesis of capsaicin is restricted to the genus Capsicum and results from the acylation of an aromatic moiety, vanillylamine, by a branched-chain fatty acid. Many of the enzymes involved in capsaicin biosynthesis are not well characterized and the regulation of the pathway is not fully understood. Based on the current pathway model, candidate genes were identified in public databases and the literature, and genetically mapped. A published EST co-localized with the Pun1 locus which is required for the presence of capsaicinoids. This gene, AT3, has been isolated and its nucleotide sequence has been determined in an array of genotypes within the genus. AT3 showed significant similarity to acyltransferases in the BAHD superfamily. The recessive allele at this locus contains a deletion spanning the promoter and first exon of the predicted coding region in every non-pungent accession tested. Transcript and protein expression of AT3 was tissue-specific and developmentally regulated. Virus-induced gene silencing of AT3 resulted in a decrease in the accumulation of capsaicinoids, a phenotype consistent with pun1. In conclusion, gene mapping, allele sequence data, expression profile and silencing analysis collectively indicate that the Pun1 locus in pepper encodes a putative acyltransferase, and the pun1 allele, used in pepper breeding for nearly 50 000 years, results from a large deletion at this locus.

This work reports a method for extraction and analysis of thiosultap sodium, thiocyclam, and nereistoxin in pepper. Different extraction methods were tested to attain the best recoveries. The final extraction method combines acetonitrile extraction in an acidic medium with ultrasonic extraction followed by a cleanup step with anhydrous MgSO(4). The analyses were performed on a Linear Ion Trap Quadrupole LC-MS/MS in negative mode for thiosultap sodium and in positive mode for thiocyclam and nereistoxin. Recovery studies carried out on peppers spiked at different fortification levels (20 and 200 μg∙kg(-1)) yielded average recoveries in the range 58-87% with RSD (%) values below 20%. Calibration curves covering two orders of magnitude were performed and they were linear over the concentration range studied (0.001-0.5 mg∙l(-1)). Instrumental detection limits were in the low μg∙kg(-1) range. Stability studies of thiosultap sodium in water were performed by evaluating a 100-μg∙l(-1) solution of this compound in water. It was analyzed over 7 days, after which more than 80% degradation of thiosultap sodium could be observed.

Various systems of anther and microspore cultures were studied to establish an efficient doubled haploid production method for Indonesian hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). A shed-microspore culture protocol was developed which outperformed all the previously reported methods of haploid production in pepper. The critical factors of the protocol are: selection of flower buds with more than 50% late unicellular microspores, a 1 day 4°C pretreatment of the buds, followed by culture of the anthers in double-layer medium system for 1 week at 9°C and thereafter at 28°C in continuous darkness. The medium contained Nitsch components and 2% maltose, with 1% activated charcoal in the solid under layer and 2.5 μM zeatin and 5 μM indole-3-acetic acid in the liquid upper layer. All the ten genotypes of hot pepper tested, responded to this protocol. The best genotypes produced four to seven plants per original flower bud. This protocol can be used as a potential tool for producing doubled haploid palnt sfor hot pepper breeding.

Four phenotypic xanthomonad groups have been identified that are pathogenic to pepper, tomato, or both hosts. These include groups A and C which are found in Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria, group B found in X. vesicatoria, and group D found in 'X. gardneri'. We present DNA:DNA hybridization data in which X. axonopodis pv. vesicatoria group A and C strains have less than 70% DNA relatedness with each other, with the type strain of X. axonopodis, and with the currently classified species within Xanthomonas and, therefore, should be removed from this species and given species status. We present information that the A strains most closely resemble the strains originally isolated by Doidge in 1921. In an attempt to avoid confusion in nomenclature as stated in Principle 1 of the Bacteriological Code, we propose that the A strains of X. axonopodis pv. vesicatoria be renamed as X. euvesicatoria (ATCC11633 T = NCPPB2968 T = ICMP 109 T = ICMP 98 T). Use of the euvesicatoria epithet should be reserved for strains originally identified by Doidge, which she designated Bacterium vesicatorium (Ann. Appl. Biol. 7: 407-430, 1921) in the original description when she referred to those strains as being feebly amylolytic. The name X. perforans sp. nov. is proposed for the C group of strains previously designated as X. axonopodis pv. vesicatoria (ATCC BAA-983 T = NCPPB 4321 T). We also propose that 'X. gardneri', which has less than 70% DNA relatedness with any of the Xanthomonas species and which has never had taxonomic status, be named X. gardneri (ATCC 19865 T = NCPPB 881 T) to reflect the specific epithet proposed by Sutic [17] in 1957.

Bioactive related compounds of fresh-cut green bell peppers (Capsicum annuum, L.) exposed to water immersion at 55°C and 60°C per 180 s were evaluated during storage. Their sensorial and microbial quality, acidity, sugar and chlorophyll content were also determined. Beneficial effects on sensorial attributes were observed in treated peppers with longer shelf life than in non-treated ones (5 days at 4°C, 2 days at 10°C). At the end of storage at 4°C, phenols increased to 11% and quercetin and antioxidant capacity were retained, but in control peppers ascorbic acid dropped 16%. At 10°C, there was no change in phenols; quercetin, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity decreased (15%, 13% and 10% respectively) in treated peppers. Changes were more noticeable in non-treated products (phenols increased 21%, ascorbic acid decreased 28% and antioxidant activity 20%). Mild heat treatments applied to fresh-cut peppers seemed to preserve some of their bioactive compounds during storage.

An in vitro regeneration protocol has been developed from 'half-seed explants' of a mild (cv. New Mexico-6) and a pungent (cv. Rajpur Hirapur) Chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L). Imbibed seeds were cut into two parts such that one portion contained the cotyledons and a part of the hypocotyl (part A) while the other part had the proximal part of the hypocotyl and the radicle (part B). These explants were cultured on MS medium with or without cytokinins (KIN, BA, ZEA, 2iP). Cytokinins dramatically increased both the percentage of explants forming buds as well as the number of buds per explant, and also hastened the rate of bud production. The relative efficacy of cytokinins in inducing the formation of leafy buds varied in the two cultivars. However, the best response was observed with ZEA in both cultivars. The highest percentage of bud formation was recorded after presoaking part B explants for 72 hours. The elongation growth of leafy buds was severely inhibited in the continuous presence of high concentrations of cytokinins, and frequently the buds became quite thick, ill-defined and vitreous. Within 3-5 weeks of transfer to Magenta boxes containing vermiculite and soil (1:3), 70-85% of the rooted hypocotyls developed l-2 elongated shoots. Following transfer to pots, these plantlets grew into normal plants.

Indirect evidence suggests that hot spices may interact with epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract to modulate their transport properties. Using HCT-8 cells, a cell line from a human ileocoecal carcinoma, we studied the effects of spices on transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), permeability for fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextrans with graded molecular weight, and morphological alterations of tight junctions by immunofluorescence using an anti-ZO-1 antibody, a marker for tight junction integrity. Two different reactivity patterns were observed: paprika and cayenne pepper significantly decreased the TER and increased permeability for 10-, 20-and 40-kDa dextrans but not for -70 kDa dextrans. Simultaneously, tight junctions exhibited a discontinuous pattern. Applying extracts from black or green pepper, bay leaf or nutmeg increased the TER and macromolecular permeability remained low. Immunofluorescence ZO-1 staining was preserved. In accordance with the above findings, capsaicin transiently reduced resistance and piperine increased resistance, making them candidates for causing the effects seen with crude spice extracts. The observation that Solanaceae spices (paprika, cayenne pepper) increase permeability for ions and macromolecules might be of pathophysiological importance, particularly with respect to food allergy and intolerance. J. Nutr. 128: 577-581, 1998. KEY WORDS: • spices • intestinal epithelia • transepithelial electrical resistance • permeability • tight junctions • HCT-8 cells MATERIALS AND METHODS 1 The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment Spice extracts. Spices (black and green pepper grains, bay leaves, of page charges. This article must therefore be hereby marked ''advertisement'' nutmeg, chili pepper, cayenne pepper and paprika powder) were purin accordance with 18 USC section 1734 solely to indicate this fact.

Genetic resistance to Meloidogyne incognita in pepper (Capsicum annuum) has been well characterised for the N and Me3 resistance genes. However, there are no studies comparing the effects of these two genes directly or investigating the combined effects when both genes are present together. Several studies were undertaken to investigate the relationship of the N and Me3 gene systems to one another and to assess whether these two genes are allelic or truly separate genes. Two genotypes homozygous for the N gene ('Carolina Wonder' and 'Charleston Belle') and two genotypes homozygous for the Me3 gene (HDA 149 and PM 687) were compared in a replicated greenhouse test for reaction to M. incognita race 3. There were no significant differences between the resistant reactions of genotypes possessing the N or Me3 gene. Allelism tests were performed using the F2 populations of the parental genotypes HDA 149 × 'Charleston Belle' and HDA 149 × 'Carolina Wonder'. The results of these studies clearly show the N and Me3 genes to be distinct, separate dominant resistance genes conferring resistance to M. incognita race 3 and not alleles of the same gene.

After more than 50 years, the rare autochthonous species, Capsicum lanceolatum, of Mesoamerica was rediscovered in a virgin remnant of the Guatemala cloud forest, Mario D'Arcy Avila Biotopo el Quetzal, a nature reserve for the resplendent quetzal. At all previous known locations C. lanceolatum was extirpated. Specific variation in flower and seed traits of the C. lanceolatum from the Biotopo el Quetzal population suggests it is a heretofore undiscovered population of this species. The usefulness of nature preserves in saving designated and cryptic species is illustrated.

In this paper a two-phase filter for removing "salt and pepper" noise is proposed. In the first phase, an adaptive median filter is used to identify the set of the noisy pixels; in the second phase, these pixels are restored according to a regularization method, which contains a data-fidelity term reflecting the impulse noise characteristics. The algorithm, which exhibits good performance both in denoising and in restoration, can be easily and effectively parallelized to exploit the full power of multi-core CPUs and GPGPUs; the proposed implementation based on the FastFlow library achieves both close-to-ideal speedup and very good wall-clock execution figures.

In arid-zone agriculture where available irrigation water is saline, desalination is becoming an attractive method for increasing yields and reducing negative environmental consequences. However, irrigation with desalinated water can be problematic if essential nutrients, including Ca, Mg, and S, removed during reverse osmosis, are not reintroduced. We evaluated two strategies for supplying these nutrients — direct fertilization and blending of

Influence of Refractance Window™ Drying (RWD), a novel contact drying method, on carotenoids, capsaicinoids, Retinol Activity Equivalent (RAE) and Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) of paprika (Cv., Jalapeno) was investigated in comparison with freeze drying (FD), oven drying (OD), and natural convective drying (NCD) methods. Eight carotenoids (capsanthin, capsorubin, capsolutein, b-carotene, b-cryptoxanthin, mutatoxanthin, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin) and five capsaicinoid analogues (capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, isodihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin) were identified in paprika. All these components were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by the RWD, FD and OD methods. However, due to ongoing synthesis, the NCD method resulted in higher carotenoids, except violaxanthin and mutatoxanthin, and capsaicinoids content than those of the others, even puree. Mutatoxanthin, naturally occurring pigment in red pepper, could only be detected in FD paprika. The highest RAE and SHU values, which were derived from the data of carotenoids and capsaicinoids, respectively, were also determined in NCD paprika.

ABSTRACT
Pepper is a neutraceutical crop widely consumed. This study aimed at comparing the proximate composition and nutritive values of four cultivated varieties of pepper (C. frutescens var. chacoense, C. annuum var. abbreviatum, C. annuum var. accuminatum and C. annuum var. grossum) and four wild varieties (C. frutescens var. maxima, C. frutescens var. baccatum, C. frutescens var. minima and C. frutescens var. glabrisculum). The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Plot of the Department of Pure and Applied Botany, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Latitude: 7.214952; Longitude: 3.437090) using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Proximate composition and nutritive values were determined using AOAC, macro-Kjeldhal and spectrophotometric methods. Means were separated using the Duncan’s Multiple-Range Test at p ˂ 0.05 (Statistical Analysis Systems version 9.2). The results showed that C. frutescens var. chacoense had the highest vitamin C (145.17 mg/100 g ±5.68) while C. frutescens var. glabrisculum had the highest crude protein (11.90 mg/100 g ± 0.15), crude lipid (3.38 mg/100 g ± 0.40), ash content (4.70 mg/100 g±0.18), carbohydrate (43.79 mg/100 g ± 0.64) and crude fibre (27.48 mg/100 g ± 0.36). C. annuum var. glabrisculum had the lowest moisture content (8.57 mg/100 g ± 0.51). The study revealed higher proximate composition and nutritional values in wild varieties than in the cultivated  ones. Therefore, the cultivation and consumption of wild pepper varieties should be encouraged.
Key words: Proximate, nutritional potentials, pepper, wild, cultivated

The effect of chitosan on the necrotrophic growth of Botrytis cinerea in bell pepper fruit was investigated. In control tissue, massive fungal colonization was followed by extensive degradation of the pectin component of host walls and middle lamella. Reduction of pectin labelling was also observed in walls distant from invading hyphae. In contrast, cellulose breakdown was limited to small wall areas closely appressed against the pathogen. The disruption of host walls and the reduction of pectin labelling appeared to parallel levels of cell-wall-macerating enzymes isolated from B. cinerea-infected tissue. High levels of polygalacturonase and trace amounts of cellulase were detected in B. cinerea-infected tissue. In chitosan-treated tissue, the preservation of pectin binding sites and the intense and regular cellulose distribution over host walls, suggested that chitosan might have prevented the maceration of host tissue by B. cinerea. Chitosan not only was effective in reducing the production of polygalacturonases by B. cinerea, but also caused severe cytological damage to invading hyphae. This may, in part, explain the limited ability of the pathogen to colonize tissues in the presence of chitosan. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Molecular markers based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are abundant and evenly distributed in a whole genome enough to distinguish individuals in a population. In recent years, sets of SNP markers have been designed and applied for cultivar identification in various crop species. This paper is the first to report the development of a panel of SNP markers for variety identification in peppers. We used conserved ortholog set II (COSII) markers developed from conserved unigenes between tomato and Arabidopsis to identify SNPs in peppers. We tested 438 COSII primer sets amplified as single PCR products out of a total 600 COSII primer sets. Among the 438 COSII primers, 170 primer sets (38.8%) showed polymorphisms between Capsicum annuum ‘RNaky (RN)’and C. chinense ‘PI 159234 (234)’. In contrast, only 48 primer sets (11.0%) out of 438 primers sets were polymorphic between C. annuum ‘Perennial (PER), and ‘Dempsey (DEMP)’. The average frequency of SNPs plus InDels between C. annuum and C. chinense was 1/189 bp and between C. annuum spp. was 1/948 bp. Primer sets showing SNP between C. annuum PER and DEMP were re-designed to Allele Specific PCR (AS-PCR) primers and we finally selected a total of 40 SNP markers for cultivar identification. As the result, we were able to discriminate 97.5% of the 81 commercial hot cultivars and 100% of the 17 sweet pepper cultivars. We conclude the paper by discussing the use of the SNP marker set for cultivar identification and other applications.

As a result of normal metabolic processes, the human body produces reactive oxygen species capable of oxidizing biomolecules that can damage DNA, cells, and contribute to chronic disease. This process can be attenuated or perhaps reversed by diets containing spices that have the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species. The present study measured the concentration of polyphenols in peppercorn (black

Bacterial spot, one of the most damaging diseases of pepper, is caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. This pathogen has worldwide distribution and it is particularly devastating in tropical and sub-tropical regions where high temperatures and frequent precipitation provide ideal conditions for disease development. Three dominant resistance genes have been deployed singly and in combination in commercial cultivars, but have been rendered ineVectual by the high mutation rate or deletion of the corresponding cognate eVector genes. These genes are missing in race P6, and their absence makes this race virulent on all commercial pepper cultivars. The breeding line ECW12346 is the only source of resistance to race P6 in Capsicum annuum, and displays a non-hypersensitive type of resistance. Characterization of this resistance has identiWed two recessive genes: bs5 and bs6. Individual analysis of these genes revealed that bs5 confers a greater level of resistance than bs6 at 25°C, but in combination they confer full resistance to P6 indicating at least additive gene action. Tests carried out at 30°C showed that both resistances are compromised to a signiWcant extent, but in combination they provide almost full resistance to race P6 indicating a positive epistatic interaction at high temperatures. A scan of the pepper genome with restriction fragment length polymorphism and AFLP markers led to the identiWcation of a set of AFLP markers for bs5. Allele-speciWc primers for a PCR-based bs5-marker have been developed to facilitate the genetic manipulation of this gene. Communicated by G. Bryan.

Attached and detached pepper and cucumber fruits at various stages of maturity were exposed to solar radiation. Sunscald incidence was affected by the colour of the fruits and whether or not they were attached to the plant. Detached fruit became warmer than attached ones, the former being more prone to suffer sunscald injuries. Light coloured mature-green peppers heated up less under insolation than dark-green ones, the latter showing higher incidence of damage. Red-ripe peppers and yellow-ripe cucumbers were resistant to sunscald injuries. Peppers at the mature-green and breaker stages of development, and mature-green and yellow-green cucumbers, were most susceptible in terms of sunscald. It was reasoned that chlorophyll is essential for sunscald development, and that fruit at stages characterized by chlorophyll disintegration, are highly susceptible to photo-oxidative processes.

Several root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) resistance genes have been discovered in different pepper (Capsium annuum L.) lines; however, none of them has yet been cloned. In this study, a candidate root-knot nematode resistance gene (designated as CaMi) was isolated from the resistant pepper line PR 205 by degenerate PCR amplification combined with the RACE technique. Expression profiling analysis revealed that this gene was highly expressed in roots, leaves, and flowers and expressed at a lower level in stems and was not detectable in fruits. To verify the function of CaMi, a sense vector containing the genomic DNA spanning the full coding region of CaMi was constructed and transferred into root-knot nematode susceptible tomato plants. Sixteen transgenic plants carrying one to five copies of T-DNA inserts were generated from two nematode susceptible tomato cultivars. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of CaMi gene varied in different transgenic plants. Nematode assays showed that the resistance to root-knot nematodes was significantly improved in some transgenic lines compared to untransformed susceptible plants, and that the resistance was inheritable. Ultrastructure analysis showed that nematodes led to the formation of galls or root knots in the susceptible lines while in the resistant transgenic plants, the CaMi gene triggered a hypersensitive response (HR) as well as many necrotic cells around nematodes.

Greenhouse production of vegetables is widely used throughout the world. Elevated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentrations in these closed environments can increase net photosynthesis and yield. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of atmospheric CO 2 enrichment and water supply on the growth of potted bell pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) plants, cultivated under controlled environmental conditions. CO 2 was applied daily, and its distribution was monitored above plant rows through micro pipes located at 3.0 m height. A drip irrigation system with one dripper per plant was used to irrigate the plants. Different volumes of irrigation water, representing fractions of the water volume (Vet) consumed by pot plants growing under no water stress conditions (0.5Vet, 0.65Vet, 1.0Vet, and 1.35Vet) with four replications, were evaluated under four different CO 2 levels (atmospheric concentration of 367, 600, 800, and 1000 µmol mol -1 ). Total fresh fruit mass, average number of fruits, and water use efficiency were recorded. For the water deficit treatments, the greatest fresh fruit mass was obtained for the highest CO 2 level environment. However, for treatments that received water volumes equal or greater than the evapotranspiration rate, the greatest total fresh fruit mass was observed at the 600 µmol mol -1 of CO 2 environment. The yield increase due to CO 2 was represented by increase in fruit weight and not in fruit number. Water use efficiency increased in relation to the amount of water applied and it was highest at 600 µmol mol -1 CO 2 concentration. Key words: fruit mass, number of fruits, water use efficiency . Palavras-chave: massa de fruto, número de frutos, eficiência de uso da água

Pepper (chilli) (Capsicum annum) varieties, 'Tatase' and 'Rodo', (Capsicum frutescens) 'Sombo' and 'Bawa' were osmotically dehydrated in sucrose solutions of 40, 50 and 60 o Brix and binary solutions of 50° sucrose with 5, 10 and 15% salt at 20, 30 and 40°C for 9 h. Samples osmosed at higher sugar concentrations (50° and 60°Brix) gave better results while improved solute gain were obtained using binary mixture with lower processing time, energy and cost. Effects of varietal differences on solid gain and water loss showed a descending in the order 'Sombo', 'Rodo', 'Bawa' and 'Tatase'. The colours were retained and stabilized after osmotic dehydration. Therefore, the solid gain and colour retention are indications of value addition.

The influence of seed priming using different priming agents (distilled water, NaCl, salicylic acid, acetyl salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, PEG-8000 and KNO3) on seed vigour of hot pepper cv. Hot Queen was examined. Primed seeds of each treatment were cultured in Petri ...

Problem: Recent reports indicate incidents of aggressive driving have risen 51% since 1990 (Vest, Cohen, & Tharp, 1997), and they continue to rise about 7% per year (Pepper, 1977). Current estimates attribute more than 218 deaths and 12,610 injuries to aggressive driving since 1990 (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 1997). Method: College students as well as safety professionals were used in a four phase investigation to develop a Propensity for Angry Driving Scale (PADS). The PADS was designed to identify individuals with the greatest propensity to become angry while driving and subsequently engage in hostile driving behaviors or acts of``road rage.'' Results: Results of the investigation reveal the PADS to be a unidimensional measure with acceptable alpha levels (.88 ± .89) and adequate test ± retest reliability (.91). In addition, the PADS demonstrated significant and positive correlations with the Buss ± Durkee Hostility Index (BDHI; r =.40) and the trait subscale of the State ± Trait Anger Scale (STAS; r =.40). The PADS had a modest but significant correlation with Eysenck's impulsivity scale (r =.28) and was uncorrelated with Eysenck's venturesomeness scale, (r =.00). Summary: With the ability to identify anger prone drivers, research can begin addressing the underlying emotional mechanisms or thought processes that trigger angry and hostile reactions while driving. Given the win/lose hostile climate present on our highways, the PADS is a timely instrument that could be used to identify, study, and intervene on angry drivers prone to experience road rage.

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Data on genetic similarity among crop cultivars is of vital importance for the plant breeder. The objectives of this study were to group pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes into clusters according to their distances as estimated by morphological traits and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and to assess the relationships between the two. Thirty-nine pepper genotypes obtained from different countries were grown in the greenhouse at University of the Free State, South Africa, during 2001 and 2002 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. A total of 20 different morphological traits were measured and six AFLP primer pairs were used to estimate pairwise genetic distances. Both datasets showed high genetic distances among the different genotypes, indicating high genetic diversity among them. The mean genetic distance among Ethiopian pungent elongated-fruit genotypes, was lower than that between them and the introduced ones. Morphological and AFLP distance estimations generally clustered together genotypes with similar fruit sizes. Significant, positive correlation was observed between morphological and AFLP diversity estimations. The narrow genetic basis among the Ethiopian pungent elongated-fruit cultivars suggests that the pepper breeding program of Ethiopia should focus on enriching its germplasm through local collection and introductions from other parts of the world.

We present new remote sensing indices of plant water status: the ratio between the reflectance at 970 nm, one of the water absorption bands, and the reflectance at a reference wavelength, 900 nm (R970/R9000; the first derivative minimum in this near-infrared region (dNIRminimum) and the wavelength where this minimum is found ( λNIRminimum). In order to evaluate them, we carried out three experiments. Daily irrigated gerbera plants were allowed to dry until almost wilting and then daily irrigation was restarted; pepper and bean plants were grown for four months submitted to two different irrigation treatments; and bean detached leaves were submitted to progressive dehydration whereas pressure-volume curves were being carried out.In gerbera plants, the trough about 950–970 nm decreased as the drought was increasing. Therefore, the R970/R900 index and the dNIRminimum closely tracked the changes in relative water content (RWC), leaf water potential, stomatal conductance and the foliage-air temperature differences. The λdNIRminimum tracked even better these changes in gerberas. However, these water status indices began to be significant when the water stress was already well developed, at RWC smaller than 85 per cent. The same happened to detached leaves of beans which did not present differences above −1·55 MPa water potential. Beans and peppers growing at soil matric potentials larger than −0·04 MPa presented higher R970/R900 values than those growing at soil matric potentials only larger than −0·01 MPa.In all the cases, the maximum response of these indices was found in the varieties or the species that lost cell wall elasticity in response to drought stress. This could indicate an important structural component in these indices changes. Relative water content itself seemed to be, however, the most important factor as shown by the highest correlation coefficients with these spectral indices. These spectral signals were more evident at canopy level than at leaf level. They seem to be useful as water status indicators at ground level, especially when there are not important changes of LAI and when plants wholly cover the soil.

A germplasm collection of 70 cultivars and wild species of Capsicum was evaluated for resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) under field (natural inoculum) conditions. Different levels of resistance to the disease caused by this virus were observed among the tested lines. High degree of field resistance was detected in two Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum, two C. chinense, and three C. annuum lines. Controlled greenhouse tests were also carried out to confirm the resistant reaction of these seven field selected lines. These lines were mechanically inoculated with two serologically distinct isolates of TSWV obtained from different geographic regions of Brazil. The two C. chinense lines (‘CNPH 275’ and ‘PI 159236’) were virtually immune against one specific (TSWV-BsB) isolate but were susceptible to another isolate (TSWV-SP) used in this assay. Sources of resistance for both isolates were not found. Our experimental results strongly indicate there exists a number of genetic mechanisms (probably including action of vertical and horizontal genes) to TSWV resistance in Capsicum spp.

The effect of pressure treatments of 100 and 200 MPa (10 and 20 min) and of thermal blanching at 70°C, 80°C and 98°C (1 and 2.5 min), on sweet green and red bell peppers was compared. Pressure treated peppers showed a lower reduction on soluble protein and ascorbic acid contents. Red peppers presented even an increased content of ascorbic acid (15-20%), compared to the untreated peppers. Peroxidase and pectin methylesterase (whose activity was only quantifiable in green peppers) showed a higher stability to pressure treatments, particularly the latter enzyme, while polyphenol oxidase was inactivated to the same final level by the thermal blanching and pressure treatments. Pressure treatments resulted in comparable (in green pepper) to higher (in red pepper) microbial loads compared to blanching. Pressure treated green and red peppers presented similar to better firmness before and after tunnel freezing at À30°C, compared to thermally blanched peppers, particularly those blanched at 98°C. The results indicated that pressure treatments of 100 and 200 MPa can be used to produce frozen peppers with similar to better nutritional (soluble protein and ascorbic acid) and texture (firmness) characteristics, comparable activity of polyphenol oxidase and higher activity of pectin methylesterase, while pressure treated peppers show a higher level of peroxidase activity. It would be interesting to use higher pressures in future studies, as an attempt to cause a higher reduction on microbial load and on enzymatic activity.

Hot pepper is the most important worldwide grown and consumed spice and vegetable crop. Though hybrid breeding has been proposed for genetic improvement in the crop, but there is lack of information on heterosis in crosses among crop genotypes in Ethiopia. Twelve genotypes (nine Asian and three Ethiopian parents) of hot pepper were crossed in 2003 cropping season in a half-diallel fashion to fit Griffing's fixed effect model analysis. An open field experiment was conducted in 2004/ 2005 to investigate heterosis for fourteen traits in 66 F 1 hybrids grown together with their 12 selfed parents. Highly significant genotypic differences were observed for all the traits except for leaf area. Variance component due to specific combining ability (dominance) were larger than that due to

The steam volatile components of chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum) at two ripening stages (green and red) were analysed using GC and GC-MS; 140 constituents were identified, of which hexyl isopentanoate, hexyl 2methylbutanoate, limonene, hexyl isohexanoate, (E)-2-hexenal, isopentyl isopentanoate and (Z)-3-hexenyl isopentanoate were found to be the major constituents. During fruit maturation, the majority of volatile compounds decreased. In general, green chile peppers have higher amounts of esters, with their fruity odour notes, than red fruits. Attending to the differences in the amount of total volatiles, which is higher at the green stage in comparison with the mature stage, it can be concluded that the green stage is better in terms of its flavour than the red stage.

The aroma of fresh and hot-air dried bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) was evaluated by sensory and instrumental methods. Hot-air drying decreased levels of the odor compounds (Z)-3-hexenal, 2-heptanone, Q-2-hexenal, Q-2-hexenal, hexanol, (Z)-3-hexanol, (J?')-2-hexenol, and linalool, which have green, vegetable-like, fruity, and floral notes, while intensity scores of corresponding sensory aroma attributes also decreased. The aroma of rehydrated dried samples was mainly characterized as savory, rancid/sweaty, sweet/sickly, hay-like, cacao, caramel, and nutty. Drying increased the levels of 2-methylpropanal, 2-and 3-methylbutanal, which have cacao, spicy, and rancid/sweaty odor notes; these volatiles may be correlated with the corresponding aroma attributes in the dried fruits. Principal component analysis demonstrated relationships between instrumental and sensory data for fresh samples, whereas they were more complex for dried fruits.

Broad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV-1) causes damages in economically important plant crops such as pepper, bean, spinach, etc. Fast, cheap and reliable diagnostic tools are crucial to limit or control the disease. In this work, tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA), dot-blot (DB) and tissue-print (TP)-hybridization were developed for BBWV-1 diagnosis and evaluated for sensitivity, specificity and reliability in plants of several host species grown in the greenhouse or in the field, in comparison with ELISA and RT-PCR. RT-PCR followed by DB-hybridization provided the most sensitive and efficient diagnostic, but the virus was also detected in most samples by ELISA. Detection by TBIA or by TP-hybridization avoided sample processing, but they were less consistent and greatly depended on host species and tissue. DB-hybridization with probes corresponding to different genomic regions allowed universal detection of BBWV-1 and discrimination between genetically distant isolates.

We evaluated the efficacy of capsaicin as an aversive agent to captive and free-ranging gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinenssi). Capsaicin appeared more aversive in lipid-based formulations. Sunflower hearts treated with capsaicin oleoresins at 100,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU&#39;s) demonstrated near-complete aversiveness to captive squirrels. These treatments were sampled by food-deprived captive squirrels, but were not consumed due to their extreme pungency. Additionally, capsaicin-treated suet was very effective at lower concentrations than was observed with seeds (24,000 SHU-suet versus 100,000 SHU-seed). Three ground-pepper treatments (A = 8,250 SHU&#39;s, B = 27,500 SHU&#39;s, and C = 82,500 SHU&#39;s) offered simultaneously with control seeds to free-ranging squirrels revealed a dose-dependent aversive response. These same three treatments (A, B, and C) on sunflower hearts with control hearts available were also avoided by free-ranging squirrels; however, there was no signific...

The study investigated the comparative evaluation of nutritional, phytochemical, and microbiological quality of three pepper varieties (Capsicum annuum, Capsicum genus, and Capsicum frutescens). Three pepper varieties were purchased fresh from local market in Calabar, Cross River State. The samples were washed with distilled water and thinly sliced, (diameter of 1.0±0.1cm and thickness of 3-4mm), and then treated with chlorine concentrated solution. These samples were oven dried at temperature of 60 O C for 24 hours. The samples were ground with a woring blender and stored in air-tight container. The result of the analysis showed that the proximate composition of Capsicum genus was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens in moisture and carbohydrate contents. Capsicum annuum was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Capsicum genus and Capsicum frutescens in fat, insoluble and soluble fibre contents. Capsicum frutescens was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Capsicum annuum and Capsicum genus in protein and ash contents. Vitamin composition showed that Capsicum annuum was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Capsicum genus and Capsicum frutescens in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, niacin, vitamin B 6 , folic acid, and vitamin K. Mineral composition showed that Capsicum annuum was significantly (p<0.05) higher Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum genus in calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and nickel contents. Capsicum genus was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens in potassium, iron and cobalt contents. Phytochemical composition showed that Capsicum annuum was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Capsicum genus and Capsicum frutescens in tannins, flavonoid, saponin, terpenoid, and carotenoid contents. Capsicum genus was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens in alkaloid, phenolic compound, glycoside, and limonoid contents. Capsicum frutescens was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Capsicum genus and Capsicum annuum in anthraquinone contents. Aspergillus spp and Staphylococcus spp in Capsicum annum, Capsicum genus, and Capsicum frutescens were less than 10% and 100%. Escherichia coli and salmonella in these pepper varieties were not detected or absent. The result of this analysis revealed that the three pepper varieties have high nutritive value, medicinal value and can be used to remediate diseases and sustain health.

A rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system consisting of an ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) detector was developed for the separation and determination of Sudan dyes (I, II, III, and IV) and Para Red in red chilli peppers. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a reverse phase C 18 column with isocratic elution, using a mobile phase of acetonitrile/methanol (80:20, v/v); detector was set at 506 nm. All four Sudan dyes and Para Red were separated in less than 9 min. Among 80 red chilli peppers screened, only one of them contained 0.10, 0.04, and 0.05 mg/kg Sudans I, III, and IV, respectively. No Sudan II and Para Red were detected in any of the red chilli peppers analysed. The method was 'in-house' validated using red chilli peppers based on following criteria: limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), recovery, repeatability, reproducibility, and linearity in red chilli peppers. Depending on the dye involved, LOD and LOQ were in the range of 1.2-5.4 and 4-18 lg/kg in red chilli, respectively. The recovery, repeatability (expressed as coefficient of variation, CV r ), and reproducibility (CV R ) varied from 89 to 98%, from 0.82 to 4.09%, and from 1.33 to 4.65%, respectively. Linearity obtained for all dyes and Para Red were all r 2 > 0.9999 (in the range of 0.01-5 mg/l). The applicability of the method to the determination of Sudan dyes and Para Red in red chilli peppers was demonstrated. This method has potential to be used for illegal Sudan dyes and Para Red in red chilli peppers and some foodstuffs due to its simple, reliable, rapid, and excellent precision.

Hydrotropes, such as sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates and sodium butyl monoglycol sulfate, were used for the selective extraction of piperine by cell permeabilization of Piper nigrum fruits. Penetration of the hydrotrope molecules into the cellular structures and subsequent cell permeabilization were hypothesized to explain the enhanced extraction rates of aqueous hydrotrope solutions. Hydrotrope molecules, after adsorption on a cell wall, cause disorder in its structure and in the bilayered cell membrane to facilitate the rapid extraction of piperine. The hydrotrope solution showed selective and rapid extraction of piperine from black pepper. The recovered piperine was ∼90% pure and substantially free from oleoresins. The type and nature of the hydrotrope, the hydrotrope concentration, the temperature, and the particle size all had significant effects on the extraction process.

In order to investigate the variation in β-carotene and vitamin A in commonly consumed vegetables in Asia, different leafy vegetables were analyzed. The mean β-carotene content varied between 16 and 6630μg/100g fresh weight (FW) with the highest content in drumstick leaves and the lowest content in common cabbage and Garland chrysanthemum leaves. In six tuber and fruit vegetables, the mean