Exploring Disease Resistance in Pepper (Capsicum spp.) Germplasm Collection Using Fluidigm SNP Genotyping.

This study utilized a diverse Capsicum accessions (5658) sourced from various species and geographical regions, deposited at the National Agrobiodiversity Center, Genebank. We employed 19 SNP markers through a Fluidigm genotyping system and screened these accessions against eight prevalent diseases of pepper. This study revealed accessions resistant to individual diseases as well as those exhibiting resistance to multiple diseases, including bacterial spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, phytophthora root rot, and potyvirus. The C. chacoense accessions were identified as resistant materials against bacterial spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, and phytophthora root rot, underscoring the robust natural defense mechanisms inherent in the wild Capsicum species and its potential uses as sources of resistance for breeding. C. baccatum species also demonstrated to be a promising source of resistance to major pepper diseases. Generally, disease-resistant germplasm has been identified from various Capsicum species. Originating from diverse locations such as Argentina, Bolivia, and the United Kingdom, these accessions consistently demonstrated resistance, indicating the widespread prevalence of disease-resistant traits across varied environments. Additionally, we selected ten pepper accessions based on their resistance to multiple diseases, including CMV, Phytophthora root rot, potyviruses, and TSWV, sourced from diverse geographical regions like Hungary, Peru, the United States, and the Netherlands. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into disease resistance in Capsicum, crucial for fostering sustainable agricultural practices and advancing crop improvement through breeding strategies.

A Comprehensive Genome-Wide Association Study of Carotenoid and Capsaicinoid Contents in Capsicum chinense Germplasm.

Pepper is a highly important vegetable globally, both economically and nutritionally. However, to efficiently select and identify genetic resources for pepper breeding programs, it is crucial to understand the association between important traits and genetic factors. In this study, we investigated the genetic basis of carotenoid and capsaicinoid content in 160 Capsicum chinense germplasms. The study observed significant variability in carotenoid and capsaicinoid content among the germplasms. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between violaxanthin and antheraxanthin. In contrast, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin displayed negative correlations with individual carotenoids but exhibited a strong positive correlation between the two compounds (r = 0.90 ***). Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was performed on 160 genotypes of pepper germplasm, which identified 47,810 high-quality SNPs. A comprehensive genome-wide association analysis was performed using these SNPs to identify SNPs associated with carotenoids and capsaicinoids, revealing 193 SNPs that exhibited significant associations. Specifically, 4 SNPs were associated with violaxanthin, 2 with antheraxanthin, 86 with capsorubin, 5 with capsanthin, 63 with zeaxanthin, 3 with ß-cryptoxanthin, and 2 with α-carotene. With further studies, the significantly associated SNPs identified in this study have the potential to be utilized for selecting pepper accessions with high carotenoid and capsaicinoid contents. Additionally, the genes associated with these significant SNPs will be used to understand their roles and involvement in the biosynthesis pathway of carotenoids and capsaicinoids. Understanding the function of these genes can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the production of these bioactive compounds in pepper. The findings of this study hold valuable implications for selecting pepper varieties with desirable traits and developing breeding programs aimed at enhancing the nutritional and medicinal properties of pepper.

Genome-wide association study of resistance to anthracnose in pepper (Capsicum chinense) germplasm.

BACKGROUND: Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. that has a significant impact on worldwide pepper production. Colletotrichum scovillei is the most common pathogenic anthracnose-causing species in the Republic of Korea. RESULTS: The resistances of 197 pepper (Capsicum chinense) accessions deposited in Korea's National Agrobiodiversity Center were evaluated for their response against the virulent pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum isolate 'KSCa-1' and C. scovillei isolate 'Hana') in the field and in vitro methods for three consecutive years (2018 to 2020). The severity of the disease was recorded and compared between inoculation methods. Six phenotypically resistant pepper accessions were selected based on three years of disease data. All of the selected resistant pepper accessions outperformed the control resistant pepper in terms of resistance (PI 594,137). A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with anthracnose resistance. An association analysis was performed using 53,518 SNPs and the disease score of the 2020 field and in vitro experiment results. Both field and in vitro experiments revealed 25 and 32 significantly associated SNPs, respectively. These SNPs were found on all chromosomes except Ch06 and Ch07 in the field experiment, whereas in the in vitro experiment they were found on all chromosomes except Ch04 and Ch11. CONCLUSION: In this study, six resistant C. chinense accessions were selected. Additionally, in this study, significantly associated SNPs were found in a gene that codes for a protein kinase receptor, such as serine/threonine-protein kinase, and other genes that are known to be involved in disease resistance. This may strengthen the role of these genes in the development of anthracnose resistance in Capsicum spp. As a result, the SNPs discovered to be strongly linked in this study can be used to identify a potential marker for selecting pepper material resistant to anthracnose, which will assist in the development of resistant varieties.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Properties in Eggplant Germplasm.

The phenolic compounds in eggplant offer potential natural antioxidants for improved health. A large number of samples were examined in order to find eggplant germplasm with a high potential for health promotion. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with variations in total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity in eggplants, including ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). TPC values varied from 14.19 to 842.90 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g of dry weight of eggplant fruit powder. TPC showed a strong positive correlation with both FRAP and ABTS (r = 0.89 *** and 0.77 ***, respectively). The GWAS identified 20 SNPs that were significantly associated out of 29,183 SNPs. Out of the 20 significant SNPs, 11 showed associations with TPC, 4 with ABTS activity, and 5 with FRAP. Among the SNPs associated with TPC, one SNP was found on each of Chromosomes 3, 4, 7, and 12. In contrast, Chromosome 5 comprised two SNPs associated to TPC. Furthermore, the gene encoding IRX12 laccase-4 on Chromosome 10 was found to contain five SNPs associated with TPC. Four significantly linked SNPs on Chromosomes 1 (1 SNP), 4 (2 SNPs), and 10 (1 SNP) were found to be related to ABTS activity. The identified SNPs will be further examined as markers for selecting desirable eggplant varieties and exploring the links between candidate genes, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The findings of this study could assist in further study and the development of eggplants with improved health advantages through targeted breeding.

Genome-Wide Association Study for Agro-Morphological Traits in Eggplant Core Collection.

Eggplant is one of the most economically and nutritionally important vegetables worldwide. The study of the association of phenotypic traits with genetic factors is vital for the rapid and efficient identification and selection of eggplant genetic resources for breeding purposes with desired traits. The eggplant resources (587) collected from different countries, including Korea, were used for establishing the core collection. A total of 288 accessions were selected from 587 Solanum accessions based on 52 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers together with 17 morphological traits. This core collection was further used to analyze the genetic associations of eggplant morphological variations. A large variation was found among the evaluated eggplant accessions for some agro-morphological traits. Stem prickles and leaf prickles showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.83***), followed by days to flowering and days to maturity (r = 0.64***). A total of 114,981 SNPs were filtered and used for phylogenetic tree analysis, population structure analysis, and genome-wide association study (GWAS). Among the agro-morphological traits, significantly associated SNPs were found for six traits. A total of 377 significantly associated SNPs with six agro-morphological traits were identified. These six traits and the number of SNPs were: days to maturity (51), flower size (121), fruit width (20), harvest fruit color (42), leaf prickles (38), and stem prickles (105). The largest fraction of significant SNPs (11.94%) was obtained on chromosome Ch01, followed by Ch07 and Ch06 with 11.67% and 10.08%, respectively. This study will help to develop markers linked to the most important agro-morphological traits of eggplant genetic resources and support the selection of desirable traits for eggplant breeding programs.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Resistance to Phytophthora capsici in the Pepper (Capsicum spp.) Collection.

One of the most serious pepper diseases is Phytophthora blight, which is caused by Phytophthora capsici. It is crucial to assess the resistance of pepper genetic resources to Phytophthora blight, understand the genetic resistances, and develop markers for selecting resistant pepper materials in breeding programs. In this study, the resistance of 342 pepper accessions to P. capsici was evaluated. The disease severity score method was used to evaluate the phenotypic responses of pepper accessions inoculated with the KCP7 isolate. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to P. capsici (isolate KCP7) resistance. The pepper population was genotyped using the genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) method, and 45,481 SNPs were obtained. A GWAS analysis was performed using resistance evaluation data and SNP markers. Significantly associated SNPs for P. capsici resistance at 4 weeks after inoculation of the GWAS pepper population were selected. These SNPs for Phytophthora blight resistance were found on all chromosomes except Chr.05, Chr.09, and Chr.11. One of the SNPs found on Chr.02 was converted into a high-resolution melting (HRM) marker, and another marker (QTL5-1) from the previous study was applied to pepper accessions and breeding lines for validation and comparison. This SNP marker was selected because the resistance phenotype and the HRM marker genotype matched well. The selected SNP was named Chr02-1126 and was located at 112 Mb on Chr.02. The Chr02-1126 marker predicted P. capsici resistance with 78.5% accuracy, while the QTL5-1 marker predicted resistance with 80.2% accuracy. Along with the marker for major quantitative traits loci (QTLs) on Chr.05, this Chr02-1126 marker could be used to accurately predict Phytophthora blight resistance in pepper genetic resources. Therefore, this study will assist in the selection of resistant pepper plants in order to breed new phytophthora blight-resistant varieties.

Evaluation of antioxidant, organic acid, and volatile compounds in coffee pulp wine fermented with native yeasts isolated from coffee cherries.

In this study, coffee pulp was examined as a starting material to make alcoholic beverages (coffee pulp wine) and yeast fermentation ability. We have evaluated five yeasts, three of which were previously isolated from the coffee cherry, and the other two were commercial yeasts. The pH, °Brix, viable yeast cells, and color parameters of coffee pulp wines were measured. The antioxidant activity of coffee pulp wine were measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. Relatively, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition percentage of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera (strain KNU18Y4) fermented coffee pulp wine was higher than that of other yeasts. Coffee pulp wine fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain Fermivin) had higher ferric reducing antioxidant power values. Coffee pulp wine fermented with S. fibuligera (strain KNU18Y4) produced higher total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. Coffee pulp wine fermented with S. cerevisiae (strain KNU18Y12) had lower total tannin content compared to other treatments. The citric and malic acid contents were higher in coffee pulp wine fermented with S. cerevisiae (strain Fermivin). On the other hand, high lactic and acetic acid produced, with coffee pulp wine fermented with S. fibuligera (strain KNU18Y4). Ethyl alcohol was the most abundant volatile compound found in all treatments.

The Engagement Level of Board Members and Associated Health Care Quality in Public Health Centers of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2018.

BACKGROUND: A board member was an important bridge to accelerate a day-to-day health care quality in a routine clinical activity at health institutions. They are significant in planning and examine integrated governance systems that encourage quality of care and accountability. So, the current research was planned to identify the level of engagement of the board members in health care quality and factors associated. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was implemented among 250 board members and data were collected by self-administered questionnaire at selected governing health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from May 1 to 30, 2018. A simple random sampling technique was used to reach the study participants. Data were entered using EpiData 3.1 software and analysis was done using SPSS 23. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The level of board members' engagement was found to be low which implies that the board members do not give appropriate attention to the quality of care. RESULTS: Good level of engagement of board members was (50.9%) [AOR=7.11, 95% CI (3.07-16.47)]. Most of the governing board members did not engage in the quality of health care activities. Uses quality data as a basis for recognition [AOR=7.11, 95% CI (3.07-16.47)], review a quality scorecard or dashboard [AOR=10.83, 95% CI (3.75-31.29)], establishing goals relating to staff satisfaction [AOR=15.42, 95% CI (6.14-38.75)] and receiving formal training [AOR=3.42, 95% CI (1.35 -8.62)], having a strategy relating to communication with clients [AOR= 4.95, 95% CI (2.02-12.15)] and spending more than 20% [AOR=11.96, 95% CI (3.27-43.83)], received training on healthcare disparities [AOR=3.81, 95% CI (1.40-10.36)], and having a plan on quality [AOR=16.38 95% CI (5.39-49.72)] were found to be significant predictors of level of board member engagement. CONCLUSION: Collectively, most of the governing board members did not engage in the quality of health care activities. Stakeholders should work on capacity building for board members using training and further follow-up. Encouraging them to put quality health services at the forefront of their agenda during their involvement at their respective facilities.

Malaria prevention and treatment in migrant agricultural workers in Dangur district, Benishangul-Gumuz, Ethiopia: social and behavioural aspects.

BACKGROUND: Sixty percent of the Ethiopia population is at risk of malaria, with the highest prevalence reported in Gambella (6%) and Benishangul-Gumuz (3%) regions. Within these regions are large agricultural developments with high numbers of seasonal migrant workers. The migrant workers are believed to be at increased risk for malaria infection due to their poor living conditions and outdoor activities, but there is little information on their specific behaviours and health risks. This study was conducted to address this gap. METHODS: Quantitative observations were conducted from September to December 2017 in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region. The nightly routines of mobile migrant workers were observed every month for 4 consecutive months. The study team collected quantitative data including nocturnal behavioural observations of worker living conditions, malaria prevention efforts, and work activities and surveys of worker representatives. Qualitative data was collected from migrant workers, farm managers and local health providers using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Migrant workers arrived in the study area during the peak malaria transmission season and the workers in focus groups reported repeated cases of malaria during their stay on the farms. Overall, less than a quarter of the migrant workers were sleeping under a mosquito net by midnight in all 4 observation months. Some work activities also took place outdoors at night. The study additionally found a lack of access to malaria prevention and treatment at the farms and challenges in utilizing local public health facilities. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to better address malaria prevention and treatment needs among migrant workers in Ethiopia through outreach from existing healthcare infrastructure and within the farms themselves. This will help prevent malaria transmission both within this population and prevent transmission of malaria back to home communities in lower burden areas in Ethiopia.

Comparison of the Antioxidant Activities and Volatile Compounds of Coffee Beans Obtained Using Digestive Bio-Processing (Elephant Dung Coffee) and Commonly Known Processing Methods.

There are different types of coffee processing methods. The wet (WP) and dry processing (DP) methods are widely practiced in different parts of coffee-growing countries. There is also a digestive bioprocessing method in which the most expensive coffee is produced. The elephant dung coffee is produced using the digestive bioprocessing method. In the present experiment, the antioxidant activity and volatile compounds of coffee that have been processed using different methods were compared. The antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC) of green coffee beans from all treatments were higher as compared to roasted coffee beans. Regarding the green coffee beans, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of elephant dung coffee beans was higher as compared to that of the DP and WP coffee beans. The green coffee beans had higher DPPH activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value compared to the roasted coffee beans. The green beans of elephant dung coffee had a high TPC than the beans obtained by WP and DP methods. TFC in elephant dung coffee in both green and roasted condition was improved in contrast to the beans processed using dry and wet methods. The elephant dung coffee had an increased TTC in comparison to the DP and WP coffee (green beans). About 37 volatile compounds of acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amide, esters, ethers, furans, furanones, ketones, phenols, pyrazines, pyridines, Heterocyclic N, and pyrroles functional classes have been found. Some of the most abundant volatile compounds detected in all treatments of coffee were 2-furanmethanol, acetic acid, 2-methylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, pyridine, and 5-methylfurfural. Few volatile compounds have been detected only in elephant dung coffee. The principal component analysis (PCAs) was performed using the percentage of relative peak areas of the volatile compound classes and individual volatile compounds. This study will provide a better understanding of the impacts of processing methods on the antioxidants and volatile compounds of coffee.

Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Pectinolytic Yeasts for Starter Culture in Coffee Fermentation.

This experiment was carried out to identify and select pectinolytic yeasts that have potential use as a starter culture for coffee fermentation during wet processing. The coffee fruit was fermented for 48 h at 28 °C and a sample was taken from the fermented solution and spread onto yeast extract-peptone-dextrose agar (YPDA) media and incubated at 28 °C. A total of 28 yeasts were isolated, eight of which had the ability to produce pectinase enzymes. The species of those eight yeasts were molecularly identified and confirmed. These yeasts are Wickerhamomyces anomalus (strain KNU18Y3), Saccharomycopsis fibuligera (strain KNU18Y4), Papiliotrema flavescens (strain KNU18Y5 and KNU18Y6), Pichia kudriavzevii (strain KNU18Y7 and KNU18Y8), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain KNU18Y12 and KNU18Y13). The pectin degradation index of S. fibuligera (strain KNU18Y4), W. anomalus (strain KNU18Y3), and P. flavescens (strain KNU18Y6) were higher compared to the others, at 178%, 160%, and 152%, respectively. The pectinase enzyme assays were made on two growth media: coffee pulp media (CPM) and synthetic pectin media (SPM). S. fibuligera (strain KNU18Y4) and W. anomalus (strain KNU18Y3) had great potential in producing polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin lyase (PL) compared to others in both media. However, S. cerevisiae strains (KNU18Y12 and KNU18Y13) produced higher pectin methylesterase (PME). Using MEGA 6 software, the phylogenetic trees were constructed to determine the evolutionary relationship of newly identified yeasts from our experiment and previously published yeast species. The sequences of the yeasts were deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database.

Implementing infection prevention and control capacity building strategies within the context of Ebola outbreak in a "Hard-to-Reach" area of Liberia.

INTRODUCTION: In August 2014, WHO declared that Ebola outbreak ravaging West Africa including Liberia had become a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Infection prevention and control (IPC) among healthcare workers was pivotal in reducing healthcare worker infection and containing the recent EVD outbreak. Hard to reach areas (HTRA) presents peculiar challenges in public health emergencies. We present the result of IPC capacity building strategies deployed in Gbarpolu County: an HTRA of Liberia. METHODS: Between April to October 2015, we conducted IPC training and mentorship at the county, district and facility levels in a selected HTRA of Liberia using the keep Safe, Keep Serving manual and the WHO core components of infection control. Serial follow-up assessments and mentoring using the Liberian Minimum standard tool for safe care in Liberian health facilities (MST) were done. RESULTS: 180 (100%) facility based healthcare workers were trained: including 59 clinicians (32%) and 121 (67%) non-clinicians. 100% of the healthcare workers in four selected very HTRAs were trained and underwent facility based-mentorship. Compliance with IPC practice increased: the MST score increased from 75% to 90% and for the MST score for waste management and isolation increased 60% to 87%. CONCLUSION: Strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers for IPC was instrumental for containing the EVD epidemic but also critical for routine safe and quality services. A culture of IPC among healthcare workers in HTRA can be implemented through capacity building and training.