Efficacy of novel insecticides against piercing sucking insects and their natural enemies on sweet pepper plants under field conditions.

Piercing sucking pests attacking sweet pepper plants cause significant losses to its yield. Considering the undesirable effects of synthetic pesticides, field studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of new pesticides against piercing sucking insect pests of sweet pepper, as well as, their effects on some predators and pepper yield along two seasons of 2021-2022. The obtained results indicated that all tested pesticides effectively suppressed the sucking insect populations (aphids, white fly, thrips) 1,7,14 and 21 days after treatment along two sprays during two seasons. Imidacloprid proved to be the superior one over all other treatments where it recorded mean reduction% (98.91 and 97.27%) & (94.8 and 95.19%), (86.23 and 76.64%) & (80.92 and 88.55%) and (77.68 and 78.44%) & (90.70 and 68.57%) in white fly, aphids and thrips, respectively at 1st and 2nd sprays at 2021 and 2022 seasons, respectively. As for side effects of tested insecticides on natural enemies, Dimethoate induced the highest decrease (60.85 and 69.33%) & (54.02 and 63.41%), (65.52 and 64.74%) & (59.23 and 58.38%) and (64.24 and 59.48%) & (61.66 and 60.8%) on Chrysoperla carnea, Paederus alfierii and Coccinella spp at 1st and 2nd sprays at 2021 and 2022 seasons, respectively. On contrary, Spintoram induced the lowest effects on Chrysoperla carnea, Paederus alfierii and Coccinella spp, recording decrease percent (25.41 and 19.84%) & (15.02 and 12.50%), (11.94 and 11.24%) (16.99 and 18.02%) and (18.73 and15.07%) & (18.35 and18.38%) at1st and 2nd sprays at 2021 and 2022 seasons, respectively. With respect to the effect of tested insecticides on pepper yield, all tested insecticides increased the yield of green pepper fruits compared with control. Imidacloprid achieved the highest fruit yields along two seasons 6.43 and 6.52 (ton / fed.4200 m2) with increase percent 34.53 and 36.04% in yield over control at 2021 and 2022 seasons, respectively.

Hydrogen peroxide in the mitigation of salt stress in bell pepper / Peróxido de hidrogênio na mitigação do estresse salino em pimentão

Bell pepper is a vegetable of great socioeconomic importance in the Brazilian market. However, in the semi-arid region of northeast Brazil, its cultivation is limited by the high concentrations of salts in water sources. On this basis, this study was developed to determine the effect of foliar application of hydrogen peroxide in mitigating salt stress by evaluating gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and growth in 'All Big' bell pepper plants. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions in Campina Grande - PB, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in a randomized block design with a 5 × 5 factorial arrangement corresponding to five levels of irrigation-water electrical conductivity (ECw: 0.8, 1.2, 2.0, 2.6, and 3.2 dS m-1) and five concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2: 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 µM), with three replicates and one plant per plot. Foliar application of hydrogen peroxide at the concentration of 15 µM attenuated the effects of salt stress in 'All Big' bell pepper plants irrigated with saline water at ECw of up to 1.4 dS m-1. Hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 15 µM associated with water salinity of 0.8 dS m-1 increased stomatal conductance, CO2 assimilation rate, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, and the growth of the bell pepper plants. Application of hydrogen peroxide at concentrations greater than 15 µM intensified the deleterious effects of salt stress in 'All big' bell pepper at 90 days after sowing.

O pimentão é uma hortícola de grande importância socioeconômica no mercado brasileiro. Contudo, no semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro seu cultivo é limitado devido a ocorrência de fontes hídricas com elevadas concentrações de sais. Deste modo, objetivou-se com o presente estudo, avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar de peróxido de hidrogênio na mitigação do estresse salino nas trocas gasosas, nos pigmentos fotossintéticos e no crescimento das plantas de pimentão 'All Big'. O experimento foi conduzido em condições de casa de vegetação, em Campina Grande-PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos no delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 × 5, correspondendo a cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação ­ CEa (0,8; 1,2; 2,0; 2,6 e 3,2 dS m-1) e cinco concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio ­ H2O2 (0, 15, 30, 45 e 60 µM), com três repetições e uma planta por parcela. A aplicação foliar de peróxido de hidrogênio na concentração de 15 µM atenuou os efeitos do estresse salino em plantas de pimentão 'All Big' irrigadas com águas salinas em CEa de até 1,4 dS m-1. O peróxido de hidrogênio na concentração de 15 µM associado à salinidade da água de 0,8 dS m-1 proporcionou aumento na condutância estomática, na taxa de assimilação de CO2, na eficiência instantânea de carboxilação e no crescimento das plantas de pimentão. Aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio em concentrações maiores que 15 µM, intensificou os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino em pimentão 'All big', aos 90 dias após o semeio.

Peppers: A "Hot" Natural Source for Antitumor Compounds.

Piper, Capsicum, and Pimenta are the main genera of peppers consumed worldwide. The traditional use of peppers by either ancient civilizations or modern societies has raised interest in their biological applications, including cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects. Cellular responses upon treatment with isolated pepper-derived compounds involve mechanisms of cell death, especially through proapoptotic stimuli in tumorigenic cells. In this review, we highlight naturally occurring secondary metabolites of peppers with cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. Available mechanisms of cell death, as well as the development of analogues, are also discussed.

Influence of the use of slow-release phosphate fertilizers on the growth and production of chili peppers / Influência do uso de fertilizantes fosfatados de liberação lenta no crescimento e produção de pimenta malagueta

In general, fertilization recommendations for pepper are old and scarce. Because pepper is a semi-perennial crop with high yield potential and dependence on phosphorus (P), an extremely important element, as it participates in several metabolic processes, it is necessary to look for efficient alternatives for phosphate fertilization, due to its low availability and high adsorption capacity in most Brazilian soils. Slow-release fertilizers have been shown to be an excellent alternative to conventional mineral fertilization. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different sources of P on growth and yield of hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.). An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in the JK campus of UFVJM, Diamantina -MG, Brazil, arranged in a completely randomized design with eleven treataments (absence of fertilization, mineral treatment, organic treatment and four slow-release phosphate sources: pelleted organomineral, granulated organomineral, MAP coated and triple formulated, at doses of 150 and 300 kg ha-1 of P2O5). Growth variables, fresh and dry matter accumulation and yield were evaluated 180 days after planting. The pelleted and granulated organomineral treatments at the dose of 300 kg ha-1 of P2O5,promoted the best results for the parameters dry mass of root, number of fruits per plant, fresh and dry mass of fruits and total yield. Such results can be explained by the better efficiency of P release and the better absorption of this nutrient by the plant, making it an excellent option in relation to conventional sources commonly adopted.

De modo geral, as recomendações para adubação da cultura da pimenta são antigas e escassas. E por se tratar de uma cultura semi-perene com alta produção e dependência de fósforo (P), elemento de suma importância, por participar de diversos processos metabólicos, torna-se necessário buscar alternativas eficientes para a adubação fosfatada, devido a sua baixa disponibilidade e alta capacidade de adsorção na maioria dos solos brasileiros. Os fertilizantes de liberação lenta têm se mostrado como uma excelente alternativa em relação a adubação convencional mineral. Desta forma, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes fontes de P no crescimento e produção da pimenta malagueta (Capsicum frutescens L.). Realizou-se um experimento em casa de vegetação no Campus JK da UFVJM, Diamantina -MG, no delineamento inteiramente casualizado com onze tratamentos (ausência de adubação, tratamento mineral, tratamento orgânico e quatro fontes fosfatadas de liberação lenta: organomineral peletizado, organomineral granulado, MAP revestido e formulado triplo, nas doses de 150 e 300 kg ha-1de P2O5). Foram avaliadas variáveis de crescimento, acúmulo de matéria fresca e matéria seca e produtividade aos 180 dias após o transplantio. Os tratamentos organomineral peletizado e granulado 300 kg ha-1de P2O5promoveram os melhores resultados para os parâmetros massa seca do sistema radicular, número total de frutos, massa fresca emassa seca de frutos e produtividade total. Tais resultados podem ser explicados pela melhor eficiência da liberação do P pelos fertilizantes e melhor absorção do nutriente pela planta, tornando-se uma excelente opção em relação as fontes convencionais comumente adotadas.

Influence of the use of slow-release phosphate fertilizers on the growth and production of chili peppers / Influência do uso de fertilizantes fosfatados de liberação lenta no crescimento e produção de pimenta malagueta

In general, fertilization recommendations for pepper are old and scarce. Because pepper is a semi-perennial crop with high yield potential and dependence on phosphorus (P), an extremely important element, as it participates in several metabolic processes, it is necessary to look for efficient alternatives for phosphate fertilization, due to its low availability and high adsorption capacity in most Brazilian soils. Slow-release fertilizers have been shown to be an excellent alternative to conventional mineral fertilization. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different sources of P on growth and yield of hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.). An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in the JK campus of UFVJM, Diamantina -MG, Brazil, arranged in a completely randomized design with eleven treataments (absence of fertilization, mineral treatment, organic treatment and four slow-release phosphate sources: pelleted organomineral, granulated organomineral, MAP coated and triple formulated, at doses of 150 and 300 kg ha-1 of P2O5). Growth variables, fresh and dry matter accumulation and yield were evaluated 180 days after planting. The pelleted and granulated organomineral treatments at the dose of 300 kg ha-1 of P2O5,promoted the best results for the parameters dry mass of root, number of fruits per plant, fresh and dry mass of fruits and total yield. Such results can be explained by the better efficiency of P release and the better absorption of this nutrient by the plant, making it an excellent option in relation to conventional sources commonly adopted.(AU)

De modo geral, as recomendações para adubação da cultura da pimenta são antigas e escassas. E por se tratar de uma cultura semi-perene com alta produção e dependência de fósforo (P), elemento de suma importância, por participar de diversos processos metabólicos, torna-se necessário buscar alternativas eficientes para a adubação fosfatada, devido a sua baixa disponibilidade e alta capacidade de adsorção na maioria dos solos brasileiros. Os fertilizantes de liberação lenta têm se mostrado como uma excelente alternativa em relação a adubação convencional mineral. Desta forma, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes fontes de P no crescimento e produção da pimenta malagueta (Capsicum frutescens L.). Realizou-se um experimento em casa de vegetação no Campus JK da UFVJM, Diamantina -MG, no delineamento inteiramente casualizado com onze tratamentos (ausência de adubação, tratamento mineral, tratamento orgânico e quatro fontes fosfatadas de liberação lenta: organomineral peletizado, organomineral granulado, MAP revestido e formulado triplo, nas doses de 150 e 300 kg ha-1de P2O5). Foram avaliadas variáveis de crescimento, acúmulo de matéria fresca e matéria seca e produtividade aos 180 dias após o transplantio. Os tratamentos organomineral peletizado e granulado 300 kg ha-1de P2O5promoveram os melhores resultados para os parâmetros massa seca do sistema radicular, número total de frutos, massa fresca emassa seca de frutos e produtividade total. Tais resultados podem ser explicados pela melhor eficiência da liberação do P pelos fertilizantes e melhor absorção do nutriente pela planta, tornando-se uma excelente opção em relação as fontes convencionais comumente adotadas.(AU)

Absorption and mobility of radio-labelled calcium in chili pepper plants and sweet cherry trees

Calcium (Ca) is often supplied to crop species to prevent the occurrence of Carelated disorders. Mechanisms of Ca absorption and transport are not fully understood and the effectiveness of root and/or foliar Ca fertilization may be variable. To characterize the rate of Ca absorption and transport, trials were developed with chili pepper and sweet cherry plants, using 45CaCl2 as a tracer. The Ca treatments supplied were: (1) No 45Ca (control); (2) 45Ca soil application; (3) 45Ca supply to basal leaves, and (4) 45Ca application to apical leaves. After two months, plants were harvested for biomass and Ca content determination. The recovery of 45Ca in different plant parts was measured with a liquid scintillation counter and leaf traits were observed by scanning electronic microscopy. In general, the highest 45Ca concentrations were recovered in treated organs, while root applications led to highest 45Ca translocation rates, which varied between chili pepper and cherry plants. For chili pepper, 45Ca applied to the soil was detected mainly in roots (44 %) followed by leaves (36.6 %) stems (17.4 %) and fruits (2 %). In sweet cherry trees, soilapplied 45Ca was principally recovered in roots (45.3 %), shoots (28.5 %), leaves (14.3 %) and trunks (11.9 %). The results provide evidence of increased absorption of rootapplied Ca, as well as different degrees of Ca mobility between species. Foliar application led to major Ca increases in treated leaves, with Ca transported to other plant organs after apical leaf Ca supply chiefly in cherry trees.

Absorption and mobility of radio-labelled calcium in chili pepper plants and sweet cherry trees

Calcium (Ca) is often supplied to crop species to prevent the occurrence of Carelated disorders. Mechanisms of Ca absorption and transport are not fully understood and the effectiveness of root and/or foliar Ca fertilization may be variable. To characterize the rate of Ca absorption and transport, trials were developed with chili pepper and sweet cherry plants, using 45CaCl2 as a tracer. The Ca treatments supplied were: (1) No 45Ca (control); (2) 45Ca soil application; (3) 45Ca supply to basal leaves, and (4) 45Ca application to apical leaves. After two months, plants were harvested for biomass and Ca content determination. The recovery of 45Ca in different plant parts was measured with a liquid scintillation counter and leaf traits were observed by scanning electronic microscopy. In general, the highest 45Ca concentrations were recovered in treated organs, while root applications led to highest 45Ca translocation rates, which varied between chili pepper and cherry plants. For chili pepper, 45Ca applied to the soil was detected mainly in roots (44 %) followed by leaves (36.6 %) stems (17.4 %) and fruits (2 %). In sweet cherry trees, soilapplied 45Ca was principally recovered in roots (45.3 %), shoots (28.5 %), leaves (14.3 %) and trunks (11.9 %). The results provide evidence of increased absorption of rootapplied Ca, as well as different degrees of Ca mobility between species. Foliar application led to major Ca increases in treated leaves, with Ca transported to other plant organs after apical leaf Ca supply chiefly in cherry trees.(AU)

Salicylic acid and its method of application affect germination and vigor in bell pepper seedlings under salt stress / Ácido salicílico e sua forma de aplicação alteram a germinação e o vigor de plântulas de pimentão sob estresse salino

This study investigated the effect of two salicylic acid application methods (seed immersion and wetting) on the germination and growth characteristics of cv. All Big bell pepper seedlings exposed to 0 or 100 mM of NaCl. The experiment was conducted in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) incubator, using a completely randomized design with eight treatments (immersion in salicylic acid or distilled water and wetting with salicylic acid or water, in conjunction with 0 or 100 mM of NaCl) and four repetitions. The results indicated that under non-saline conditions, wetting with salicylic acid (SA) inhibited germination and seedling length, whereas NaCl stress reduced the germination, growth, total dry weight and vigor of seedlings. However, SA application, especially by wetting, mitigated the toxic effects of NaCl in bell pepper seedlings, improving relative water content and radicle length, as well as total length, dry weight and vigor. This study highlights the potential benefits of SA, particularly when applied via wetting, in attenuating phytotoxicity caused by NaCl stress and its effect on the germination, growth and vigor of bell pepper seedlings.

Os efeitos do ácido salicílico em duas formas de aplicação (imersão ou umedecimento das sementes) foram investigados nas características de germinação e crescimento de plântulas de pimentão cv. All Big sob 0 ou 100 mM de NaCl. Um experimento em câmara de germinação foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com oito tratamentos (imersão das sementes em AS ou água destilada e umedecimento com AS ou água, associados às concentrações de 0 ou 100 mM de NaCl), cada um com quatro repetições. Os resultados indicaram que em condição não salina, o AS no umedecimento inibiu a germinação e o comprimento da plântula, enquanto o estresse de NaCl reduziu a germinação, o crescimento, a produção total de massa seca e o índice de vigor das plântulas. No entanto, a aplicação de AS, sobretudo no umedecimento atenuou os efeitos tóxicos do NaCl nas plântulas de pimentão melhorando o conteúdo relativo de água, o comprimento da radícula, bem como o comprimento e massa seca total e índice de vigor das plântulas. Este estudo destaca potenciais efeitos benéficos de AS, principalmente aplicado no umedecimento, na atenuação da fitotoxicidade do estresse de NaCl sobre a germinação, crescimento e vigor de plântulas de pimentão.

Salicylic acid and its method of application affect germination and vigor in bell pepper seedlings under salt stress / Ácido salicílico e sua forma de aplicação alteram a germinação e o vigor de plântulas de pimentão sob estresse salino

This study investigated the effect of two salicylic acid application methods (seed immersion and wetting) on the germination and growth characteristics of cv. All Big bell pepper seedlings exposed to 0 or 100 mM of NaCl. The experiment was conducted in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) incubator, using a completely randomized design with eight treatments (immersion in salicylic acid or distilled water and wetting with salicylic acid or water, in conjunction with 0 or 100 mM of NaCl) and four repetitions. The results indicated that under non-saline conditions, wetting with salicylic acid (SA) inhibited germination and seedling length, whereas NaCl stress reduced the germination, growth, total dry weight and vigor of seedlings. However, SA application, especially by wetting, mitigated the toxic effects of NaCl in bell pepper seedlings, improving relative water content and radicle length, as well as total length, dry weight and vigor. This study highlights the potential benefits of SA, particularly when applied via wetting, in attenuating phytotoxicity caused by NaCl stress and its effect on the germination, growth and vigor of bell pepper seedlings.(AU)

Os efeitos do ácido salicílico em duas formas de aplicação (imersão ou umedecimento das sementes) foram investigados nas características de germinação e crescimento de plântulas de pimentão cv. All Big sob 0 ou 100 mM de NaCl. Um experimento em câmara de germinação foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com oito tratamentos (imersão das sementes em AS ou água destilada e umedecimento com AS ou água, associados às concentrações de 0 ou 100 mM de NaCl), cada um com quatro repetições. Os resultados indicaram que em condição não salina, o AS no umedecimento inibiu a germinação e o comprimento da plântula, enquanto o estresse de NaCl reduziu a germinação, o crescimento, a produção total de massa seca e o índice de vigor das plântulas. No entanto, a aplicação de AS, sobretudo no umedecimento atenuou os efeitos tóxicos do NaCl nas plântulas de pimentão melhorando o conteúdo relativo de água, o comprimento da radícula, bem como o comprimento e massa seca total e índice de vigor das plântulas. Este estudo destaca potenciais efeitos benéficos de AS, principalmente aplicado no umedecimento, na atenuação da fitotoxicidade do estresse de NaCl sobre a germinação, crescimento e vigor de plântulas de pimentão.(AU)

Germination response of diverse wild and landrace chile peppers (Capsicum spp.) under drought stress simulated with polyethylene glycol.

Responses to drought within a single species may vary based on plant developmental stage, drought severity, and the avoidance or tolerance mechanisms employed. Early drought stress can restrict emergence and seedling growth. Thus, in areas where water availability is limited, rapid germination leading to early plant establishment may be beneficial. Alternatively, germination without sufficient water to support the seedling may lead to early senescence, so reduced germination under low moisture conditions may be adaptive at the level of the population. We studied the germination response to osmotic stress of diverse chile pepper germplasm collected in southern Mexico from varied ecozones, cultivation systems, and of named landraces. Drought stress was simulated using polyethylene glycol solutions. Overall, survival time analysis revealed delayed germination at the 20% concentration of PEG across all ecozones. The effect was most pronounced in the genotypes from hotter, drier ecozones. Additionally, accessions from wetter and cooler ecozones had the fastest rate of germination. Moreover, accessions of the landraces Costeño Rojo and Tusta germinated more slowly and incompletely if sourced from a drier ecozone than a wetter one, indicating that slower, reduced germination under drought stress may be an adaptive avoidance mechanism. Significant differences were also observed between named landraces, with more domesticated types from intensive cultivation systems nearly always germinating faster than small-fruited backyard- or wild-types, perhaps due to the fact that the smaller-fruited accessions may have undergone less selection. Thus, we conclude that there is evidence of local adaptation to both ecozone of origin and source cultivation system in germination characteristics of diverse chile peppers.

Biostimulatory activities of Ascophyllum nodosum extract in tomato and sweet pepper crops in a tropical environment.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a commercially available Ascophyllum nodosum alkaline extract as a plant growth stimulant and defense elicitor against foliar diseases of tomato and sweet pepper caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Alternaria solani in a tropical environment. Foliar applications of 0.5% A. nodosum extract (AN) at 10-day intervals resulted in significant (P < 0.05) increase in plant growth parameters, including plant height (40%), leaf number (50%), plant dry biomass (52%), root length (59%) and chlorophyll content (20%) compared to control. Treated plants also had a significantly higher number of flower clusters, flower numbers, fruits per cluster and total harvested fruit yield. The Ascophyllum extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced disease incidence by the pathogens in both crops under greenhouse and field conditions. The combinatory treatment of seaweed extract and a minimum dose of contact fungicide in field trials, recorded the overall lowest disease levels (60% reduction) and highest yield (57% increase). Investigations into the mechanisms of disease suppression revealed the effects of the extract in inducing the activities of defense-related enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, chitinase and ß-1,3-glucanase, as well as the levels of total phenolic compounds. The effect on SA, JA and ET-mediated signalling defense pathways was examined by quantifying expression levels of marker genes including PR1-a, PinII and ETR-1, for the above pathways respectively. Both crop plants treated with A. nodosum extract had significantly higher expression levels of the PinII and ETR-1 marker genes than controls. This was coupled with a marked increase in gene transcripts involved in auxin (IAA), gibberellin (Ga2Ox) and cytokinin (IPT) biosynthesis, which provides possible evidence for induced growth in plants treated with AN extract. Cross-talks between growth and defense responses as a result of seaweed extract application could evidently implicate the benefits of seaweed extract usage in sustainable crop production.

Vanadium stimulates pepper plant growth and flowering, increases concentrations of amino acids, sugars and chlorophylls, and modifies nutrient concentrations.

Vanadium (V) can be absorbed by plants and regulate their growth and development, although contrasting effects have been reported among species and handling conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the beneficial effect of V on pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.). The plants were grown in a hydroponic system with the application of four V concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15 µM NH4VO3). Four weeks after the beginning of the treatments, growth, flowering, biomass, chlorophyll concentration, total amino acids, total soluble sugars, and nutrients were determined in leaves, stems, and roots. The application of 5 µM V increased plant growth, induced floral bud development, and accelerated flowering. The chlorophyll concentration varied according to the type of plant part analyzed. The concentrations of amino acids and sugars in leaves and roots were higher with 5 µM. With 10 and 15 µM V, the plants were smaller and showed toxicity symptoms. The K concentration in leaves decreased as the V dose increased (0 to 15 µM). However, 5 µM V increased the concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, and B, exclusively in stems. The application of 15 µM V decreased the concentrations of Mg and Mn in leaves, but increased those of P, Ca, Mg, Cu, and B in roots. We conclude that V has positive effects on pepper growth and development, as well as on the concentrations of amino acids and total sugars. V was antagonistic with K, Mg, and Mn in leaves, while in stems and roots, there was synergism with macro and micronutrients. Vanadium is a beneficial element with the potential to be used in biostimulation approaches of crops like pepper.

Holistic protocol for callus culture optimization using statistical modelling.

Plants endue a key role against illnesses caused by oxidative stress. These attributes are frequently associated with polyphenolic compounds. However, presence and concentration of secondary metabolites are affected by abiotic factors. The in vitro culture techniques can solve these drawbacks. Peppers can be a suitable alternative to obtain polyphenols. Aiming to optimise the callus culture stage from Capsicum baccatum to produce polyphenols, this work evaluated systemically the effects of the explant's origin (root, hypocotyl and cotyledon), growth hormone type (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), benzylaminopurine (BAP) and a combination of 2,4-D/BAP at five-to-one ratio) and concentration (0.023-10.000 mg L-1) on callus culture efficiency parameters using a multilevel factorial design. The root explant in combination with BAP at 1.138 mg L-1 ensured the optimal values of the assessed responses; ​callus mass (225.03 mg), antioxidant activity (35.95%), total phenols (11.48 mg of GAE/g DE) and flavonoids (15.92 mg of RU/g DE) production.

Developmental landmarks during floral ontogeny of jalapeño chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and the effect of gibberellin on ovary growth.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important horticultural crop in many regions of the world. The final shape and size of the fruit are known to be determined at a very early step of flower development. During flower development hormonal treatments using gibberellins seem to promote growth resulting in higher yield and fruit quality. However, the morphological changes that occur in the pepper flowers after these treatments are largely unknown. In the present study, we provide a description of floral development landmarks of jalapeño chili pepper (cultivar Huichol), divided in nine representative stages from its initiation until the opening of the bud. We established a correlation among external flower development and the time and pattern of reproductive organogenesis. Male and female gametogenesis progression was used to define specific landmarks during flower maturation. The pattern of expression of key genes involved in gibberellin metabolism and response was also evaluated in the nine flower stages. The proposed development framework was used to analyze the effect of gibberellin treatments in the development of the flower. We observed both an effect of the treatment in the histology of the ovary tissue and an increase in the level of expression of CaGA2ox1 and CaGID1b genes. The developmental stages we defined for this species are very useful to analyze the molecular and morphological changes after hormonal treatments.

Effect of foliar application of salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide and a xyloglucan oligosaccharide on capsiate content and gene expression associatedwith capsinoids synthesis in Capsicum annuum L.

Capsinoids are non-pungent analogues of capsaicinoids in pepper (Capsicum spp). The absence of pungency, in addition to their biological activities similar to that of capsaicinoids such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, makes capsinoids an excellent option for increasing use in human and animal nutrition, as well as health and pharmaceutical industries. There are only few sources of pepper producing capsinoids, and one of them (accession 509-45-1), Capsicum annuum L., is a potential source for increasing capsinoids content using strategies as controlled elicitation during plant production in the greenhouse. In this research we evaluated the effect of weekly and one-day-before-harvest foliar applications of hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid and a xyloglucan oligosaccharide on the concentration of capsiate in fruits of this pepper accession, as well as the gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (pal), putative aminotransferase (pamt), capsaicin synthase (at3) and ß-keto acyl synthase (kas). Results showed that the two tested concentrations of H2O2 significantly increased capsiate content and gene expression associated with capsaicinoids (pamt, at3 and kas) and the phenylpropanoids (pal) pathways. Plant yield was not affected using this induction strategy. Our results indicated that the pre-harvest and weekly application of hydrogen peroxide and xyloglucan oligosaccharide improved production of capsiate in C. annuum L.

Inhibition of ethylene response by 1-methylcyclopropene in potted ornamental pepper / Inibição das respostas ao etileno por 1-methylcyclopropeno em pimenta ornamental de vaso

In the face of great potential of 1-MCP in blocking ethylene action, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 1-MCP on ethylene action and extend the post-production of ornamental peppers Capsicum annuum potted plants. Ornamental pepper cultivar Calypso shows complete abscission of leaves when exposed to 10µL L-1 ethylene. By exposing plants to ethylene, significant drops on a, b and total chlorophyll were found at the end of the treatment. Nevertheless, no changes on leaf total carotenoid were observed after the treatment with ethylene. When the plants were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), followed or not by treatment with ethylene, contents of a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid remained unchanged. Control plants showed no changes in chlorophylls or carotenoid contents after 48 hours from moving the pots from greenhouse to indoor conditions illuminated with white fluorescent light. The 1-MCP was able to prolong the post production shelf life, by inhibiting the abscission of leaves. Plants treated with 1-MCP, followed by ethylene had 38% accumulated leaf abscission, after 18 days of post production life, similar to control plants. After the same period, plants treated only with 1-MCP had 22% leaf abscission. The 1-MCP partially blocked ethylene and induced leaf abscission. Regardless which treatment was applied during post production life, there was a continuous decrease on leaf chlorophyll content beyond 18th day. Thus, 1-MCP was effective in preventing leaf abscission even in the presence of ethylene, avoiding deleterious effects of ethylene by blocking its receptor sites.(AU)

Em face do grande potencial de utilização do 1-MCP no bloqueio da ação do etileno, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do 1-MCP em bloquear a ação do etileno e estender a vida pós-produção de plantas de pimenta ornamental da espécie Capsicum annuum. A pimenta ornamental, cultivar Calypso, apresenta abscisão completa das folhas quando exposta a 10µL L-1 de etileno. Nas plantas expostas ao etileno, houve reduções significativas dos teores de clorofila a, b e total ao final do tratamento. Nenhuma alteração no conteúdo de carotenoides total das folhas foi observada após o tratamento com etileno. Quando as plantas foram tratadas com 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCP), seguido ou não pelo tratamento com etileno, os teores de clorofila a, b, total e carotenoides permaneceram inalterados. As plantas controle não apresentaram alterações nas clorofilas ou carotenoides, após 48 horas da remoção dos vasos da estufa para recinto fechado iluminado com luz branca fluorescente. O 1-MCP foi capaz de prolongar a vida de prateleira semelhante às plantas controle. No mesmo período, plantas tratadas somente com 1-MCP tiveram 22% de abscisão foliar. O tratamento com 1-MCP bloqueou parcialmente a queda das folhas induzida por etileno. Independentemente do tratamento aplicado, houve diminuição contínua do teor de clorofila das folhas após o 18º dia. A fumigação com 1-MCP foi eficaz na pós-produção, inibindo a abscisão das folhas. Plantas tratadas com 1-MCP, seguido por etileno, tiveram 38% de abscisão foliar acumulada, após 18 dias de vida em pós-produção, prevenção da queda de folhas, mesmo na presença de etileno, evitando os efeitos deletérios de etileno, através do bloqueio dos sítios receptores de etileno.(AU)

Cloning and expression analysis of pepper chlorophyll catabolite reductase gene CaRCCR.

Opening the porphyrin macrocycle of pheophorbide a and forming the primary fluorescent chlorophyll catabolites are key steps in the chlorophyll catabolism pathway. These steps are catalyzed by pheophorbide a oxygenase and red chlorophyll catabolite reductase (RCCR). In this study, a novel RCCR gene, CaRCCR, was isolated from the pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The full-length CaRCCR complementary DNA is comprised of 1173 bp, contains an open reading frame of 945 bp, and encodes a 314-amino acid protein. This deduced protein belongs to the ferredoxin-dependent bilin reductase family. Amino acid sequence alignment showed that CaRCCR shared a high homology to other higher plant RCCR proteins. CaRCCR expression, as determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, was higher in the leaves than the roots, stems, flowers, and immature fruits. CaRCCR expression was almost constant during all phases of leaf development. It was upregulated by abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid. Moreover, CaRCCR was induced by high salinity and drought stress treatments; it was also slightly regulated by Phytophthora capsici. Taken together, these results suggest that CaRCCR is involved in defense responses to various stresses.

Nitrate promotes capsaicin accumulation in Capsicum chinense immobilized placentas.

In chili pepper's pods, placental tissue is responsible for the synthesis of capsaicinoids (CAPs), the compounds behind their typical hot flavor or pungency, which are synthesized from phenylalanine and branched amino acids. Placental tissue sections from Habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) were immobilized in a calcium alginate matrix and cultured in vitro, either continuously for 28 days or during two 14-day subculture periods. Immobilized placental tissue remained viable and metabolically active for up to 21 days, indicating its ability to interact with media components. CAPs contents abruptly decreased during the first 7 days in culture, probably due to structural damage to the placenta as revealed by scanning electron microcopy. CAPs levels remained low throughout the entire culture period, even though a slight recovery was noted in subcultured placentas. However, doubling the medium's nitrate content (from 40 to 80 mM) resulted in an important increment, reaching values similar to those of intact pod's placentas. These data suggest that isolated pepper placentas cultured in vitro remain metabolically active and are capable of metabolizing inorganic nitrogen sources, first into amino acids and, then, channeling them to CAP synthesis.

Kill curve analysis and response of first generation Capsicum annuum L. B12 cultivar to ethyl methane sulfonate.

Pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum L.) var. B12 were mutagenized by four presoaking treatments in ten concentrations of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) to determine the sensitivity of the first generation (M1) to mutagens. The spectrum of mutations and induced variability for various quantitative traits, including germination, percent plant height, injury occurrence, survival ratio, first three fruits weight, and number of seeds per first fruit, were observed in the M1 generation. Our results indicated that all of the test parameters decreased with increasing EMS concentration, except for seedling injury. There were significant differences in germination ratio, LD50, plant height, percent injury, and survival ratio among the tested presoaking treatment. The LD50 was 1% EMS in seeds that were not presoaked (T1) and seeds presoaked for 12 h before treating with EMS (T3). In contrast, the LD50 was 0.5% EMS in seeds presoaked for 6 h (T2) and seeds presoaked in water for 6 h then incubated at 28°C for 12 h before EMS treatment (T4). Five dwarf plants were observed in mutagenized seeds without presoaking as compared to control seeds (at the maturity stage of the control plant).

Oxidative and molecular responses in Capsicum annuum L. after hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid and chitosan foliar applications.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important ROS molecule (Reactive oxygen species) that serves as a signal of oxidative stress and activation of signaling cascades as a result of the early response of the plant to biotic stress. This response can also be generated with the application of elicitors, stable molecules that induce the activation of transduction cascades and hormonal pathways, which trigger induced resistance to environmental stress. In this work, we evaluated the endogenous H2O2 production caused by salicylic acid (SA), chitosan (QN), and H2O2 elicitors in Capsicum annuum L. Hydrogen peroxide production after elicitation, catalase (CAT) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activities, as well as gene expression analysis of cat1, pal, and pathogenesis-related protein 1 (pr1) were determined. Our results displayed that 6.7 and 10 mM SA concentrations, and, 14 and 18 mM H2O2 concentrations, induced an endogenous H2O2 and gene expression. QN treatments induced the same responses in lesser proportion than the other two elicitors. Endogenous H2O2 production monitored during several days, showed results that could be an indicator for determining application opportunity uses in agriculture for maintaining plant alert systems against a stress.