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Nowadays, the use of different nanoscale structures has been introduced to a large number of research areas. One of these is the treatment and remediation of water through photocatalytic processes, seeking to reuse wastewater for agriculture. In this paper, Lactuca sativa, Coriandrum sativum, and Capsicum annuum were used as crop models to observe the effects in plant growth and the secondary metabolism of different water qualities and types used in the watering process. Initial results show that the photocatalytic process's water maintains a pH and ion concentration within the allowed limits, significantly reducing the number of bacteria. Along the growth process, an influence on germination times, appearance of true leaves, maturation, and fruit production depending on the type of water used is observed, obtaining the best results in both growth times and quantity of fruits, for the 50% and 70% disinfected water/tap water (DW/TAW) study groups. Secondary metabolites, such as phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity, were studied to evaluate changes in the vegetables' composition, showing increased concentration for the disinfected water groups in most specimens. Additionally, no traces of metals and microorganisms were detected, concluding that the crops are viable to be consumed by human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various cultivars of red chilli were collected from a small town named Kunri, located in the province Sindh, Pakistan. This town is a hub of red chilli production in Asia. A total of 69 samples belonging to 6 cultivars were obtained and analysed for the occurrence of aflatoxins and Aspergillus flavus, to explore the potential of resistant and susceptible germplasm. Aflatoxins were detected by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while A. flavus was isolated and identified using agar plate, blotter paper, deep freezing and dilution techniques. Molecular characterization using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1/4 and A. flavus specific FL1-F/R primers confirmed the identity of A. flavus. The data revealed that 67 and 75% samples contaminated with aflatoxin B (AFB) and with A. flavus, respectively. A highly susceptible chilli cultivar was 'Nagina', showing 78.8% frequency of total aflatoxins (1.2-600 μg/kg) and a mean of 87.7 μg/kg for AFB and 121.9 μg/kg for total aflatoxins. A. flavus was detected with 93% frequency and 2.14 × 10 colony forming units. In contrast, cultivars 'Kunri' and 'Drooping Type' were found to be resistant, with low levels of aflatoxins and fungal counts. The study was conducted for the first time to explore two potential cultivars that were less susceptible towards A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination. These cultivars could be preferably cultivated and thereby boost Pakistan's chilli production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Project financially supported by Minister of Education and Science in the range of the program entitled "Regional Initiative of Excellence" for the years 2019-2022, Project No. 010/RID/2018/19." now reads: "The results presented in this paper were obtained as part of a comprehensive study financed by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Agroecosystems and Horticulture, 30.610.016-110. "The results presented in this paper were obtained as part of a comprehensive study financed by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Agroecosystems and Horticulture, 30.610.016-110. [Extracted from the article]

The North Eastern Himalayan (NEH) regions of India are considered as one of the major repositories of the ' Capsicum annuum complex' which comprises of three cultivated species namely C. annuum, C. frutescens, and C. chinense. The interspecific delimitation within this large complex is ill-defined due to poorly developed crossing barriers and lack of discontinuous morphological characters. The present study elucidates the relationship among nine different cultivars of three Capsicum species on the basis of floral morphology and karyological parameters for the first time. Different floral characteristics such as margins and constrictions of calyx, type of pedicel, flower size, and color were found to have paramount importance in the species delimitation within the studied members of ' C. annuum complex.' The present karyomorphometric study explicitly revealed differences between the observed chromosomal data such as karyotype formulae, ordering of satellite bearing chromosome pairs and total diploid chromatin length which aid in resolving interspecific relationship among the studied cultivars of Capsicum. The present analyses unambiguously distinguished all cultivars of C. annuum from the members of C. frutescens and C. chinense and also proposed that among the five cultivars of C. annuum, Ghee lanka was comparatively distant from the other four cultivars on the basis of their karyomorphological characteristics. For the first time karyotype of hottest Indian chili is included in this paper. Comprehensive knowledge on floral morphology and karyotypes of some Himalayan Capsicums not only help to conserve genetic diversity but also help capsicum breeders for their basic and applied research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plants, B3 transcription factors play important roles in a variety of aspects of their growth and development. While the B3 transcription factor has been extensively identified and studied in numerous species, there is limited knowledge regarding its B3 superfamily in pepper. Through the utilization of genome-wide sequence analysis, we identified a total of 106 B3 genes from pepper (Capsicum annuum), they are categorized into four subfamilies: RAV, ARF, LAV, and REM. Chromosome distribution, genetic structure, motif, and cis-acting element of the pepper B3 protein were analyzed. Conserved gene structure and motifs outside the B3 domain provided strong evidence for phylogenetic relationships, allowing potential functions to be deduced by comparison with homologous genes from Arabidopsis. According to the high-throughput transcriptome sequencing analysis, expression patterns differ during different phases of fruit development in the majority of the 106 B3 pepper genes. By using qRT-PCR analysis, similar expression patterns in fruits from various time periods were discovered. In addition, further analysis of the CaRAV4 gene showed that its expression level decreased with fruit ripening and located in the nucleus. B3 transcription factors have been genome-wide characterized in a variety of crops, but the present study is the first genome-wide analysis of the B3 superfamily in pepper. More importantly, although B3 transcription factors play key regulatory roles in fruit development, it is uncertain whether B3 transcription factors are involved in the regulation of the fruit development and ripening process in pepper and their specific regulatory mechanisms because the molecular mechanisms of the process have not been fully explained. The results of the study provide a foundation and new insights into the potential regulatory functions and molecular mechanisms of B3 genes in the development and ripening process of pepper fruits, and provide a solid theoretical foundation for the enhancement of the quality of peppers and their selection and breeding of high-yield varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current study aims to characterize the ethanolic extract of Capsicum annuum stalk (e-CaS), an unutilized vegetable waste for nitrogen containing (alkaloids) compounds. For this, e-CaS was initially screened for total alkaloids by qualitative and quantitative analysis. Upon considerable results (1.022 mg/g NE) alkaloids were isolated (cA), partially purified (fractionated), and subjected to HPLC and GC–MS. Meanwhile, cA was evaluated for antioxidant property and exposed to determine the antibiofilm activity against Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: Chromatograms have confirmed the presence of distinct varieties of alkaloids, and GC–MS data supports that cA possess substantial antimicrobial nitrogen containing fractions. The zone of inhibition (mm) of B. amyloliquefaciens and P. aeruginosa by cA was found to be 19.02 ± 0.07 and 20.40 ± 0.15, respectively; and %inhibition of biofilm was observed to be 63.6 ± 1.37 and 74.28 ± 1.04, respectively. In addition, the morphological study of pre and post treatment bacteria through SEM suggests that e-CaS is rich in significant bactericidal alkaloids. Conclusion: This study supports that vegetable waste consists of valuable bioactive compounds like, alkaloids, which are effective antibiofilm agents against severe antibiotic resistant bacteria. Hence, processing the vegetable waste for value added phytochemicals could be insightful in medical and post-harvest management applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to herbivory, Capsicum annuum leaves adapt their specialized metabolome that may protect the plant against herbivore feeding either directly or indirectly through volatile metabolites acting as cues for natural enemies of the herbivore. The volatile blend of spider-mite infested leaves differs from non-challenged leaves predominantly by a higher contribution of mono- and sesquiterpenes. In addition to these terpenoids released into the headspace, the terpenoid composition of the leaves alters upon herbivory. All this suggests an important role for terpenoids and their biosynthetic machinery in the defence against herbivory. Here, we show that the C. annuum genome contains a terpene synthase (TPS) gene family of 103 putative members of which structural analysis revealed that 27 encode functional enzymes. Transcriptome analysis showed that several TPS loci were differentially expressed upon herbivory in leaves of two C. annuum genotypes, that differ in susceptibility towards spider mites. The relative expression of upstream biosynthetic genes from the mevalonate and the methylerythritol phosphate pathway also altered upon herbivory, revealing a shift in the metabolic flux through the terpene biosynthetic module. The expression of multiple genes potentially acting downstream of the TPSs, including cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, UDP-glucosyl transferases, and transcription factors strongly correlated with the herbivory-induced TPS genes. A selection of herbivory-induced TPS genes was functionally characterized through heterologous expression and the products that these enzymes catalysed matched with the volatile and non-volatile terpenoids induced in response to herbivory. Key message: Annotation of the Capsicum annuum terpene synthase gene family links terpene metabolism to the formation of volatile and non-volatile terpenoids important for direct and indirect defence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diseases induced by various phytopathogens pose a significant threat to contemporary agricultural systems around the world. In modern agriculture, the use of pesticides is still a valuable and effective method to control plant diseases. However, agrochemicals are becoming less popular because of the accretion of toxic compounds perilous and potentially hazardous to humans and the environment. Taking into consideration these aspects, the present study was conducted to explore the biocontrol potential of an endophytic Streptomyces sp. SP5 bioformulations against Fusarium wilt. Three bioformulations were prepared using cell biomass and different carriers, i.e., B1 (talc-kaolin), B2 (MgSO4/glycerol/Na-alginate/talc/Ca-lignosulfonate), and B3 (calcium carbonate/CMC/talc). Apart from antagonistic action against Fusarium wilt, the influence of bioformulations on plant growth and systemic resistance was investigated by analyzing morphological parameters (root length, shoot length, root weight, shoot weight), biochemical parameters (photosynthetic pigments, non-enzymatic antioxidants), and induction of antioxidative enzymes, e.g., catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), in S. lycopersicum and C. annum seedlings. The results revealed that Streptomyces bioformulations effectively controlled Fusarium wilt in S. lycopersicum and C. annum (82.6–83.4% and 81.8–100%, respectively). Besides reducing disease prevalence, bioformulations significantly increased all the morphological parameters and increased the activity of antioxidative enzymes, i.e., CAT, APX, GPX, and SOD, in plants. The current findings display that bioformulations can be utilized as environment-friendly biocontrol agents against Fusarium wilt and also as plant growth promoters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) produced by the decomposition of plastics exist persistently, interfering with soil fertility and plant nutrition. Both arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and earthworms are beneficial in terrestrial ecosystems, but their interactions under MPs contamination are unclear so far. Here, the influences of inoculating earthworms (Eisenia fetida) on indigenous AM fungi and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth were investigated in a vegetable soil treated with 0.1% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), while the specific interactions of earthworm and AM fungus (Funneliformis caledonium) under LDPE contamination were further resolved in another experiment using sterilized soil. Inoculation of earthworms shifted soil AM fungal community structure, replacing the predominant genus Glomus by Paraglomus, and increased the abundance, diversity (i.e., Shannon) index, and root colonization rate of AM fungi by 108, 34.6 and 45.0%, respectively. Earthworms also significantly decreased soil pH, and significantly increased soil alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, shoot biomass and fruit yield of pepper by 394, 82.8 and 188%, respectively. In the sterilized soil, both E. fetida and F. caledonium improved pepper growth, while the latter noticeably increased phosphorus (P) translocation efficiency from root to shoot, and the combination induced the highest soil ALP activity and pepper fruit yield. Furthermore, the significantly interactive effects between earthworm and AM fungus were observed in soil pH and available P concentration, as well as in shoot P concentration and fruit yield of pepper. This study revealed the interaction between earthworms and AM fungi under MPs contamination conditions for the first time, indicating that earthworms could facilitate vegetable growth via enhancing the propagation and P-promoting function of AM fungi in LDPE-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2021 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) developed necrotic spots on leaves and necrosis of stems. The nucleotide sequence of the N gene of the virus, isolated through two-rounds of single-lesion isolation, shared 95% identity with that of tomato zonate spot virus (TZSV) reported in China. When green pepper plants were inoculated with the isolated virus, the original symptoms were reproduced, and RT-PCR confirmed the presence of the virus in the inoculated plants. This is the first report of TZSV in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrochemicals provide vital nutrients for plant growth to enhance crops yield, but they can pose major agro-environmental issues. Bioinoculants have attracted more and more attention due to their cost effective-eco-friendly and pollution-free characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine whether using a variety of bioinoculants that include both individual and group members could reduce the need for chemical fertilizer. In the modern era, individual and multiple strain formulation as bioinoculants and bacterial consortium is need of agricultural sustainability. A total 132 bacteria were sorted out from soil and internal tissues of the plant and screened for PGP characteristics including nitrogen fixer, phosphorus, and potassium solubilization. Among 132 bacteria, 13 were found to fix nitrogen, 17 and 14 bacteria were able to solubilize phosphorus, and potassium respectively. Efficient bacterial isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Bacillus thuringiensis EU-CRP-15 (P-solubilizer), Bacillus horikoshii EU-CRK-18 (K-solubilizer), and Pseudomonas trivialis EU-CEN-2 (N-fixer). Inoculation of individual and consortium bioinoculants had a favorable effect on seed sprouting with the increase concentrations of inoculum. These three compatible and individual bacterial strains inoculated on sweet pepper enriched the growth and physiological characteristic of plant (plant length, root length, fresh weight, and biomass of the plant), and (chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, and total soluble sugar content) over chemical fertilizers and untreated control plant. The plant growth promoting bacteria viz; N2-fixer as well as P and K solubilizers can be utilized as bioinoculants for the growth promotion of plants and increasing soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prebiotics are compounds that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms. The use of prebiotics is a well-established strategy for managing human gut health. This concept can also be extended to plants where plant rhizosphere microbiomes can improve the nutrient acquisition and disease resistance. However, we lack effective strategies for choosing metabolites to elicit the desired impacts on plant health. In this study, we target the rhizosphere of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) suffering from wilt disease (caused by Ralstonia solanacearum) as source for potential prebiotic metabolites. We identify metabolites (ribose, lactic acid, xylose, mannose, maltose, gluconolactone, and ribitol) exclusively used by soil commensal bacteria (not positively correlated with R. solanacearum) but not efficiently used by the pathogen in vitro. Metabolites application in the soil with 1 µmol g−1 soil effectively protects tomato and other Solanaceae crops, pepper (Capsicum annuum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena), from pathogen invasion. After adding prebiotics, the rhizosphere soil microbiome exhibits enrichment of pathways related to carbon metabolism and autotoxin degradation, which were driven by commensal microbes. Collectively, we propose a novel pathway for mining metabolites from the rhizosphere soil and their use as prebiotics to help control soil-borne bacterial wilt diseases. Prebiotics can be used to encourage beneficial organisms. Here, the authors select rhizosphere metabolites that can be used as prebiotics to reduce the effect of the plant pathogen Ralstonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin contamination is a major concern in dry chilli pods during storage, which renders chilli flakes, and chilli powder unsafe for consumption and unfit for trade. Traditional method of storage also results in both qualitative as well as quantitative losses. In our study, we evaluated Purdue improved crop storage (PICS) based triple layer hermetic bags (PICS triple bags) for their efficacy in safe storage of dry chilli pods. Four different types of storage bags including untreated jute bag, polythene bag, triple layer hermetic bag, and fungicide treated jute bag were tested for three different storage periods (2, 4, and 6 month). Results suggest that aflatoxin levels resulting from Aspergillus flavus infection were below detectable levels in chilli pods stored in PICS triple bags owing to the modified atmospheric conditions of hypoxia and hypercarbia conditions created inside the bags. Further, dry chilli pods stored in PICS triple bags for 2, 4 and 6 month recorded no loss in test weight (1000 seeds) and no change in moisture content, whereas significantly moisture loss was observed in remaining treatment bags. Germination percentage of the seeds from the PICS triple bags at 2, 4 and 6 month storage was highest (72%) compared to all other treatment bags. Overall, we conclude that the PICS triple bags were effective in safe storage of dry chilli pods by ensuring detrimental environment to Aspergillus flavus growth and preserved both qualitative and quantitative characteristics including test weight, moisture content, and per cent germination compared to other storage bags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic nanoparticles of different compositions have already found numerous applications in various branches of industry, agriculture, and medicine. Given the well-known antibacterial activity of Ag, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are constantly being investigated for their promising ability to fight antibiotic-resistant pathogens. A promising candidate for AgNPs biosynthesis is chili pepper Capsicum annuum, cultivated worldwide and known for accumulating significant amounts of active substances. Phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of C. annuum pericarps demonstrated accumulation of 4.38 mg/g DW of total capsaicinoids, 14.56 mg GAE/g DW of total phenolic compounds, 1.67 mg QE/g DW of total flavonoids, and 1.03 mg CAE/g DW of total phenolic acids. All determined aromatic compounds carry various active functional groups, which effectively participate in the biosynthesis of AgNPs and are characterized by high antioxidant potential. Therefore, the present research focused on the facile, quick, and effective procedure for the biosynthesis of AgNPs, which were analyzed for their morphology such as shape and size through UV–visible, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) assays, and scanning electron microscopy. We found that the AgNPs biosynthesis resulted in changes in FTIR spectra, depicting the rearrangement of numerous functional groups, while the nanoparticles themselves were shown to be stable, spherical, 10–17 nm in size. Also we investigated the antibacterial properties of biosynthesized AgNPs, obtained with C. annuum fruit extracts, against a common phytopathogen Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. As was shown by zone inhibition assay, AgNPs showed dose-dependent 5.13–6.44 cm antibacterial activity, greatly exceeding the 4.98 cm inhibition area, produced by the precursor salt, AgNO3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work identifies Pepper (Capsicum annuum L) stems residue as a new potential source for producing high-quality cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), making a significant contribution to the field of natural waste material utilization and sustainability. It also compares the properties of CNCs produced using two different acids, phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid (CNCPs and CNCSs), providing new insights into their properties and polymer reinforcing ability. Hence, the as-isolated CNCPs (D = 43 ± 15.11 nm, CrI = 84.78%) and CNCSs (D = 31 ± 8.80 nm, CrI = 85.41%) were separately dispersed in starch at different weight loadings, and their reinforcing effects on the chemical, morphological, thermal, transparency and mechanical properties of the resulting starch-based biocomposite films were discussed. Globally, the incorporation of CNCs into starch biopolymer improved all these properties due to their rather similar polysaccharide structure and thus good interfacial interaction. However, the capacity of phosphoric acid to produce char made CNCPs effective flame retardants, thus providing bionanocomposite films with better thermal stability than CNCSs ones. In counterpart, the negative charge provided by the residual sulfate group (SO42−) in CNCSs, coupled with their high aspect ratio, high surface areas and crystallinity, significantly improves the dispersibility of CNCSs in the ST matrix compared to the phosphoric acid-derived CNCs. Hence, adding up to 5 wt% CNCSs improved the film's transparency by 25%, stiffness by 196%, and ductility by 169%, compared to 11%, 164% and 114%, respectively, for CNCPs. Here, this work offers valuable insights into the utilization of pepper stems residue and the type of acid for CNCs production with outstanding characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) and bell pepper (C. annuum var. grossum) are the important crops of the Solanaceae family. In the present study, marker-assisted selection (MAS) was employed for interspecific leaf curl virus disease (LCVD) resistant gene introgression from hot pepper (S-343) to heat-tolerant bell pepper lines. Segregating populations were developed using resistant (S-343) and susceptible (bell pepper) genotypes for understanding the genetics of LCVD resistance. The micro-cage artificial screening technique was used for the phenotypic selection of LCVD resistant plants from progenies of each population. The F1 of all crosses were resistant to LCVD, while F2 and BC1F2 generations of all the crosses were segregated into 3:1 (resistant:susceptible) and BC1F1 generations of all crosses were a good fit to ratio 1:1 (resistant:susceptible) suggesting monogenic dominant control of LCVD resistance. In addition to phenotypic selection for LCVD resistance, MAS for non-pungency was done using 'BF7' and 'BR9'-SCAR primers along with the very stringent phenotyping (background selection) in backcrossed populations for most important fruit traits. The background selection was performed for the recovery of recurrent parent phenome and it was measured as shift in means of these important fruit traits. To the best of our knowledge, it is a novel experiment of introgression of LCVD resistance in heat tolerant bell pepper lines that led to the successful development of six improved LCVD resistant, heat-tolerant and non-pungent BC2F1 populations (LCVRS3SM-1, LCVRS3SM-2, LCVRS3SM-8, LCVRS3SM-4, LCVRS3SM-17, and LCVRS3SM-58) that will help in future bell pepper resistant breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the most important abiotic stresses that has a huge negative effect on crop yield. Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have received greater attention for their impact on the plants under abiotic stress conditions. However, it is urgently required to apply CNPs to the chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Kaskada), which has not yet been studied. The goal of this study was to find out how CNPs affect the growth of chili pepper plants, chlorophyll pigments, proline content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes when the plants are stressed by drought. Therefore, we synthesized and functionalized CNPs of oil fly ash by one-pot ball milling fabrication. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to identify oxidative moieties on the CNPs surface after exposure to nitric and acetic acids. In the present study, functionalized CNPs were sprayed onto the leaves of 20-day-old plants at various concentrations (6 and 12 mg L−1) to determine their effects. We demonstrate that drought stress considerably reduces the plant height, fresh weight (FW), and dry weight (DW). Nevertheless, the exogenous application of functionalized CNPs caused an increase in relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll stability index (CSI), and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) under drought stress. Exogenous functionalized CNPs dramatically increased proline content under drought by reducing abscisic acid (ABA) content in the leaves. When subjected to drought stress, functionalized CNPs boosted antioxidant activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. Overall, the positive effects of CNPs on chili pepper seedlings open up new possibilities for developing innovative agricultural techniques, especially when plants are grown in drought conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips are economically important pests of crops and vectors of viral diseases worldwide. Invasion and outbreak of thrips have recently caused havoc in agricultural and horticultural ecosystems in India. Species identification is challenging due to their small size and subtle morphological differences. The present morphological and molecular studies revealed that, the thrips species which had created havoc on chilli at Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states of India during 2021–22 was an invasive thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny). The mean population of thrips ranged from 18.46 to 37.16 per five terminal leaves across the surveyed chilli fields. The most affected fields were noticed in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh followed by Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana with > 75 per cent foliage showing curling symptoms due to thrips feeding at both the locations. Genomic sequence variation in terms of haplotype diversity and nucleotide complexity was observed among 51 T. parvispinus GenBank accessions from India and Indonesia using mtCOI as molecular marker. A total of 12 haplotypes were identified from the 51 sequences of T. parvispinus. Nucleotide diversity of the Indian sequences as observed to be higher (π = 0.00585) than that of Indonesia (π = 0.00396). Similarly, haplotype diversity was also observed to be maximum in Indian accessions (Hd = 0.856) compared to Indonesia (Hd = 0.580). The genetic diversity and demography of T. parvispinus from India revealed the populations from India having more haplotype diversity than populations from Indonesia with a weak genetic structure observed between the populations among India and Indonesia. The shared haplotype H8 between Indonesia and India assumes a flow of genetic material, and implies Indonesia could be a plausible source of T. parvispinus invasion into India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of a companion plant with a cultivated plant is considered an interesting strategy to reduce pest pressure and, hence, the use of pesticides. Although several plants from the Alliaceae and Lamiaceae families are known to be efficient companion plants against aphid pests, only a few plants of the Geraniaceae family have been studied so far. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential effects of Geranium macrorrhizum as a companion plant on the colonization of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum, Solanaceae) by the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). Aphid's orientation behavior, probing behavior and life history traits were assessed on sweet pepper using a host choice preference setup, Electrical Penetration Graph technique and clip-cage laboratory bioassays, respectively. The potential disturbance through mechanical stimulation of geranium leaves was also assessed. The composition of VOCs from G. macrorrhizum leaves was analyzed using SPME technic followed by GC–MS. This study revealed that G. macrorrhizum as a companion plant was intrinsically repellent but not enough to completely mask the attractive odor of the sweet pepper host plant. Moreover, G. macrorrhizum negatively impacted the probing behavior, fecundity and survival rate of M. persicae on sweet pepper. The effects were exacerbated when G. macrorrhizum leaves were mechanically stimulated. This could be due to the greater amount of the main VOCs germacrone and β-elemenone emitted by G. macrorrhizum following mechanical stimulation. Our results bring new insights into the use of novel companion plants to regulate aphid pest populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive works on miRNA's role during plant–oomycete interaction, its role in Capsicum annuum–Phytophthora capsici pathosystem is not fully explored. Therefore, the present study was designed to identify known and novel miRNAs along with their target genes in two contrasting chili peppers genotypes, i.e., GojamMecha_9086 (resistant) and Dabat_80045 (susceptible) under P. capsici infection associated with modulating the defense response during disease pathogenesis. The result demonstrated 79 known miRNAs corresponding to 24 miRNAs families and 477 novel miRNAs along with 22,895 potential targets, including 30 defense-related target genes against P. capsici infection. The expression analysis of 29 known and 157 novel miRNAs in resistant and 30 known and 177 novel miRNAs in susceptible genotypes revealed differential accumulation patterns. qRT-PCR analysis of 8 defense-related miRNAs representing 4 novels (Pz-novel-miR428-1, Pz-novel-miR160-1, Pz-novel-miR1028-1, Pz-novel-miR204-1) and 4 known miRNAs (Pz-known-miR803-1, Pz-known-miR2059-1, Pz-known-miR2560-1, Pz-known-miR1872-1) revealed differential accumulation pattern in both resistant and susceptible genotypes. Additionally, validation of eight target genes of miRNAs using regional amplification quantitative RT-PCR (RA-PCR), a superior technique to 5′-RNA Ligase-Mediated-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′ RLM-RACE), revealed expression of six target genes positively correlated with their corresponding miRNAs in RC versus RI leaf, while five target genes observed an inverse correlation with their corresponding miRNAs in SC versus SI leaf, suggesting their key role during disease response. The Pz-known-miR1872-PODs pair showed perfect inverse relation in all four samples. The significant findings of the current study provide comprehensive genome-wide information about the repertoire of miRNAs and their target genes expressed in resistant and susceptible chili pepper genotypes, which can serve as a valuable resource for better understanding the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism during C. annuum–P. capsici pathosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and prediction of mercury (Hg) phytoavailability in vegetable–soil systems is essential for controlling food chain contamination and safe vegetable production as Hg-contaminated soils pose a serious threat to human health. In this study, four typical Chinese soils (Heilongjiang, Chongqing, Yunnan, and Jilin) with varied physicochemical properties were spiked with HgCl2 to grow sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in a pot experiment under greenhouse condition. The chemical fractionation revealed a significant decrease in exchangeable Hg, while an increase in organically bound Hg in the rhizosphere soil (RS) compared to bulk soil (BS). This observation strongly highlights the vital role of organic matter on the rhizospheric Hg transformation irrespective of contamination levels and soil properties. Stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) analysis between Hg concentration in plants, Hg fractions in RS and BS, and soil properties showed that Hg in plant parts was significantly influenced by soil total Hg (THg) (R2 = 0.90), soil clay (R2 = 0.99), amorphous manganese oxides (amorphous Mn) (R2 = 0.97), amorphous iron oxides (amorphous Fe) (R2 = 0.70), and available Hg (R2 = 0.97) in BS. Nevertheless, in the case of RS, Hg accumulation in plants was affected by soil THg (R2 = 0.99), amorphous Mn (R2 = 0.97), amorphous Fe oxides (R2 = 0.66), soil pH, and organically bound Hg fraction (R2 = 0.96). Among all the evaluated soils (n = 04), metal (mercury) concentration in terms of plant uptake was reported highest in the Jilin soil. Based on SMLR analysis, the results suggested that the phytoavailability of Hg was mainly determined by THg and metal oxides regardless of the rhizospheric effect. These findings facilitate the estimation of Hg phytoavailability and ecological risk that may exist from Hg-contaminated areas where pepper is the dominant vegetable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prime challenge faced by agriculture today is to serve a large population with limited land availability and massive pollution. TiO2 nanoparticles are one of the most commonly used nanomaterials in today's world due to their captivating properties and diverse applications that can mitigate many of the challenges in agriculture. Green nanoparticle synthesis is often used to ensure an environmentally safe pathway and as a possible agent through their relevance. Green synthesis was favored in this study due to the responsive implications of TiO2 nanoparticles in disease resistance and yield enhancement in crop farming. Fruit peel extract of Citrus medica L. was used as a reducer and capping medium. UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the optical, structural, and morphological properties of the synthesized nanoparticles, which exposed their crystalline structure and spherical nature with 20–30 nm dimensions. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to classify functional moieties involved in the efficient production and steadiness of nanoparticles, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to determine the purity of synthesized nanoparticles. In nature, nanoparticles were discovered to maintain purity, dispersion, and utility. Furthermore, TiO2 nanoparticles were found to be effective in improving Capsicum annuum seed germination and other growth parameters. As a result, green synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles made from C. medica L fruit peel extract can be used as a nutrient and catalyzing agent in agro-food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of 16- and 24-h photoperiods on mitochondrial respiration in the darkness (RDark), in the light (RLight), their ratio RLight/RDark (reflecting the degree of inhibition of respiration by light), and the ratio of respiration to gross photosynthesis (Ag) in Solanaceae plants: eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The leaf RLight rate was lower than RDark, regardless of plant species and photoperiod. At a 16-h photoperiod, light inhibited up to 19, 31, and 34% of respiration, respectively, in eggplant, sweet pepper, and tomato. Continuous lighting increased the degree of light inhibition of respiration to 36 and 46% in eggplant and sweet pepper but did not affect this value in tomato. An increase in respiration inhibition could be associated with structural changes in the leaf and a decrease in the oxygenase activity of RuBisCO/O. Continuous lighting reduced Ag to a greater extent than RDark and RLight, reflecting a shift in the carbon balance towards losses. Increase in RDark/Ag and RLight/Ag ratios, due to a significant decrease in the photosynthetic activity with a relative stability of the respiratory metabolism, may reflect the negative effect of continuous lighting on the productivity of the studied species. The obtained results also showed that the photoperiod duration can be one of the environmental factors influencing the degree of light inhibition of respiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new dienoic acid, paprikadienoic acid (1) was isolated from the stems of Capsicum annuum var. fasciculatum (Sturtev.) Irish (Solanaceae). The structure of the new dienoic acid was elucidated by chemical and physical evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) and brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) are the most widely grown solanaceous crops in the world. However, their production has reduced over several years due to the attack of various fungal and bacterial pathogens and various abiotic factors. Still, the major constrain in their production are pathogens with fungal etiology, especially the fungal wilt of solanaceous crops. Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani have been previously identified as the pathogens causing wilt disease in chili and brinjal. Recently, a new fungal pathogen F. equiseti has been reported as the causal agent of wilt disease infecting chili. The current study focused on identifying fungal pathogens associated with the wilted plants of chili and brinjal, collected from different parts of the Himalayan region of Kashmir valley, through morpho-cultural and molecular characterization. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequencing were performed on various isolates. DNA barcoding using the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) was used to identify the pathogen followed by the pathogenicity test. Further confirmation of the pathogen was done by sequencing of transcription elongation factor (TEF) and Calmodulin (CAL2). In current study Fusarium chlamydosporum has been reported as the wilt causing pathogen of chili and brinjal for the first time in Kashmir Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Capsicum annuum and Azadirachta indica were tested for efficacy for management of Pseudocercospora fijiensis in banana (Musa spp.) when applied as foliar sprays. Extracts of C. annuum and A. indica demonstrated fungicidal effects in vitro, without showing phytotoxic effects. The two extracts protected tissue culture banana plantlets of cultivar Musakala to a similar degree as the traditional fungicide difenoconazole. Extracts of A. indica and C. annuum (0.3 g/ml) reduced Black Sigatoka severity by 69.3% and 65.6%, respectively, and were thus comparable to the fungicide difenoconazole (72.7%). Soil drenching of the extracts did not significantly reduce Black Sigatoka severity. In planta effects of the extracts mainly consisted of delayed symptom appearance and reduced lesion number. Symptom development was dependent on extract concentration and days between extract application and inoculation. Effect of the tested extracts on height of plants and new leaves was not significant. Collectively, our data suggest that A. indica and C. annuum have interesting and unique properties as plant protection agents against Pseudocercospora fijiensis, but further research is needed to investigate their efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot chilli (Capsicum annuum), a spice crop, has been cultivated in Vietnam since the 18th century. Phytophthora disease, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is an economically important disease caused in Capsicum and many other crop species worldwide. The study of this disease is very limited in Vietnam. Phytophthora capsici was identified as the causal agent of a crown and root rot of chilli pepper in Central Vietnam. Identification of the causal agent was based on disease symptoms, morphological characteristics, and molecular analysis using ITS-RFLP. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by pathogenicity tests. Chicken manure and products derived from chicken manure were demonstrated to be effective in controlling crown and root rot of hot chilli in the greenhouse. This study provides a sound basis for developing management strategies of Phytophthora disease of chilli and other crops caused by P. capsici in Vietnam. Further studies concerning the disease cycle, the genetic diversity of the pathogen and the availability of host resistance should be required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chilli ringspot virus (ChiRSV; genus Potyvirus) was one of several viruses previously detected in pepper samples with severe yellowing and curling symptoms growing in Wenshan, Yunan province, China. We now report the full-length sequence of ChiRSV-YN/Wenshan (MZ269480), which has 88.5-98.9% nucleotide sequence identity to other published ChiRSV isolates. A full-length cDNA infectious clone was constructed. This cDNA and an eGFP-tagged clone were infectious, leading to systemic symptoms in both Nicotiana benthamiana and Capsicum spp. Recombinant clones containing the P1 protein coding region of other ChiRSV isolates differed in their pathogenicity. Single infection by ChiRSV caused mild mosaic or leaf crinkling in Capsicum frutescens L. and Capsicum annuum L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of sumac, cumin, black pepper and red pepper diethyl ether extracts on the growth of eight foodborne pathogens (FBP) and their biogenic amine (BA) production were investigated in histidine decarboxylase broth. The antimicrobial effect was determined by the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) concentrations. Sumac extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity against FBP. Enterococcus faecalis and Aeromonas hydrophila were the most susceptible strains to sumac extract. The MBC of spice extracts on the FBP was generally above 50 mg/mL. Cumin extract was the most effective in decreasing bacterial loads, inhibiting significantly the microbial growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Campylobacter jejuni and A. hydrophila. Histamine production ranged from 0.14 (Yersinia enterocolitica) to 39.29 mg/L (S. aureus). Cumin extract significantly inhibited the histamine formation by S. aureus and Salmonella paratyphi A. Black and red pepper extracts promoted the histamine formation by most of FBP under scrutiny. Red pepper extract generally increased formation of BA, while sumac and cumin extracts proved to be the most effective antimicrobials and BA formation inhibitors. This research study allowed to conclude that sumac and cumin extracts can be used as natural preservatives in the agro-food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organization of chromatin into self-interacting domains is universal among eukaryotic genomes, though how and why they form varies considerably. Here we report a chromosome-scale reference genome assembly of pepper (Capsicum annuum) and explore its 3D organization through integrating high-resolution Hi-C maps with epigenomic, transcriptomic, and genetic variation data. Chromatin folding domains in pepper are as prominent as TADs in mammals but exhibit unique characteristics. They tend to coincide with heterochromatic regions enriched with retrotransposons and are frequently embedded in loops, which may correlate with transcription factories. Their boundaries are hotspots for chromosome rearrangements but are otherwise depleted for genetic variation. While chromatin conformation broadly affects transcription variance, it does not predict differential gene expression between tissues. Our results suggest that pepper genome organization is explained by a model of heterochromatin-driven folding promoted by transcription factories and that such spatial architecture is under structural and functional constraints. The organization of chromatin into self-interacting domains is universal among eukaryotic genomes. Here, the authors report a reference-grade pepper genome assembly and use this reference to help describe the relationship among 3D chromatin conformation, chromatin function, and gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Message: Unstable Restorer-of-fertility (Rfu), conferring unstable fertility restoration in the pepper CGMS system, was delimited to a genomic region near Rf and is syntenic to the PPR-like gene-rich region in tomato. The use of cytoplasmic-genic male sterility (CGMS) systems greatly increases the efficiency of hybrid seed production. Although marker development and candidate gene isolation have been performed for the Restorer-of-fertility (Rf) gene in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), the broad use of CGMS systems has been hampered by the instability of fertility restoration among pepper accessions, especially sweet peppers, due to the widespread presence of the Unstable Restorer-of-fertility (Rfu) locus. Therefore, to investigate the genetic factors controlling unstable fertility restoration in sweet peppers, we developed a segregation population (BC4F5) from crosses using a male-sterile line and an Rfu-containing line. Segregation did not significantly deviate from a 3:1 ratio for unstable fertility restoration to sterility, indicating single dominant locus control for unstable fertility restoration in this population. Genetic mapping delimited the Rfu locus to a 398 kb genomic region on chromosome 6, which is close to but different from the previously identified Rf-containing region. The Rfu-containing region harbors a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) gene, along with 10 other candidate genes. In addition, this region is syntenic to the genomic region containing the largest number of Rf-like PPR genes in tomato. Therefore, the dynamic evolution of PPR genes might be responsible for both the restoration and instability of fertility in pepper. During genetic mapping, we developed various molecular markers, including one that co-segregated with Rfu. These markers showed higher accuracy for genotyping than previously developed markers, pointing to their possible use in marker-assisted breeding of sweet peppers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructokinase is the main catalytic enzyme for fructose phosphorylation and can also act as a glucose receptor and signal molecule to regulate the metabolism of plants, which plays an important role in plant growth and development. In this study, the CaFRK gene family and their molecular characteristics are systematically identified and analyzed, and the specific expression of CaFRKs under different tissues, abiotic stresses and hormone treatments were explored. Nine FRK genes were authenticated in pepper genome database, which were dispersedly distributed on eight reference chromosomes and predicted to localize in the cytoplasm. Many cis-acting elements that respond to light, different stresses, hormones and tissue-specific expression were found in the promoters of CaFRKs. FRK proteins of four species including Capsicum annuum, Arabidopsis thaliana, Solanum lycopersicum and Oryza sativa were divided into four groups via phylogenetic analysis. The collinearity analysis showed that there were two collinear gene pairs between CaFRKs and AtFRKs. In addition, it was significantly found that CaFRK9 expressed far higher in flower than other tissues, and the relative expression of CaFRK9 was gradually enhanced with the development of flower buds in fertile accessions, 8B, R1 and F1. Nevertheless, CaFRK9 hardly expressed in all stages of cytoplasmic male sterile lines. Based on the quantitative real-time PCR, most of CaFRK genes showed significant up-regulation under low-temperature, NaCl and PEG6000 treatments. On the contrary, the expression levels of most CaFRKs revealed a various trend in response to hormone treatments (IAA, ABA, GA3, SA and MeJA). This study systematically analyzed CaFRK gene family and studied its expression pattern, which lay the foundation of CaFRK genes cloning and functional verification response to abiotic stresses, and provides new insights into exploring the CaFRK genes on the pollen development in pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulatory effect of humic and fulvic acids (humic substances) extracted from local sources of lignite and soils on germination and early growth of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), poppy (Papaver somniferum L.), pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and rape (Brassica napus subsp. napus) were verified. The following structural parameters were determined for humic substances: aromaticity, biological activity, and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity ratio. Germination rate, weight of seedling, accretion of seedling, and seedling vitality were determined in a growth test in laboratory conditions. It was found that the type of plant together with the type of humic and fulvic acids was of great importance for germination and initial growth (two-way ANOVA). The reaction of the monitored plant species was different to the types of humic and fulvic acids. A positive effect on germination and initial growth was observed in poppies (compared to controls, p < 0.05); in other species, no significant statistical responses were observed. The tested plants can be sorted according to the descending significant positive effect on the weight of seedling as follows: poppy, pepper, rape, hemp. We found that structural parameters of humic and fulvic acids correlated with many measured parameters of germination and early growth (p < 0.05). The results show that the origin of humic substances and their structural properties can significantly affect the germination of seeds and their initial growth. In addition, the responses of taxonomically different plant species after treatment with humic acids can be fundamentally different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were conducted to broaden the current knowledge on seasonality, richness, abundance, and role of syrphids flies in the greenhouse pepper agroecosystem (GPA) in northwestern Argentina. In the GPA, a great richness (54 species) and abundance (517 individuals) of syrphids were found within Syrphinae (40 species; 443 individuals) and Eristalinae (14 species; 74 individuals) subfamilies. Besides, three species, Ocyptamus dimidiatus, O. gastrostactus and Toxomerus watsoni, were recorded for the first time in Argentina, and 12 species were recorded for the first time in Tucumán, expanding their geographical distribution to northwestern Argentina. Syrphid population tend to increase in spring and autumn. The environment occupation by different species showed remarkable differences since 41 were found in an open field, three in the greenhouse, and 10 in both environments. The richness and biodiversity were higher at the open field than in the greenhouse, however, these greenhouse species are important as biological control agents (BCA). Among them, the most abundant were Allograpta exotica, A. obliqua, T. duplicatus, Toxomerus sp. 1, O. dimidiatus and O. zoroaster, whose larvae were found feeding on pepper pests such as whiteflies and aphids. New plant-pest-predator associations were established, involving pepper, weeds, aphids, whiteflies, and syrphids. Four collection methods: Malaise trap, sweep net, infested plant tissues, and McPhail trap contributed to 59.2%, 70.4%, 8.6%, and 7.4% of total syrphid richness, respectively. Based on abundance, distribution in the GPA, and direct involvement in pepper pest control, A. exotica, A. obliqua, T. duplicatus, and Toxomerus sp.1 can be used as BCA for the control of whiteflies and aphids in GPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), is one of the major threats to tomato production. Larvae can cause losses of more than 80% of production. It was officially detected for the first time in West Africa in 2012, in Senegal, and was subsequently reported in most countries in this part of the continent. To identify infested vegetable production areas and determine reservoir plants in Côte d'Ivoire, surveys were carried out and pheromone traps set in the North, South, East, West and Center in the main tomato production areas of the country. The pest was detected in all surveyed areas, with the highest number of males (623 ± 19.5 insects/week) caught by pheromone traps in Bouaké in the Center of Côte d'Ivoire and a highest percentage of infested leaves, 96 ± 2.5%, was obtained in the locality of Agnibilékro in the East of the country. Tuta absoluta attacked all phenological stages of tomato plant in field. Larval mines were observed on the eggplant, Solanum melongena, the black nightshade, Solanum nigrum and the peppers, Capsicum annuum. Apart from tomato, T. absoluta seems to prefer S. melongena (41.64 ± 2.95% of infested leaves/plant; 4.88 ± 0.4 mine/plant) and S. nigrum (36.27 ± 3.42% of infested leaves/plant; 4.26 ± 0.6 mine/plant) more than C. annuum (13.48 ± 2.42% of infested leaves/plant and 1.38 ± 0.18 mine/plant). This study led to understanding that T. absoluta is well established in the main tomato production areas of Côte d'Ivoire, causing damage regardless of plant development stages and is present on other plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is economically one of the most important spice. But, it's productivity is highly affected by the pathogen, Phytophthora capsici L. Our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the defence response in C. annuum-P. capsici pathosystem is limited. The current study used RNA-seq technology to dissect the genes associated with defence response against P. capsici infection in two contrasting landraces, i.e. GojamMecha_9086 (Resistant) and Dabat_80045 (Susceptible) exposed to P. capsici infection. The transcriptomes from four leaf samples (RC, RI, SC and SI) of chili pepper resulted in a total of 118,879 assembled transcripts along with 52,384 pooled unigenes. The enrichment analysis of the transcripts indicated 23 different KEGG pathways under five main categories. Out of 774 and 484 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of two landraces (under study), respectively, 57 and 29 DEGs were observed as associated with defence responses against P. capsici infection in RC vs. RI and SC vs. SI leaf samples, respectively. qRT-PCR analysis of six randomly selected genes validated the results of Illumina NextSeq500 sequencing. A total of 58 transcription factor families (bHLH most abundant) and 2095 protein families (Protein kinase most abundant) were observed across all the samples with maximum hits in RI and SI samples. Expression analysis revealed differential regulation of genes associated with defence and signalling response with shared coordination of molecular function, cellular component and biological processing. The results presented here would enhance our present understanding of the defence response in chili pepper against P. capsici infection, which the molecular breeders could utilize to develop resistant chili genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have witnessed an increased interest in the cultivation and consumption of peppers. Therefore, new solutions are being sought to provide pepper plants with the most favorable conditions for growth and development. In view of the above, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selected biostimulants on the biometric parameters, yield and nutritional value of Capsicum annuum fruit. The research hypothesis postulates that biostimulants can increase the yield and improve the nutritional quality of pepper fruit. The experiment was conducted in an unheated plastic tunnel. The experimental materials comprised three sweet ('Solario F1', 'Turbine F1' and 'Whitney F1') and two hot ('Cyklon' and 'Palivec') cultivars of C. annuum. It was found that the combined application of environmentally-friendly microbial-based biostimulants (BB Soil, BB Foliar, Multical, MK5 and Biocin F) did not clearly improve the morphological traits of pepper fruit, yield or the concentrations of sugars and organic acids in fruit, therefore their use is not economically justified. Hot peppers had a higher content of dry matter, total sugars and L-ascorbic acid than sweet peppers. The analyzed biostimulants increased nitrate (V) concentrations in the fruit of both hot and sweet peppers. 'Turbine F1' and 'Solario F1' were particularly prone to nitrate (V) accumulation in fruit, therefore the use of biostimulants should be limited in their cultivation. Pepper fruits with the largest horizontal diameter and the thickest skin should be preferred because these traits are associated with high sugar content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plants, F1 hybrids showing hybrid weakness exhibit weaker growth than their parents. The phenotypes of hybrid weakness are often suppressed at certain temperatures. However, it is unclear whether hybrid weakness in Capsicum annuum × C. chinense is temperature-dependent or not. Our study showed that Capsicum hybrid weakness was suppressed at 30 and 35 °C and was induced at 15, 20, and 25 °C. Moreover, we investigated the time course of hybrid weakness in cell death, metabolite content, and gene expression in leaves of plants transferred to 20 °C after growing at 30 °C for 21 days. The expression of pathogen defense-related genes was upregulated at 1 day after transfer to 20 °C (DAT). Cell death was detected at 7 DAT, plant growth had almost stopped since 14 DAT, and sugars were accumulated at 42 DAT in hybrid plants. The study revealed that some sugar transporter genes, which had been upregulated since 7 DAT, were involved in sugar accumulation in Capsicum hybrid weakness. Thus, our results demonstrated that gene expression changes occur first, followed by physiological and morphological changes after induction of hybrid weakness. These responses observed in this study in Capsicum hybrid weakness are likely to be owed to plant defense responses-like reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ingestion of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim. (ZBM) and Capsicum annuum L. (CAL) may give a special taste and is becoming more popular worldwide. In this study, the synergistic, additive or antagonistic effects of ZBM with CAL, as well as the possible mechanism were investigated by exploring their antioxidant and nitrite-scavenging activities with the methods of HPLC-TOF-MS, GC-MS, DPPH-, ABTS- and nitrite-scavenging analyses. Results showed that the main identified compounds in ZBM extract were catechin, rutin and hydroxyl-α-sanshool, and that in CAL was capsaicin. ZBM possessed stronger antioxidant abilities than CAL, and a varied interaction between ZBM and CAL could be observed in antioxidant and nitrite-scavenging analysis, which depended on their ratio used. The ZBM–CAL mixture displayed a significant synergism in scavenging DPPH· test at the ratio of 3:1 (ZBM/CAL, w/w), which might be attributed to the synergism of catechin and capsaicin. However, the mixture could show a distinct antagonistic effect in scavenging ABTS·+ at lower ratios. In addition, a general antagonism was observed in scavenging nitrite at all ratios tested, which was in agreement with corresponding antagonism of catechin (and rutin) in ZBM with the capsaicin in CAL. As the key pungency composition of ZBM, hydroxyl-α-sanshool showed no nitrite-scavenging ability, and its combination with capsaicin had distinct antagonism to scavenge DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation. This study is significant for the rational combination of ZBM and CAL used in food processing and cooking in consideration of health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have gained attention in biomedicine due to their broad spectrum of applications, such as targeted drug delivery, their use as antibacterial agents or in cancer treatments. In particular, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have become one of the most popular metal oxide NPs in biomedical applications. The present study describes for the first time the biogenic synthesis of rod shaped ZnO NPs using C. annuum L. var. grossum (L.) Sendt) extract as a capping agent. The purified C. annum-based zinc oxide nanorods (Ca-ZnO NRs) were characterized by different physico-chemical techniques. UV–vis spectroscopy depicted the absorbance peak at 372 nm. The size of nanorods ranges between 70 and 80 nm as revealed by FE-TEM micrographs and the mean size was 72 nm. Ca-ZnO NRs exhibited antibacterial activity in a dose-dependent manner and a greater activity was observed against S. enterica. Ca-ZnO NRs have shown antioxidant activity (91%) at 100 μg ml−1 when compared to the standard (ascorbic acid) (98%). A significant inhibition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein denaturation evidenced their anti-inflammatory property. Further, Ca-ZnO NRs showed hemolysis of red blood cells (RBC) (~ 3%) (up to 3 μg ml−1) which is much lesser than permissible limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root and collar rot caused by Phytophthora capsici Leonian is an imperil for commercial chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) production in India as it is being cultivated continuously in the same soil under canal irrigated conditions. Development of commercial varieties/ F1 hybrids having genetic resistance to this major soil borne pathogen is environmentally safe with reduced cost of production. Among the genotypes evaluated under artificial epiphytotic conditions, IHR3575 was found highly resistant against the virulent Indian isolate PC-IIHR1 (GenBank accession No. MK256294). In the study, to determine the genetic inheritance pattern in chilli for collar and root rot resistance, chi square analyses was performed using segregating bi-parental populations of IHR3575 accession and IHR3476, a highly susceptible genotype. In the inheritance analysis, the effects of segregation in F2 and backcross populations indicated that a major dominant gene along with a few minor genes were found to be involved in conferring complete resistance to Phytophthora root rot (PC-IIHR1 isolate). This study will help the chilli breeders in choosing appropriate breeding methodology to develop resistant commercial chilli varieties/ F1 hybrids, further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southern blight or collar rot of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., is a serious disease that results in significant yield losses annually. A pot experiment was carried out for the management of this disease using dry biomass of Datura metel, a medicinal plant of the family Solanaceae. The soil was amended with 0.5, 1.0, ..., 3.0% dry biomass of D. metel with and without the inoculation of S. rolfsii. The highest disease incidence (100%) was recorded in the positive control where the soil was inoculated with S. rolfsii without any soil amendment. The disease was completely controlled by 2% soil amendment. This soil amendment treatment enhanced bell pepper yield by 30% over the negative control (without any inoculation or amendment) and 136% over the positive control. Activities of defense-related enzymes namely polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) were significantly increased in the positive control. However, the activities of these enzymes were significantly dropped due to the soil amendment with D. metel. This study concluded that the application of 2% dry biomass of D. metel can control collar rot disease resulting in a significant increase in the yield of bell pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) sequences are often used for phylogenetic analysis among organisms. Because DNA cytosine methylation and nucleolar dominancy are two common epigenetic mechanisms of nrDNA, we hypothesized that internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S rRNA and ITS2 of nrDNA sequences could be used as epigenetic biomarkers. Thus, this research was undertaken to study level and pattern of site-specific cytosine methylation of ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 in nine tissues and/or developmental stage of pepper Capsicum annuum L. cultivar Demre Sivrisi. Tissues studied consisted of young and old roots at 30 and 90 days after sowing (das), mature dry seeds and seeds at 26 days of post anthesis (dpa), flowering buds at 1 day before flowering, pericarps at 3, 15 and 65 dpa. Levels and patterns of DNA cytosine methylation were identified at single base resolution using bisulfite conversion sequencing. Results of this study revealed that DNA cytosine level and pattern of ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 were different in most tissues and/or developmental stages studied. In addition, methylation levels of CG, CHG and CHH contexts were also significantly different among the regions. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that high level of methylation of nrDNA sequences was relatively higher as observed in transposable element and promoter. On the other hand, its tissue-specific gene expression was effective as that of gene body and promoter methylation. Overall findings revealed that methylation levels of nrDNA could be used as biomarkers for tissue identification or age estimation in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: T-DNA-free homozygous mutant lines developed through a single transcript CRISPR/Cas9 system harboring the desired modification in the CaERF28 locus exhibited significantly enhanced resistance to the anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum truncatum coupled with the improved expression of defense responsive genes. Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum species, is a major disease of chilli (Capsicum annuum) accounting for significant pre- and post-harvest yield losses across the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Management of chilli anthracnose using traditional methods have not met with noticeable success. In the present study, we have demonstrated an enhanced anthracnose resistance through a single transcript unit CRISPR/Cas9 mediated alteration of the susceptibility gene CaERF28 in C. annuum. A construct with a single Pol II promoter-driven expression of Cas9, sgRNA and a hammerhead ribozyme (RZ) was designed to modify the CaERF28 gene in the susceptible chilli genotype Arka Lohit. Fourty-five C-ERF28-induced mutant lines (72.5%) were identified from 62 T0 transgenic plants. Further, simultaneously targeted multiple sites within CaERF28 showed increased mutation (85.7%) efficiency. DNA sequence analysis showed that these plants harboured multiple InDels at the target site. The allelic mutants of C-ERF28 were transferred to the following generations by simple Mendelian inheritance. Segregation in the T1 and T2 generations resulted in the identification of T-DNA free and marker-free C-ERF28 mutant lines. Five homozygous mutants demonstrated enhanced resistance to anthracnose compared to wild type as demonstrated by reduced spore count and fungal growth as well as induced expression of defense-related genes. Our results demonstrated that the STU-CRISPR/Cas9 mediated editing of the CaERF28 gene is a rapid, safe and versatile approach for enhancing anthracnose resistance in chilli pepper and pave way for its utilization in the improvement of other solanaceous crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prickly-pear cactus Opuntia ficus-indica L. is grown throughout Morocco and has an important economic role as a source of food, animal feed and income for rural populations. However, currently this crop is suffering from attack by the wild cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae, which has caused huge production losses. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of five botanical extracts and a detergent for the control of nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae in laboratory bioassays and field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, the detergent black soap at 60 g/l caused 100% mortality of D. opuntiae adult females and nymphs, 48 h after treatment. Capsicum annuum fruit extract at 10% gave 100% mortality of nymphs at 96 h after application and 56% mortality of adult females at 192 h after treatment. Under field conditions, black soap at 60 g/l applied in combination with C. annuum at 200 g/l caused the highest mortality on adult females (87.31%) at 168 h after application, and 84.9% on nymphs at 72 h after treatment. The black soap at 60 g/l had the greatest impact on mortality of D. opuntiae nymphs and adult females when applied at low to medium levels of D. opuntiae infestation. The double application of black soap at 60 g/l over a 3-day spray interval significantly increased the mortality of adult females up to 82.5% at 3 days after the second application. These findings showed that the use of the biodegradable products, black soap at 60 g/l in double application or in combination with C. annuum extract at 200 g/l, could be incorporated in the management package for the control of D. opuntiae as a safe alternative to chemical insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new apocarotenoid, fasciculatol (1) was isolated from the stems of Capsicum annuum var. fasciculatum (Sturtev.) Irish (Solanaceae). The structure of the new apocarotenoid was elucidated by chemical and physical evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work examined the biomedical value of red and yellow bell pepper extracts (YME and RME) in terms of antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activities by in vitro and virtual studies. The yield of extract was 3.49% for RME and 2.92% for YME. The level of total phenols and total flavonoids significantly varied between the type of extracts, and it was higher in RME than that in YME. The extracts showed promising DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging rates. The extracts showed an excellent antibacterial activity. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of RME was 0.20 mg mL−1 for Bacillus cereus, 0.30 mg mL−1 for Escherichia coli, 0.50 mg mL−1 for Staphylococcus aureus and 0.60 mg mL−1 and for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the MIC of YME was 0.40 mg mL−1 for B. cereus, 0.40 mg mL−1 for E. coli, 0.50 mg mL−1 for S. aureus, and 0.60 mg mL−1 for P. aeruginosa. TEM results demonstrated the cellular damage induced by RME in B. cereus biofilm. The RME did not show any cytotoxicity in normal NIH3T3 cells, but at 125 μg mL−1 did a strong cytotoxicity in human lung cancer cell line A549 as evident by cytotoxicity assay, ROS and AO/EB staining. The virtual biological examination indicated that β-carotene from RME was a potential compound with higher docking energy against both targeted enzymes and proteins as − 14.30 for LpxC and − 15.59 for survivin. Therefore, it is recommended that RME is a better functional food with novel biomedical properties and it deserves further evaluation for its the novel molecules against multidrug resistant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot chilli species of Capsicum are one of the most significant spice crops in India having several genetically distinct cultivars. The present study was targeted to upgrade chromosomal database of 15 cultivars belonging to C. annuum L., C. frutescens L. and C. chinense Jacq. EMA-based fluorochrome banding with GC-specific stain Chromomycin A3 (CMA) was elemental to reveal specialization in karyotypes that could not be traced out by Giemsa-stained preparations. CMA banding pattern was combined with karyomorphometric indices to statistically evaluate chromosomal relationship among the cultivars. The marker chromosome pairs 11 and 12 containing nucleolar CMA bands could be suggested as the evolutionary landmarks in 'C. annuum complex'. We found direct correspondence between fruit morphotype variation and CMA banding pattern to demonstrate maximum genetic diversity within C. annuum, followed by C. frutescens while Bhut jolokia of C. chinense displayed genetic uniformity. UPGMA phenogram upheld distinct species separation, cultivar diversity and relationships within and among the species. Out of nine C. annuum cultivars, at least two cultivars showed some sort of genetic relationship with C. chinense, particularly the Ghee cultivar shares more proximity with C. chinense. The fluorescent karyotype database reliably symbolized uniqueness of Capsicum germplasm of India, especially from the NEH sector that grows Bhut jolokia. Our attempt is believed to complement genomic investigation in the popular and exotic chilli cultivars of India and interest breeders in search of alternative genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the effect of epibrassinolide (EBL) on plants under boron (B) toxicity has been studied, the participation of l-cysteine desulfhydrase (l-DES) in EBL-induced tolerance to boron toxicity needs to be uncovered. Therefore, a glasshouse trial was carried out to evaluate what extent l-DES participates in EBL-improved B stress tolerance of pepper plants. Before starting B treatment, 0.5 µM 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) or deionized water (for control treatment) was sprayed to the 10-day-old pepper seedlings every two days for 10 days. Then pepper seedlings were subjected to B toxicity (2.0 mM) in nutrient solution. After starting B treatment, inhibitor of l-DES, 2.0 mM dl-propargylglycine (PAG) was sprayed to plant twice a week. Boron toxicity caused a marked suppression in dry biomass, leaf water potential, leaf relative water, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, photosystem II maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm), ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) in the pepper seedlings. In contrast, it enhanced the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), electrolyte leakage (EL), free proline, catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, endogenous hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and l-DES activity. In contrast, foliar spray of EBL promoted key growth characteristics, water relations, levels of free proline and activities of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as endogenous H2S and l-DES activity, but it suppressed H2O2 and MDA contents as well as membrane leakage. Foliar application of EBL caused a marked decrease in tissue B concentration but an increase in the contents of leaf Ca2+, K+ and N. Moreover, inhibitor of l-DES, PAG was sprayed to stressed and control plants to assess the role of l-DES in EBL-improved B stress tolerance. Application of PAG inverted the affirmative effects of EBL on oxidative stress and antioxidant defence system by reducing both endogenous H2S and l-DES activities, suggesting that L-DES participates in EBL-induced B toxicity tolerance of pepper plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet pepper crops suffer major losses from anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. In the present work we describe the combined effects of cultivation in the dry and rainy seasons, of nitrogen fertilization doses (0-450 Kg/ha), the use of organic (grass) and plastic soil mulches, as well as the application of a synthetic protectant fungicide (chlorothalonil) for disease control. Overall results indicate that choice of planting season is the most decisive factor for sweet pepper anthracnose management. Use of fungicide is a less decisive but still important factor, followed by choice of soil mulch substrate and nitrogen fertilization. The combined effects of all cultural practices were demonstrated: for instance, in the rainy season, fungicide alone was not as efficient as the combined use of fungicide and grass mulch. Conversely, in the dry season fungicide applications may be discarded, when organic soil mulch is adopted. The effects of the type of soil cover on the splash dispersal of Colletotrichum conidia are discussed. Management practices described here are of practical value for either organic or conventional growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]