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Pain is an undesirable sensory experience that occurs from the noisome stimulus, it becomes a warning sign of an upcoming disease or existing disease thereby signaling immediate attention. There exists a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to alleviate pain, with their own effects and impacts on health. The natural herb capsicum, used in most families as a spice is also found to have the therapeutic effects of for treating cardiovascular disorders, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, urological disorders, cancer, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, obesity and pain reduction, especially in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It acts as a counter-irritant for various conditions like rheumatism, lumbago and neuralgia. It reduces pain by aiding in the depletion of substance-P and increases the activation of intracellular calcium by activating the calcium channel. The stimulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) causes effects like analgaesia, anti-infectious, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant. It is permissible to use capsaicin in low concentrations such as in creams, lotions, gel patches and nasal sprays. High-concentration capsaicin is available in the form of oral formulations, intradermal, subcutaneous and intravenous. Capsaicin is mostly available in topical form, in many concentrations such as 0.025%, 0.0355%, 0.075% and 0.10%. It has been permitted to use capsaicin to the maximum concentration of 8%. Capsaicin is safe to use even in pregnancy, lactation, children and adolescents but is contraindicated for children less than 2 years old as well as for people with bleeding disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and thirty five chilli landraces belonging to Capsicum annuum, C. chinense and C. frutescens species were analyzed for 20 unit characters. Temporal and spatial gene expression patterns of anthocyanin pigmentation and pubescence were analyzed which revealed species specific fixation of alleles and differential response of each species to the external environment. Relative fixation of alleles across species was used to frame taxonomic key based on seed and seedling characters which will be helpful for species alignment in the vegetative stage and will be complementary to the existing key. The relationship between C. chinense and C. frutescens was evident from many phenotypic character states with similar expression patterns in both the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bionutrients play a vital role in enhancing soil productivity and sustainable agricultural production. In vegetable crops, limited information is available on the relevance of bionutrients in solanaceous crops under protected conditions. Therefore, an experiment was planned to study the response of bionutrients under the modified naturally ventilated polyhouse in mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh for two consecutive years. Various bell pepper varieties, viz., Mekong, Orobelle, Indra and DPCY1, were subjected to a set of bionutrient sources (beejamrit, ghanjeevamrit, jeevamrit and mulching). The results showed that there was a substantial increase in yield parameters in the treatment module, i.e., Mekong + beejamrit@ 200 ml/kg + ghanjeevamrit@5q/ha + jeevamrit @ 500 lt/ha at 21-day intervals + mulching @ 10 t/ha. This treatment exhibited a minimum number of days to 50% flowering (24.16), maximum number of marketable fruits per plant (28.40), fruit length (7.68 cm), fruit breadth (7.70 cm), pericarp thickness (9.15 mm), average fruit weight (109.53 g), plant height (84.06 cm) and marketable yield per plant (3.11 kg). However, Mekong + beejamrit @ 200 ml/kg + ghanjeevamrit @5q/ha + jeevamrit@ 500 lt/ha at 28-day intervals + mulching @ 10 t/hattreatment proved best for total soluble solids (4.58 °Brix), ascorbic acid (166.50 mg/100 g), capsaicin content (6.64%) and carotenoid content (2.43 mg/100 g). Horticultural and biochemical traits were appreciably enhanced after bionutrient application in bell pepper. Therefore, outcomes from the study point out that it is a feasible and economical approach for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was framed to assess the challenges/constraints in protected cultivation of capsicum by small holder farmers in Karnataka state, India and provide strategies for sustained profitability. Ex-post-facto research design was followed for conducting study in three districts (Bangalore Rural, Bangalore Urban and Chickballapur) of Karnataka. From each district, 50 smallholders capsicum cultivation farmers under protected cultivation were selected through purposive random sampling, constituting 150 respondents. Garrett's ranking technique was adopted to analyse the constraints faced by the farmers in the study area. The various constraints experienced by the farmers were broadly grouped in to production constraints, market constraints, financial constraints, technological constraints, institutional constraints, weather-based constraints, health and labour constraints. These finding demonstrated urgent need to intervene towards the constraints experienced by the smallholder capsicum grows under protected cultivation, which not only ensures to get stable income but also sustain their livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The piquin chili is a wild spice widely consumed from the South United States to Central America and stands out as a source of flavonoids, essential metabolites with antioxidant properties. The concentrations of flavonoids, carotenoids, and capsaicinoids vary according to regions, maturity stages, and ripening processes. These compounds, which are known for their health benefits and industrial applications, highlight the importance of identifying ideal environmental conditions for collecting fruits with the highest contents. Comprehensive studies of the piquin chili are essential for understanding its properties for the benefit of consumers. This approach fortifies trade, contributes to resource conservation, and advances cultivated chili production.

Abstract Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small groups of proteins obtained from plants and animals. AMPs participate in the immune response, as they provide a quick line of defense against infections, while others may be related to the plant's defense against certain pests and pathogens. The objective of the present study was to evaluate an inhibitory activity of fractions obtained from immature fruits of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (accession UENF 1755) on trypsin, chymotrypsin and α-amylase families and on yeast growth. The peptides were obtained from the immature fruits using saline extraction. The extract was semi-purified by DEAE-Sepharose chromatography into two fractions: D1 (non-retained fraction) and D2 (retained fraction), and analyzed using SDS-tricine-gel electrophoresis. The antifungal activity of these fractions was tested on Candida albicans, Candida buinensis, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis. To elucidate the antimicrobial mechanism of these fractions, membrane permeabilization and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction assays were performed. The fractions were also tested for inhibition of trypsin, chymotrypsin and α-amylase enzymes. The two fractions, D1 and D2, inhibited yeast growth at a concentration of 100 μg.mL-1, promoted membrane permeabilization and caused an increase in the induction of endogenous ROS in C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Both these fractions were able to inhibit trypsin and α-amylase enzyme, while only D1 inhibited chymotrypsin activity. Thus, D1 was found to possess a greater antifungal and enzymatic inhibition activity on trypsin, chymotrypsin and α-amylase.

This study was conducted to identify resistant pepper accessions against the destructive disease bacterial wilt (BW) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. A total of 338 pepper (Capsicum species) germplasms collected from different countries and deposited in the National Agrobiodiversity Genebank, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea, were evaluated. The evaluated accessions comprise samples from five distinct species: Capsicum annuum (213), Capsicum baccatum (47), Capsicum chinense (45), Capsicum frutescens (31), and Capsicum chacoense (2). Disease severity scores were recorded over four consecutive weeks and showed an increase in severity from initial inoculation to the end of the evaluation period. A strong correlation was observed between week 1 and 2, as well as between week 3 and 4. Ten resistant pepper accessions were identified. All selected accessions consistently exhibited low disease scores ranging from 0 to 1 throughout the observation period. These accessions belong to C. chinense (2), C. annuum (6), C. chacoense (1), and C. frutescens (1). Accessions such as IT236738 (C. chinense) and IT283498 (C. chinense) were demonstrated to have high resistance, showing no symptoms over all four weeks. Other accessions belonging to C. annuum (IT247232 and IT236340) and C. chacoense (IT158713) maintained a disease score of 0 (no symptoms) for the first three consecutive weeks; however, they developed symptoms with a score of 1 in the fourth week. Other important characteristics of the resistant materials were evaluated, including carotenoids and fruit characteristics. These accessions have important traits beyond resistance to the destructive pepper disease. They will serve as promising resources for breeding resistant pepper varieties against BW to enhance productivity.

Streptomyces can produce secondary metabolites with a wide range of activities and is often used in agriculture as a biocontrol strain to control soil-borne diseases. Screening and isolation from infected soil is an effective method to obtain active strains. In this study, the best antagonistic inter-root growth-promoting bacteria were isolated from grapevine inter-root soil samples, and strain F2 was identified as Streptomyces sp. based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics as well as 16S rDNA sequencing results. The results showed that the fermentation broth/liquid and sterile filtrate of strain F2 exhibited antagonistic effects against 10 plant pathogens, with an inhibition rate reaching up to 80%. Notably, two of them exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects against Phytophthora capsici with inhibition rates of 80.58% and 87.71%, respectively. The P. capsici leaf control experiment revealed that the control effect of strain F2 fermentation liquid on P. capsici filaments was 61.09%. Furthermore, indoor pot experiments demonstrated that the fermentation liquid of strain F2 had a significant inhibitory effect on pepper blight, with a maximum inhibition of 83.31%. Antagonistic factor analysis indicated that strain F2 had specific organophosphorus hydrolysis, nitrogen fixation, extracellular protease secretion, and IAA production capabilities. Additionally, root treatment with strain F2’s fermentation liquid significantly enhanced capsicum growth. Taking together, Streptomyces F2 not only exhibits a wide-spectrum antagonistic effect against plant pathogens but also promotes plant growth, which suggests that Streptomyces F2 can be used as an effective biological control resource and provides important theoretical support for the application of Streptomyces F2.

The reaction of pepper breeding lines under organic production conditions to Verticillium wilt, viruses and phytoplasma was observed at Maritsa Vegetable Crop Research Institute, Plovdiv, Bulgaria during two successive years. The diseases severity was recorded, when symptoms of Verticillium dahliae, viruses and Phytoplasma diseases were deeply expressed. The Verticillium dahliae attack index for early production breeding lines varied widely from 15.04% for line O58/14 to 43.83% for O26/16. For kapia type materials, the attack rate of Verticillium wilt ranged from 39.27% (O17/15) to 46.68% (O79/16). The highest index of attack by the disease was established for the powder breeding line (OP69/16) – 49.85%. The viruses which were monitored belong to groups of tobamoviruses, cucumoviruses and tospoviruses and were only 5.00% in breeding lines for early production. The Phytoplasma development was from 10.51% (O12/15) to 32.92% (O38/14). It was established that among studied diseases Verticillium wilt (42.41%) was more dangerous for studied pepper breeding lines in organic conditions followed by Phytoplasma disease (20.67%) and viruses (0.59%).

Ochratoxins, a common class of mycotoxin in capsicum, and techniques and methods for the determination of mycotoxins in spices have been increasingly developed in recent years. An innovative and eco-friendly method of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) was demonstrated in this study, based on a synthesized deep eutectic solvent (DES) combined with LC-MS/MS, for the quantification and analysis of two ochratoxins in capsicum. The DES-DLLME method parameters entail selecting the DES type (thymol:decanoic acid, molar ratio 1:1) and DES volume (100 μL). The volume of water (3 mL) and salt concentration (0 g) undergo optimization following a step-by-step approach to achieve optimal target substance extraction efficiency. The matrix effect associated with the direct detection of the target substance in capsicum was significantly reduced in this study by the addition of isotopic internal standards corresponding to the target substance. This facilitated optimal conditions wherein quantitative analysis using LC-MS/MS revealed a linear range of 0.50–250.00 µg/mL, with all two curves calibrated with internal standards showing correlation coefficients (r2) greater than 0.9995. The method's limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) fell in the ranges of 0.14–0.45 μg/kg and 0.45–1.45 μg/kg, respectively. The method's spiked recoveries ranged from 81.97 to 105.17%, indicating its sensitivity and accuracy. The environmental friendliness of the technique was assessed using two green assessment tools, AGREE and complexGAPI, and the results showed that the technique was more in line with the concept of sustainable development compared to other techniques for detecting ochratoxins in capsicum. Overall, this study provides a new approach for the determination of mycotoxins in a complex food matrix such as capsicum and other spices using DES and also contributes to the application of green analytical chemistry methods in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based detection of flonicamid, imidacloprid and 6-chloronicotinic acid residues was validated and analysed in capsicum fruit, processed products and soil. The standard concentrations (0.0025 to 0.25 μg mL−1) of insecticides had a good linear curve (r2>0.99). Limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 0.0025 and 0.01 mg kg−1, respectively. The accuracy (80.53 to 100.33 %) of capsicum matrices and soil (89.41 to 100.52 %) and precision (RSD <10%) were established. Dissipation of imidacloprid (20 and 40 g a.i. ha−1) and flonicamid (75 and 150 g a.i. ha−1) at single (X) and double dose (2X) was studied under open field and polyhouse conditions. Under open field conditions, the flonicamid and imidacloprid residues persisted with half-life of 1.98, 2.90 days (X) and 2.80, 3.14 (2X) days, respectively. While under polyhouse conditions, the flonicamid and imidacloprid residues persisted with a half-life of 2.84, 3.66 (X) and 3.24, 3.97 (2X) days, respectively. The metabolite, 6-CNA, was not detected in any samples under open field and polyhouse condition. Among decontamination treatments, cooking in boiling water for 10 minutes reduced 78 to 81.60 percent of imidacloprid and flonicamid residues in both doses. The estimated dietary risk assessment of imidacloprid and flonicamid residues (RQ <1) indicated that the risk is within the acceptable limit. In farmgate capsicum samples, residues of flonicamid (7 samples) and imidacloprid (11 samples) were detected. Market samples of capsicum products (powder, flakes and sauce) were not detected with residues of selected insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some Capsicum synthesize a unique pungent alkaloid called capsaicin in their fruits. In the synthetic pathway of capsaicin, vanillylamine is produced from vanillin in a reaction catalyzed by a putative aminotransferase (pAMT). Therefore, the capsaicinoids content in the fruits is thought to partially depend on the characteristics of pAMT. Comparing Yume-matsuri (yume), C. annuum variety, and red habanero (RH), C. chinense variety, the vanillylamine synthesis activity of the placental extract was higher in yume than in RH. When each recombinant pAMT (rpAMT) was generated using the Escherichia coli expression system and their activities were compared, yume rpAMT synthesized 14-fold more vanillylamine than RH rpAMT. The amino acid sequence of yume and RH pAMT deduced from the cDNAs revealed that only 7 of 459 residues differed. When a single amino acid residue–substituted rpAMT was generated in which the 56th amino acid was swapped with one other, the amount of vanillylamine synthesis of yume and RH rpAMTs was inverted. Furthermore, it was suggested that the 56th amino acid contributed to the affinity for the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate. Differences in the vanillylamine synthesis activity of pAMT may also lead to differences in the amount of capsaicin synthesis that accumulates in the fruit. Since capsaicin is a compound with commercial value, this finding may provide new insights into the creation of a variety that can synthesize more capsaicin. • Yume pAMT has much higher vanillylamine synthesis activity than RH pAMT. • A single amino acid substitution in pAMT alters vanillylamine synthesis activity. • The 56th amino acid in pAMT contributes to the key conformational change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot peppers, also called chilli, chilli pepper, or paprika of the plant genus Capsicum (family Solanaceae), are one of the most used vegetables and spices worldwide. Capsaicin (8-methyl N-vanillyl-6-noneamide) is the main pungent principle of hot green and red peppers. By acting on the capsaicin receptor or transient receptor potential cation channel vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1), capsaicin selectively stimulates and in high doses defunctionalizes capsaicin-sensitive chemonociceptors with C and Aδ afferent fibers. This channel, which is involved in a wide range of neuronal processes, is expressed in peripheral and central branches of capsaicin-sensitive nociceptive neurons, sensory ganglia, the spinal cord, and different brain regions in neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, astrocytes, and pericytes. Several experimental and clinical studies provided evidence that capsaicin protected against ischaemic or excitotoxic cerebral neuronal injury and may lower the risk of cerebral stroke. By preventing neuronal death, memory impairment and inhibiting the amyloidogenic process, capsaicin may also be beneficial in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases. Capsaicin given in systemic inflammation/sepsis exerted beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects while defunctionalization of capsaicin-sensitive vagal afferents has been demonstrated to increase brain oxidative stress. Capsaicin may act in the periphery via the vagal sensory fibers expressing TRPV1 receptors to reduce immune oxidative and inflammatory signalling to the brain. Capsaicin given in small doses has also been reported to inhibit the experimentally-induced epileptic seizures. The aim of this review is to provide a concise account on the most recent findings related to this topic. We attempted to delineate such mechanisms by which capsaicin exerts its neuronal protective effects. We also aimed to provide the reader with the current knowledge on the mechanism of action of capsaicin on sensory receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red colouration of ripe chilli pepper fruit is due to the presence of the carotenoid capsanthin. 1-D-deoxy-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (DXS) and phytoene synthase(s) (PSY) are influential biosynthetic steps in the carotenoid pathway. A panel of chilli accessions for varying fruit colour intensity revealed the correlation of carotenoid content with PSY and DXS transcript levels. The PSY and DXS genes were sequenced from high and low carotenoid genotypes to deduce potential allelic variation. PSY-1 and -2 showed tissue-specific expression, with PSY-1 and -2 expressed in chromoplast and chloroplast containing tissues, respectively. Protein modelling, phylogenetic analysis and transcription factor analysis were conducted to understand how the allelic variation identified could affect carotenoid biosynthesis and regulation, and subsequently colour intensity phenotype. A candidate mutation located in the transit peptide of the PSY-1 protein sequence was identified in the low colour intensity genotype. Sequence variation within the promoter region of the DXS gene present in the high colour intensity genotype was determined in the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate binding motif (GAPF). These data can be exploited to develop tools and resources for the breeding of high colour intensity chilli pepper fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viruses are one of the major restraining factors in pepper cultivation globally. Among different viruses, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) is one of the most detrimental plant viruses infecting Capsicum spp. belonging to the genus Tobamovirus and Virgaviridae family. It has a monopartite positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome of 6.35 kb size. On an average, PMMoV results in 15%-40% losses in capsicum fruit yield. However, the incidence of PMMoV can reach as high as 95%, leading to substantial yield losses ranging from 75% to 95%. The virus is transmitted via contact, soil, and seeds rather than via insect vectors. PMMoV, because of its seed-borne nature, now occurs worldwide. PMMoV mainly infects Capsicum spp. under natural conditions; however, it can experimentally be transmitted to other plants species belonging to the families Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Labiatae, Chenopodiaceae, and Plantaginaceae. The resistance to tobamoviruses in capsicum is conferred by L locus. Mutations in the coat protein of PMMoV are responsible for the emergence of L-mediated resistance-breaking pathotypes. The highly contagious nature of the virus, seed transmission behavior, and the emergence of virulence complicate its management through a single approach. Therefore, efforts are directed towards providing a more practical and efficient integrated management solution using the RNA interference approach; exploitation of the L gene for resistance breeding; and the inhibitory potential of natural products, systemic resistance-inducing antagonistic bacteria, and chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles. Markers linked to L alleles have been observed to accelerate capsicum breeding programs through marker-assisted selection. In this study, an attempt has been made to compile the recent developments in PMMoV biology, pathogenic variability, genomic organization, and management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walk Under the Midnight Sun is a large-scale carpet installation originally designed for the Hungarian Pavilion of the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale, part of an exhibition proposal by Fuzzy Earth design studio and BÜRO imaginaire curator collective. The project invites the public to explore the entangled historical, social and architectural relationships within greenhouse cultivation practices. The protagonist of the installation is a regionally unique capsicum cultivar, the Hungarian wax pepper, known in Hungary as the Cecei paprika. The themes of the exhibition were inspired by Fuzzy Earth’s ‘Not Quite a California Wonder’ research project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogeographical studies combined with species distribution modelling can provide evidence for past climate refugia. During the Pleistocene, the Chaco phytogeographical province (ChPP) underwent changes in the distribution range, and the flora might have found refugia in different habitats according to their climatic requirements. This contribution aims to infer the effects of historical geoclimatic changes on the evolutionary history of Capsicum chacoense , the southernmost chilli pepper growing in the ChPP. We analysed 27 localities with plastid markers and 23 with nuclear markers, covering the geographical range of the species. We performed statistical phylogeography, in addition to current and past species distribution modelling. We found three haploclades, diverging 2.3–1 Mya, intermingled throughout the mountain ranges of the ChPP as a consequence of glacial cycles. According to the species distribution modelling, the expansion of the species distribution occurred during interglacial periods. We found two dispersal routes from south to north of the species distribution, concomitant with the migration routes of birds that disperse their fruits. The spatial distribution of genetic diversity showed the highest genetic diversity values at higher elevations. The main orographic systems of the study area were identified as areas of presumed population stability. Consequently, mountains are priority regions for conservation because they contain areas with high genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials, as a source of plant nutrients, play a significant role in cellular metabolism and nutrients uptake by plants, so they have the potential to improve the growth and productivity of Capsicum. A replicated field trial was carried out in 3 x 3 factors Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two factors viz., micronutrients (Cu, B and Mn) and nanomaterials (nano-Fe, nano -Zn and nano-Mg) applied at the rate of 1000 ppm to explore efficacy of nanomaterials and micronutrient for enhancing productivity of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) var. Rani. The layout of experimental area was designed to accommodate 9 treatments (3 x 3) and a control (without treating with micronutrients and nanomaterials). Inside the naturally ventilated polyhouse, the raised beds (height-30 cm, length-50 m, width-90 cm and bed spacing-60 cm) were prepared for the transplanting capsicum seedlings. Application of nano-Zn and/or nano-Fe @ 1000 ppm in combination with borax and/or CuSO4 @ 1000 ppm was significant (p<0.05) for improving various plant growth and productivity parameters of Capsicum. The combined application of nano-Zn with borax or CuSO4 and nano-Fe with borax or CuSO4 (@ 1000 ppm each) was the effective approach for improvement in plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits, yield plant-1 and estimated yield hectare-1. The experimental findings of the present study confirm the necessities of nanomaterials as a nutrient source for enhancing capsicum's productivity to achieve food and nutritional security and promote sustainable agriculture, inclusive and sustainable economic growth of the farming community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Capsaicin and its analogues known as capsaicinoids are the principal sources of pungency in Capsicum spp. In this study, characterization of North-West Himalayan chilli germplasm and commercial landraces of different Indian states known for different pungency-color combinations was done based on capsaicin concentration. Moreover, molecular variation in pungency among high, medium and mild/not pungent Capsicum spp., especially those adapted to North-West Himalayas were elucidated. Methods and results: Forty-nine genotypes of chilli comprising breeding lines of Kashmiri origin, commercial landraces of Southern Indian origin and one of the world's hottest chilli Bhut Jolokia from Nagaland state of India were used as an experimental material. Wide variation in capsaicin content was observed among the genotypes, wherein, Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense) expressed the highest capsaicin content (10,500.75 µg/g). Further, molecular analysis of PunI gene was done for discovering SNPs responsible for variations in pungency. In the non-pungent Nishat-1 (Capsicum annuum var. grossum), the 650 bp DNA fragment was not amplified due to 2.5 kb deletion spanning the putative promoter and first exon of AT3. The amplified DNA product for high and medium pungent was sequencing. Sequence alignment among revealed SNPs which were further observed responsible for variations in amino acid sequence and protein structure. Conclusion: The observed variation in protein structure might be responsible for high capsaicin production in one genotype as compared to the other and hence the protein conformation determines its interaction with the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): This study investigated the therapeutic effect of red hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) methanolic extract in induced Alzheimer’s disease using AlCl3 in male rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were injected with AlCl3 intraperitoneally (IP) daily for two months. Starting from the 2nd month of AlCl3, rats received, in addition, IP treatments with Capsicum extract (25, 50 mg/kg) or saline. Other groups received only saline or Capsicum extract at 50 mg/kg for two months. Brain levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Additionally, paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity, interleukin-6 (IL-6), Aβ-peptide, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) concentrations in the brain were measured. Behavioral testing included wire-hanging tests for neuromuscular strength and memory tests such as Y-maze and Morris water maze. Histopathology of the brain was also done. Results: Compared with saline-treated rats, AlCl3 caused significant elevation of brain oxidative stress as GSH level and PON-1 activity were depleted along with MDA and NO level elevation in the brain. There were also significant increases in brain Aβ-peptide, IL-6, and AChE levels. Behavioral testing indicated that AlCl3 decreased neuromuscular strength and impaired memory performance. Capsicum extract given to AlCl3-treated rats significantly alleviated oxidative stress and decreased Aβ-peptide and IL-6 in the brain. It also improved grip strength and memory functioning and prevented neuronal degeneration in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and substantia nigra of AlCl3-treated rats. Conclusion: The study suggests beneficial effects for hot peppers through their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in halting neurodegeneration in this model of Alzheimer’s disease.

Chili is a globally significant spice used fresh or dried for culinary, condiment, and medicinal purposes. Growing concerns about food safety have increased the demand for high-quality products and non-invasive tools for quality control like origin tracing and safety assurance. Volatile analysis offers a rapid, comprehensive, and safe method for characterizing various food products. Thus, this study aims to assess the impact of the drying process on the aromatic composition of various Capsicum species and to identify key compounds driving the aromatic complexity of each genetic makeup. To accomplish these objectives, the aroma was examined in fruits collected from 19 different pepper accessions (Capsicum sp.) belonging to four species: one ancestral (C. chacoense) and three domesticated pepper species (C. annuum, C. baccatum and C. chinense). Fresh and dried samples were analyzed using a headspace PTR-TOF-MS platform. Our findings reveal significant changes in the composition and concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fresh to dried Capsicum. Notably, chili peppers of the species C. chinense consistently exhibited higher emission intensity and a more complex aroma compared to other species (both fresh and dried). Overall, the data clearly demonstrate that the drying process generally leads to a reduction in the intensity and complexity of the aromatic compounds emitted. Specifically, fresh peppers showed higher volatile organic compounds content compared to dried ones, except for the two sweet peppers studied, which exhibited the opposite behavior. Our analysis underscores the variability in the effect of drying on volatile compound composition among different pepper species and even among different cultivars, highlighting key compounds that could facilitate species classification in dried powder. This research serves as a preliminary guide for promoting the utilization of various pepper species and cultivars as powder, enhancing product valorization.

Resumen La importancia del manejo del ‘ají’ (Capsicum spp.) por los habitantes del Perú prehispánico ha quedado evidenciado por la buena preservación de sus frutos y semillas en el registro arqueológico. Su abundancia requiere contar con una metodología para su determinación taxonómica. En este trabajo se realiza la caracterización morfométrica de semillas actuales domesticadas de Capsicum que sirven de referencia para comparaciones con semillas arqueológicas. A partir de datos descriptivos y morfométricos de estas semillas actuales se elaboró un modelo predictivo mediante el algoritmo Gradient Boosting Regression Model (GBM). Las variables de mayor contribución para la predicción en semillas actuales y arqueológicas fueron: largo de semilla, altura del pico y largo del hilum. El porcentaje de predicción correspondió a 22.13 %, se deduce que las semillas arqueológicas procedentes de Huaca Pucllana (Lima-Perú), asociado al Intermedio Temprano (555-650 d.C.) sugieren semejanza con semillas de C. baccatum L. ‘ají amarillo’. Sobre esta información, se propone que en Pucllana hubo un manejo de la variabilidad genética de esta especie, resultado de la intensificación de su cultivo e influenciado por preferencias de consumo. Un ejemplo es su recurrencia en contextos de índole ceremonial, cuya asociación con otros sitios podría referirse a una ‘tradición’ costeña.

Viruses are one of the major restraining factors in pepper cultivation globally. Among different viruses, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) is one of the most detrimental plant viruses infecting Capsicum spp. belonging to the genus Tobamovirus and Virgaviridae family. It has a monopartite positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome of 6.35 kb size. On an average, PMMoV results in 15%–40% losses in capsicum fruit yield. However, the incidence of PMMoV can reach as high as 95%, leading to substantial yield losses ranging from 75% to 95%. The virus is transmitted via contact, soil, and seeds rather than via insect vectors. PMMoV, because of its seed-borne nature, now occurs worldwide. PMMoV mainly infects Capsicum spp. under natural conditions; however, it can experimentally be transmitted to other plants species belonging to the families Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Labiatae, Chenopodiaceae, and Plantaginaceae. The resistance to tobamoviruses in capsicum is conferred by L locus. Mutations in the coat protein of PMMoV are responsible for the emergence of L-mediated resistance-breaking pathotypes. The highly contagious nature of the virus, seed transmission behavior, and the emergence of virulence complicate its management through a single approach. Therefore, efforts are directed towards providing a more practical and efficient integrated management solution using the RNA interference approach; exploitation of the L gene for resistance breeding; and the inhibitory potential of natural products, systemic resistance-inducing antagonistic bacteria, and chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles. Markers linked to L alleles have been observed to accelerate capsicum breeding programs through marker-assisted selection. In this study, an attempt has been made to compile the recent developments in PMMoV biology, pathogenic variability, genomic organization, and management strategies.

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) holds significant value as both a vegetable and a spice crop cultivated across the world, belonging to the genus Capsicum of the Solanaceae family. In addition to its culinary and spice applications, pepper finds extensive utility in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors. Breeding pepper plants with improved nutritional qualities will require a comprehensive understanding of biosynthetic pathway genes and their regulatory functions. Advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have facilitated the identification of genes involved in carotenoid, anthocyanin, and capsaicinoid biosynthesis, providing opportunities for the development of new pepper cultivars with tailored levels of desired metabolites. Further advances in high-throughput sequencing methods and computational analyses will allow more efficient and accurate identification and functional characterization of genes and regulatory elements participating in biosynthesis and regulation of these traits. This review discusses the present understanding and avenues for further investigation into the genetic and molecular control of carotenoid, anthocyanin, and capsaicinoid biosynthetic pathways in pepper.

Water and nutrition are the crucial inputs in the production of high value crops under protected condition, especially the quantity, quality, and timing schedule. A greenhouse experiment on capsicum was taken up for two season during 2020–21 with factorial concept and RCBD design. The experiment was conducted with three levels of automated sensor-based irrigation technology (I1: 75% Available soil moisture (ASM), (I2: 50% ASM and I3: 25% ASM) and 4 levels of fertigation (F1: 75% RDF, F2: 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF), F3: 125% RDF and F4: 150% RDF) with 100% RDF and surface irrigation as control. The results revealed that combination of sensor-based irrigation schedule at 75% ASM with 125% RDF performed well with higher fruit yield (60089 kg ha−1) and was 217.9% higher than the control. Automated scheduling of irrigation at 75% ASM with 150% RDF recorded higher total nutrient uptake, namely, nitrogen (245.30 kg ha−1), phosphorus (105.84 kg ha−1), and potassium (235.33 kg ha−1) than control. It also enhanced economics, namely, net return (US$ 19263 ha−1) and B:C ratio (2.07) and resources use efficiency, namely, nutrient use efficiency (79.5 kg kg−1) and water use efficiency (16.75 kg m−3). Correlation and regression models hypothesize that all the variables are positively correlated with yield at p <.05 and growth variables like nutrient uptake contribute to the fruit yield individually and together increased fruit yield by 97.3% (r2 = 0.973). These results demonstrate that a higher yield is linked to higher nutrient uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] The paper was to explore the mechanism of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and search for new targets. [Methods] The active ingredients of capsicum were queried from TCMSP database to obtain the corresponding target proteins. The related targets of T2DM were screened from GeneCards database, and the target intersection of active ingredients of capsicum and diabetes mellitus was obtained via Venny software. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the compounds was constructed using STRING database, and the GO bio-function and KEGG pathway enrichment were further analyzed using Metascape database. [ Results] Through TCMSP database query and conditional screening, 14 candidate active molecules, 93 potential targets and 225 related pathways were obtained. [Conclusions] The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis show that the main active ingredients of capsicum play a role in the treatment of T2DM by regulating cancer pathways, chemical carcinogenesis--receptor activation, proteoglycans in cancer, and prostate cancer pathways, 'which will provide an important theoretical basis for subsequent research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cladosporium rot (Cladosporium cladosporioides) is a common disease affecting sweet pepper postharvest. Rots are frequently observed in Mediterranean growing regions, and conidia produced during refrigerated transport and storage can spread readily in air currents or by direct contact with healthy fruits. There are limited management strategies that are used to control Cladosporium rot that include protecting fruits from physiological disorders and limiting wounding. The objective of our research was to characterize C. cladosporioides isolates from sweet pepper in Israel and to determine isolate sensitivity to the fungicide fludioxonil. Isolates collected from multiple regions in Israel were slow growing and formed olivaceous-grey to brown colonies on PDA. The conidia measured 5.1 × 3.1 µm and ramoconidia measured 15.4 × 3.3 µm. The optimum temperature was 20 °C for mycelial growth and conidial germination, and limited fungal growth occurred at 1 and 30 °C. Fruit extracts enhanced conidial germination, while there was no effect of fruit surface exudates. In histological sections from diseased pepper, hyphae had ramified through the inner pericarp layer by 24 h post inoculation (hpi) and dissolution of the cytoplasm occurred by 72 h. Sporulation from the hyphal layer and diseased tissue was observed 96 hpi. On fludioxonil amended media the average EC50 was 0.19 ppm for the isolates tested, suggesting this fungicide could be beneficial in disease management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of natural food items as antioxidants has gained increasing popularity and attention in recent times supported by scientific studies validating the antioxidant properties of natural food items. Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are also important sources of antioxidants and several studies published during the last few decades identified and quantified various groups of phytochemicals with antioxidant capacities as well as indicated the influence of several pre‐ and postharvest factors on the antioxidant capacity of pepper. Therefore, this review summarizes the research findings on the antioxidant activity of pepper published to date and discusses their potential health benefits as well as the factors influencing the antioxidant activity in pepper. The major antioxidant compounds in pepper include capsaicinoids, capsinoids, vitamins, carotenoids, phenols, and flavonoids, and these antioxidants potentially modulate oxidative stress related to aging and diseases by targeting reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, lipid peroxidation products, as well as genes for transcription factors that regulate antioxidant response elements genes. The review also provides a systematic understanding of the factors that maintain or improve the antioxidant capacity of peppers and the application of these strategies offers options to pepper growers and spices industries for maximizing the antioxidant activity of peppers and their health benefits to consumers. In addition, the efficacy of pepper antioxidants, safety aspects, and formulations of novel products with pepper antioxidants have also been covered with future perspectives on potential innovative uses of pepper antioxidants in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Capsicum has been distinguished by its lack of compatible rootstocks with commercial cultivars to successfully protect against Phytophthora capsici. Criollo de Morelos 334 (CM334) has been used worldwide in crosses and as a rootstock to protect against P. capsici. However, novel sources of resistance to this pathogen, such as 'Pasilla 18M' have not yet been explored as rootstocks. A good rootstock should be highly compatible with the scion and also maintain the quality and/or provide a benefit to the grafted cultivar. Our objectives were 1) to evaluate grafting survival using 'Pasilla 18M' and CM334 as rootstocks of two susceptible commercial cultivars: Sweet Pepper California Wonder (CW) and Serrano Coloso; and 2) to evaluate the efficiency of 'Pasilla 18M' as rootstock against P. capsici using CM334 as a resistant control. Grafting survival was analyzed over 58 days after grafting in sets of 60 plants per varietal combination. Disease severity and incidence were recorded during 24 days after inoculation with P. capsici (DAI). Incidence was also evaluated at 54 and 84 DAI. A severity scale from 0 (healthy plant) to 4 (dead plant) was applied to evaluate root rot per plant. Incidence was recorded as the percent of diseased plants (severity >0). Grafting survival of intervarietal grafts was 87% to 94%, similar to ungrafted cultivars, and exceeding autograft survival. Ungrafted and autografted Sweet Pepper and Serrano showed root rot severities 2.3 to 3.3, with 89% to 100% incidence. In contrast, intervarietal grafts remained almost free of infection (severity 0.14; incidence 0% to 4%). CM334 and 'Pasilla 18M' rootstocks are highly compatible with 'Serrano Coloso' and 'Sweet Pepper CW'. 'Pasilla 18M' confers the same level of protection against P. capsici as CM334. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to estimate the physicochemical characteristics, fatty acids, phenolic compositions and antioxidant activity of the extracted sweet pepper seed oil (SPSO) using the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The obtained oil yield was 14.7%. Outcomes of the extracted oil revealed the following physical and chemical properties: Iodine number 141.64 mg/100g, saponification number 197.51 mg KOH/g, peroxide number 3.63 meq/ Kg oil, free fatty acid 0.48, refractive index 1.467, specific gravity 0.924 g/cm3 and viscosity 63.24 cp. Applying GC-MS technique, cis-Palmitoleic acid was the predominating fatty acid, followed by Myristic acid and Pentadecylic acid while Heptanoic acid was the lowest one. Additionally, esters of some fatty acids and bioactive chemical compounds such as Phenol, 2,2'- methylene bis [6-(1,1-di methyl ethyl)-4-methyl] were determined. The antioxidant activity of SPSO at different concentrations 0.625, 1.25, and 2.50 % was estimated during the cold storage of beef burgerpatties at 4°C, and results revealed that the highest inhibition of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) root was 74% at a concentration of 20 mg/ml. Whereas, a significant decrease (p≤ 0.05) in the peroxide value 12.27 mEq/ Kg was observed at 2.5 % SPSO,presenting the highest antioxidant activity through inhibiting the peroxide formation in burger samples by the end of the tenth day of storage at 4Co . In conclusion, SPSO is suggested as a powerful natural food preservative for application in the food industry. because of its bioactive antioxidant components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the flowering and yield response of chili peppers Capsicum annuum to spraying with Ceratophyllum plant extract at 0, 10, and 20 mL/L and chelated nano-zinc at 0, 1, or 2 g/L. The experiment was a factorialrandomized complete block design of three sprays in three replicates under greenhouse conditions. Ceratophyllum extract provided high efficiency in enhancing chili pepper flowering and crop yield compared to the control treatment. Ceratophyllum extract alone at a concentration of 20 mL/L significantly increased the total flower set and yield/plant compared to treatments at lower concentrations and the control. The best results were obtained when using a combination of Ceratophyllum plant extract at 20 mL/L and nano-zinc at 2 g/L, which gave the highest values in the number of flowers (45.77/plant), fruit set (83.44%), number of fruits/plant (73.13/plant), total yield (1789.8 ton/ha), the ascorbic acid content in fruit (277.51 mg/100 g FW), and zinc in fruit (3.39%), compared to the lowest values in controls where only distilled water was sprayed. The Ceratophyllum extract showed good nutritional properties and unique components and can be efficiently used to improve yield in chili pepper plants and possibly be included in fertilizer combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant fungal diseases cause major problems for the global economy. Antimicrobial peptides have aroused great interest in the control of phytopathogens, as they are natural molecules and have a broad spectrum of inhibitory activity. Herein, we have tried to identify and characterize antimicrobial peptides present in fruits of Capsicum chinense and to evaluate their enzymatic and antifungal activities. The retained fraction obtained in the anion exchange chromatography with strong antifungal activity was subjected to molecular exclusion chromatography and obtained four fractions named G1, G2, G3, and G4. The 6.0-kDa protein band of G2 showed similarity with protease inhibitors type II, and it was able to inhibit 100% of trypsin and α-amylase activities. The protein band with approximately 6.5 kDa of G3 showed similarity with sequences of protease inhibitors from genus Capsicum and showed growth inhibition of 48% for Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, 49% for Fusarium lateritium, and 51% for F. solani and F. oxysporum. Additionally, G3 causes morphological changes, membrane permeabilization, and ROS increase in F. oxysporum cells. The 9-kDa protein band of G4 fraction was similar to a nsLTP type 1, and a protein band of 6.5 kDa was similar to a nsLTP type 2. The G4 fraction was able to inhibit 100% of the activities of glycosidases tested and showed growth inhibition of 35 and 50% of F. oxysporum and C. lindemuthianum, respectively. C. chinense fruits have peptides with antifungal activity and enzyme inhibition with biotechnological potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild chili pepper Capsicum chacoense produces the spicy defense compounds known as capsaicinoids, including capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, which are antagonistic to the growth of fungal pathogens. Compared to other microbes, fungi isolated from infected seeds of C. chacoense possess much higher levels of tolerance of these spicy compounds, having their growth slowed but not entirely inhibited. Previous research has shown capsaicinoids inhibit microbes by disrupting ATP production by binding NADH dehydrogenase in the electron transport chain (ETC) and, thus, throttling oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Capsaicinoids may also disrupt cell membranes. Here, we investigate capsaicinoid tolerance in fungal seed pathogens isolated from C. chacoense We selected 16 fungal isolates from four ascomycete genera (Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, and Phomopsis). Using relative growth rate as a readout for tolerance, fungi were challenged with ETC inhibitors to infer whether fungi possess alternative respiratory enzymes and whether effects on the ETC fully explained inhibition by capsaicinoids. In all isolates, we found evidence for at least one alternative NADH dehydrogenase. In many isolates, we also found evidence for an alternative oxidase. These data suggest that wild-plant pathogens may be a rich source of alternative respiratory enzymes. We further demonstrate that these fungal isolates are capable of the breakdown of capsaicinoids. Finally, we determine that the OXPHOS theory may describe a weak primary mechanism by which dihydrocapsaicin, but not capsaicin, slows fungal growth. Our findings suggest that capsaicinoids likely disrupt membranes, in addition to energy poisoning, with implications for microbiology and human health.IMPORTANCE Plants make chemical compounds to protect themselves. For example, chili peppers produce the spicy compound capsaicin to inhibit pathogen damage and animal feeding. In humans, capsaicin binds to a membrane channel protein, creating the sensation of heat, while in microbes, capsaicin limits energy production by binding respiratory enzymes. However, some data suggest that capsaicin also disrupts membranes. Here, we studied fungal pathogens (Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, and Phomopsis) isolated from a wild chili pepper, Capsicum chacoense By measuring growth rates in the presence of antibiotics with known respiratory targets, we inferred that wild-plant pathogens might be rich in alternative respiratory enzymes. A zone of clearance around the colonies, as well as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data, further indicated that these fungi can break down capsaicin. Finally, the total inhibitory effect of capsaicin was not fully explained by its effect on respiratory enzymes. Our findings lend credence to studies proposing that capsaicin may disrupt cell membranes, with implications for microbiology, as well as human health.

A variety of traits are necessary for bacterial colonization of the interior of plant hosts, including well-studied virulence effectors as well as other phenotypes contributing to bacterial growth and survival within the apoplast. High-throughput methods such as transposon sequencing (TnSeq) are powerful tools to identify such genes in bacterial pathogens. However, there is little information as to the distinctiveness of traits required for bacterial colonization of different hosts. Here, we utilize randomly barcoded TnSeq (RB-TnSeq) to identify the genes that contribute to the ability of Pseudomonas syringae strain B728a to grow within common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), and pepper (Capsicum annuum); species representing two different plant families. The magnitude of contribution of most genes to apoplastic fitness in each of the plant hosts was similar. However, 50 genes significantly differed in their fitness contributions to growth within these species. These genes encoded proteins in various functional categories including polysaccharide synthesis and transport, amino acid metabolism and transport, cofactor metabolism, and phytotoxin synthesis and transport. Six genes that encoded unannotated, hypothetical proteins also contributed differentially to growth in these hosts. The genetic repertoire of a relatively promiscuous pathogen such as P. syringae may thus be shaped, at least in part, by the conditional contribution of some fitness determinants.

Pepper is one of the most important vegetable species in Serbia. The use of pepper fruits is very often determined by their type. Tomato-shaped pepper is a fruit type suitable for the pickle processing industry because of its thick pericarp. In this study, several lines of light-yellow tomato-shaped peppers were evaluated in the open field with the aim to develop new variety with appropriate fruit characteristics and without anthocyanin colouration. Eight of selected lines originated from two crosses while two lines originated from variety Novosađanka. Fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, fruit index, pericarp thickness, number of locules, and Brix were measured in technological maturity. According to the obtained data, lines 17 and 24 will be used for further selection process. Line 17 was chosen because of the highest pericarp thickness and high fruit weight and line 24 because of the high content of total soluble solids.

Purpose Chicken eggshell (ES) is a global biowaste product of poultry industry and an enriched source of calcium required for plant growth. Therefore, the present study has been carried out to assess the potentiality of the combination of ES with vermicompost (VC) and chicken feather protein hydrolysate (CFPH) on growth and yield improvement of Capsicum plants.Method A field study was conducted through randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments having three replicates for each. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) have performed to analyze the yield related parameters of plant. Nutritional components of VC and ES were also analyzed.Results The PCA analysis of the field experiment data has indicated that the combination of ES, CFPH and VC (in a ratio of 100:10:3) remarkably increased the agronomic parameters of capsicum plant about four folds as compared to its chemical counterpart and control, while together VC and ES strongly influences the characteristics of fruits. The first two dimensions of first and second PCA analysis showed 88.39 and 66.91 percent of the overall dataset inertia respectively, explaining 88.39 and 66.91 percent of the total variability. These two values are higher than their respective reference values of 36.32 and 46.76 percent indicating substantial variability.Conclusion The co-application of ES, CFPH with VC could enhance the yield parameters of crops by enriching the soil with both micro and macronutrients. It also serves as a source of organic compost with concomitant reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers.

In Ethiopia, chili (Capsicum annum L.) is an important dietary component. Chili is produced as a source of income for smallholder farmers covering a large share of the national as well as export market. A field experiment was conducted to study the association of green pod yield (FYD) and 11 yield-related traits in 29 chili genotypes under flood irrigation conditions in Ethiopia. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three biological replicates. Phenotypic and genotypic correlations and path coefficients were analyzed for FYD and 11 yield-related traits. The genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients showed that all investigated traits, except days to 50% flowering and days to the first harvest, showed a positive and significant correlation with FYD. The phenotypic path coefficient analysis revealed that the number of flowers per plant (NFP, 0.4114), and fruit length (FL, 0.3678) showed a significant (p