Abstract
Pepper (Capsicum spp.) cultivars resistant to anthracnose are not commercially available and depending on conducive environmental conditions the crop faces significant yield losses. Pepper genotypes from a germplasm collection were screened for resistance to anthracnose. Unripe and ripe mature fruit of selected genotypes were inoculated post-harvest with Colletotrichum sp. Plant disease resistance-associated parameters were evaluated, and complete resistance was not observed in any genotype. Genotype P27 (Capsicum baccatum) showed the most disease resistance, while P175 (Capsicum chinense) showed the greatest disease susceptibility. These contrasting individuals for disease response were further investigated in an attempt to better understand pepper defense mechanisms. A response to disease common to both resistant and susceptible genotypes involved changes in threitol, carotenoids, and soluble solids contents, and ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity. Disease incidence and severity was dependent on ripening stage and involved the accumulation of polar compounds butane-2,3-diol, fructose, and phenolics, and superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities.
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