‘NuMex Sandia Select’ New Mexican Chile Pepper

Abstract

Heirloom vegetables are becoming more appreciated by the public for their unique colors, shapes, and superior flavor unavailable in modern cultivars (Klee, 2010). The increased popularity of heirloom vegetables began in the late 20th century and has been attributed to the return to the organic, local, and ‘‘authentic’’ foods movement (Weaver, 2000). However, experimenting with and cultivating heirlooms has been a popular pastime for centuries. Even Thomas Jefferson grew heirlooms at his Monticello plantation. In his 1000-foot long garden terrace, Jefferson tended to a number of heirloom cultivars, taking meticulous notes on the growth and cultivation of each species in his Garden Kalendar (Hatch, 2012). Heirloom cultivars are ideal for home gardeners and can be used in the commercial processing industry to improve sales. A potential problem with heirloom varieties is that the consumer and the processing industry needs and desires can change through time (McLaughlin, 2010). Some heirlooms have fallen from favor because they are not widely adapted or they fail to satisfy commercial production standards or mainstream tastes (Gettle et al., 2011). These factors limit the ability of the old cultivars to compete against newer introduced cultivars whose general or specific attributes have broader appeal. So even with their perceived benefits, heirloom cultivars can be improved. Selection for improvement within an heirloom cultivar can enhance the consumer and/ or horticultural value of heirloom cultivars.