Abstract
In this work, the impact of pepper (Capsicum spp.) fruits morphology on their composition for health-promoting compounds was investigated. For that purpose, pepper accessions from Ecuador, one of the hotspots in Capsicum’s origin, were analyzed for ascorbic acid, polyphenols, capsaicinoids, and prevention of cholesterol oxidation. Plant and fruit phenomics were assessed with conventional descriptors and Tomato Analyzer digital traits. Significant differences among accessions and species revealed a large diversity within the collection. The Capsicum frutescens group displayed the highest levels of capsaicinoids, whereas the polyphenols shortly varied among the five domesticated species. Capsicum pubescens exhibited the lowest content of ascorbic acid. The conventional descriptors describing the magnitude of plants and fruits, as well as digital attributes under the categories of size, shape index, and latitudinal section, mostly explained the variance among Capsicum groups. Correlation test revealed that phytochemical components were negatively correlated with the morphometric fruit attributes, suggesting that huge fruits contained lower amounts of nutraceutical compounds. Multivariate analysis showed that parameters related to fruit size, shape, and nutraceutical composition primarily contribute to the arrangement of pepper accessions. Such results suggested that those traits have been subjected to higher selection pressures imposed by humans.
Highlights
Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are one of the most important vegetables worldwide [1,2]
The content in ascorbic acid and capsaicinoids explained the greatest part of the variation
Health-promoting compounds have been identified in the five Capsicum domesticated species, C. annuum and C. frutescens are the most widely used for commercial purposes [41]
Summary
Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are one of the most important vegetables worldwide [1,2]. The genus belongs to the Solanaceae family and currently harbors more than 35 species, five of which (Capsicum annuum L., Capsicum chinense Jacq., C. frutescens L., Capsicum baccatum L., and C. pubescens, Ruiz et Pav.)are domesticated, and exemplify the most relevant Capsicum in terms of nutritional value, economic importance, and breeding [2]. Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are one of the most important vegetables worldwide [1,2]. The genus belongs to the Solanaceae family and currently harbors more than 35 species, five of which (Capsicum annuum L., Capsicum chinense Jacq., C. frutescens L., Capsicum baccatum L., and C. pubescens, Ruiz et Pav.). The genus Capsicum is native to South America [5]. Carrizo-Garcia et al [6,7] proclaimed the genesis of this genus in a broad area, including Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, along the Andes in western–north-western South America. The five cultivated Capsicum species were independently domesticated in either Mesoamerica or South America and subsequently shifted to the primary centers of diversification, mostly comprised of the Andean regions [5].
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