Annuum Var Research Articles

Complete Genome Sequence of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus from Paprika in Korea

We isolated tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV-KP) from a diseased Capsicum annuum var. grossum with malformed leaves and necrotic spotted fruits. TSWV-KP produced necrosis or necrotic ring spots on inoculated leaves along with mosaic, vein necrosis, or death on the upper leaves on Datura stramonium, Nicotiana clevarandii, N. rustica, and N. tabacum cvs. Ultrastructurally, typical tospovirus particles were observed in the cytoplasm. The virion contained three molecules of genomic RNAs of approximately 9.0, 4.9, and 3.0 kb. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of the purified virion migrated as a single band with ~29 kDa molecular weight in SDS-PAGE. Complete nucleotide sequences of the large (L) genome segments of TSWV-KP were determined. Defective forms of L-RNA containing core polymerase regions were observed. L-RNA (8,917 nucleotides) contained a single open reading frame (ORF) in the viral complementary (vc) strand and encoded a 330-kDa protein. The L-protein had high identity in the “core-polymerase domain” with the corresponding regions of other tospoviruses. The complete nucleotide sequence of TSWV-KP medium-sized (M) RNA comprised 4,768 nucleotides and indicated a typical tospovirus with two genes in ambisense arrangement. The vRNA OFR coded for a potential cell-to-cell movement (NSm) 34.8-kDa protein; and the vcRNA ORF, for the viral glycoprotein (G1/G2) 128.0-kDa precursor. Multiple sequence alignment of the M-RNA showed highest homologies to TSWV-BR01. Amino acid sequences of TSWV-KP NSm and G1/G2 exhibited 48.7–85.3% and 34.9–96.2% identity, respectively. TSWV-KP small (S) RNA comprised 2,991 nucleotides with ambisense coding strategy. The sequence contained two ORFs—one in the viral sense, encoding a protein with predicted 52.4-kDa Mr; and another in the viral complementary sense, encoding the viral nucleocapsid protein of 28.8-kDa Mr. Amino acid sequences of TSWV-KP of S-RNA NSs and N exhibited 35.9–87.9% and 19.9–98.4% identity, respectively.

Palynological characterization and genetic divergence between accessions of chilli and sweet peppers

This study characterised pollen grains morphologically and studied the genetic divergence between accessions based on morphopollinic characters. Seven accessions, including domesticated, semi-domesticated and wild species of Capsicum (C. annuum var. annuum, C. chinense, C. baccatum var. pendulum, C. frutescens, Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum, C. baccatum var. baccatum and C. parvifolium), were cultivated in a greenhouse and their pollen grains collected and fixed during flowering. The pollen grains were acetolysed and described based on 13 pollinic characteristics (polar and equatorial axes, in an equatorial front view; ratio between polar axis and equatorial axis; equatorial axis in a polar view; thicknesses of the exine, sexine and nexine; apocolpus side; polar area index; length and diameter of the pore and colpus). The genetic divergence analysis between the accessions was based on the standardised average Euclidean distance, and the grouping analysis was based on Ward's method. PCA (principal component analysis) is another multivariate method that was used. Based on Ward's method and PCA, it was possible to group the accessions into two groups, and the groups formed correlated with the classification of the gene pool complexes already described for the genus. According to this classification, the Capsicum genus comprises three major groups: C. annuum, C. chinense and C. frutescens form the annuum complex; C. baccatum and C. pratermissum form the baccatum complex; and C. eximium, C. cardenasii and C. pubescens form the pubescens complex. The variable width of the pores was the most discriminating in this morphopollinic study of Capsicum spp.

Directness and tempo of avian seed dispersal increases emergence of wild chiltepins in desert grasslands

Summary Seed dispersal is thought to be unpredictable and outside a plant's control. But directed seed dispersal by mutualistic birds can increase probabilities of germination and survival by the non‐random deposition of seeds in suitable microhabitats. In the Sonoran Desert grasslands of southern Arizona (USA), bird‐dispersed wild chiltepin peppers (Capscium annuum var. glabriusculum) grow in non‐random association under bird‐dispersed nurse trees and shrubs that serve as perches. We tested the hypothesis that the pattern is maintained by directional avian seed‐dispersal patterns. Alternatively, post‐dispersal processes, such as differential seed predation and seedling mortality, could create the associations. For 3 years, we sampled the bird‐generated seed rain under desert trees in four chiltepin subpopulations, comparing seed dispersal into microhabitats of fleshy‐fruited trees and non‐fleshy‐fruited trees. Celtis pallida (fleshy‐fruited) and Prosopis vellutina (non‐fleshy‐fruited) trees accounted for > 90% of the cover available for chiltepin recruitment. We tracked seedling emergence and survival in the two microhabitats and conducted a controlled seed‐addition experiment to measure the effects of microhabitat, seed‐addition density and temporal seed deposition on chiltepin emergence, growth and survival. Approximately twice as many bird‐dispersed seeds arrived at fleshy‐fruited microhabitats compared with non‐fleshy microhabitats. The numbers of seeds arriving and the number of seedlings emerging in microhabitats the following year were positively correlated. Survival of naturally emerged seedlings was similar at both microhabitats, but the seed‐addition experiment revealed that more seeds are able to emerge under the denser foliage of fleshy‐fruited microhabitats. The experiment also shows a significant effect of temporal deposition: when seeds were added gradually in a microhabitat (emulating repeated avian seed deposition under perches) instead of all at once, seedling emergence increased twofold on average. Synthesis: Birds dispersed disproportionally high quantities of chiltepin seeds into favourable recruitment microhabitats, showing a case of directed dispersal. Birds also increase seedling emergence through the temporal deposition of seeds under fleshy‐fruited trees, most likely as a result of reducing the odds of seed predation. A coupling between directed seed dispersal with classic facilitative plant–plant interactions leads to the formation of pattern and self‐organization in a plant community.

Secondary Metabolites from the Stems of Capsicum annuum var. longum

Secondary Metabolites from the Stems of Capsicum annuum var. longum

A new virus-induced gene silencing vector based on Euphorbia mosaic virus-Yucatan peninsula for NPR1 silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana and Capsicum annuum var. Anaheim

Virus-induced gene silencing is based on the sequence-specific degradation of RNA. Here, a gene silencing vector derived from EuMV-YP, named pEuMV-YP:ΔAV1, was used to silence ChlI and NPR1 genes in Nicotiana benthamiana. The silencing of the ChlI transcripts was efficient in the stems, petioles and leaves as reflected in tissue bleaching and reduced transcript levels. The silencing was stable, reaching the flowers and fruits, and was observed throughout the life cycle of the plants. Additionally, the silencing of the NPR1 gene was efficient in both N. benthamiana and Capsicum annuum. After silencing, the plants' viral symptoms increased to levels similar to those seen in wild-type plants. These results suggest that NPR1 plays a role in the compatible interactions of EuMV-YP N. benthamiana and EuMV-C. annum var. anaheim.

Assessing the Effect of Adequate and Inadequate Inorganic Fertilizer Rates on the Yield Levels of Paprika in Mutasa Resettlement Area, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe

A survey was carried out to evaluate the effect of adequate and inadequate inorganic fertilizer rates on the yield of Paprika (Capsicum annuum var. angulosum mill ) in Mutasa resettlement area, Mutasa district. Questionnaires and interviews were used to produce primary data from 42 respondents in 2009. Secondary data was obtained mainly from Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX) and Paprika Company of Zimbabwe. Mean yields of paprika obtained from adequate and inadequate basal and top dressing fertilisers were compared and analysed using ‘Z’ statistical test at 0.05 level of significance. Mean yield from inadequate fertilizer rates of 30 farmers was 0.8 t/ha. The mean yield from adequate fertilizer rates of 12 farmers was 1.0t/ha. Results showed that the two means were significantly different. Adequate fertiliser rates produced significantly higher mean yield than the mean yield from inadequate fertiliser rates. The higher mean yield was enhanced by the highest number of (5) top dressing split applications. The study therefore recommends the use of adequate rates of 700 – 1 000 kg/ha basal fertilizer, 250 – 350 kg/ha ammonium nitrate (AN) and 350 – 400 kg/ha of potassium chloride. The top dressing has to involve 5 split applications. This exploits its high fruit yielding potential. Additional research is required to determine response of the crop, as a high value crop, to foliar and fertigation fertiliser application.

Seed oil and fatty acid composition in Capsicum spp.

The oil content and fatty acid composition of seed of 233 genebank accessions (total) of nine Capsicum species, and a single accession of Tubocapsicum anomalum, were determined. The physicochemical characteristics of oil extracted from seed of Capsicum annuum and Capsicum baccatum were also examined. Significant differences among mean values for seed oil content were detected among the cultivated Capsicum species. Oil content in seed of C. annuum var. annuum was significantly greater than that in seed of other cultivated species. Capsicum pubescens had the lowest average seed oil content. Among the non-cultivated taxa examined, seed of Capsicum galapagoense had the lowest oil content and T. anomalum the highest. Averages across the 5 cultivated taxa for the 4 principal fatty acids were 12.9%, 3.4%, 6.7% and 76.0% for C16:0 (palmitic), C18:0 (stearic), C18:1 (oleic) and C18:2 (linoleic), respectively. Linoleic acid was the principal fatty acid in all samples, with a high value of 81% in Capsicum chinense. Capsicum frutescens had the lowest percentage of total unsaturated fatty acids and T. anomalum the highest. In general, the oil content and fatty acid composition of seed of the wild taxa were similar to those of the cultivated species.

A molecular marker for in situ genetic resource conservation of Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum (Solanaceae)

The Thailand cultivar pepper 'phrik man bangchang' (Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum, Solanaceae) was originally cultivated in the Bangchang Subdistrict, Amphawa District in Samut Songkhram Province. The cultivated areas are limited; we verified its distribution in Thailand for in situ 'phrik man bangchang' genetic resource conservation. Samples were collected from the original cultivation area of Bangchang Subdistrict (Or) and were randomly explored in Ratchaburi Province (RB), Khon Kaen Province (KK), and Sakon Nakhon Province (SN). A pure line from The Tropical Vegetable Research Center at Kasetsart University was used as the standard indicator. Two more Capsicum species, C. chinensis and C. frutescens, and a species from another genus in the family, Solanum melongena, were included. A dendrogram constructed from random amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprints indicated that the Or, RB, KK, and SN samples were C. annuum var. acuminatum with supportive similarity coefficients of 0.79 to 0.98. Finally, DNA barcodes, from psbA-trnH spacer region, were provided for the 3 wild species, C. annuum var. acuminatum, C. chinensis, and C. frutescens under GenBank accession Nos. JQ087869-JQ087871. The nucleotide variations between species were 0.23 to 0.26. In summary, 'phrik man bangchang' is still being planted in Bangchang Subdistrict, but only in small areas. The distribution of planting areas is expected to be throughout Thailand.

Identification of QTLs for capsaicinoids, fruit quality, and plant architecture-related traits in an interspecific Capsicum RIL population

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses in pepper are common for horticultural, disease resistance, and fruit quality traits; although none of the studies to date have used sequence-based markers associated with genes. In this study we measured plant architectural, phenological, and fruit quality traits in a pepper mapping population consisting of 92 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between Capsicum frutescens acc. 2814-6 and C. annuum var. NuMexRNAKY. Phenotypic measurements were correlated to loci in a high-density EST-based genetic map. In total, 96 QTL were identified for 38 traits, including 12 QTL associated with capsaicinoid levels. Twenty-one loci showed correlation among seemingly unrelated phenotypic categories, highlighting tight linkage or shared genetics between previously unassociated traits in pepper.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation and super phosphate application influence plant growth and yield of Capsicum annuum

The effect of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [G. mosseae (G) and A. laevis (A)] with P. fluorescence (Pf) in the presence of super phosphate (P) fertilization on growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. California Wonder) was evaluated in pots under greenhouse conditions, in a completely randomized design with four levels of phosphorus fertilizer [F0–without P, F1–0.200g pot -1 (half of the recommended dose), F3–0.400g pot -1 (recommended dose) and F4–0.800g pot -1 (double the recommended dose)] having six different combinations of bioinoculants. Inoculation of bioinoclulants with F1 increased plant growth and nutrition to an acceptable level with AM fungi in combination with P. fluorescens. Application of higher dose of P fertilizer markedly decreased all the growth parameters. The prevalence of AM colonization was highest in G+A+Pf with F1. Similarly highest yield was recorded for the treatment involving multi inoculation of G+A+Pf in the treatment of F1 followed by dual inoculation of G+Pf in F0 plants. Thus this finding suggests the application of efficient bioinoculants (G+A+Pf) along with right dose of P fertilizer (half of the recommended P) during seedling transplantation to increase overall growth and yield performance of bell pepper and could be considered as a sustainable substitute to higher phosphorus fertilizer for bell pepper cultivation.

Synthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles and silver organometallic nanodisks mediated by extracts of Capsicum annuum var. aviculare (piquin) fruits

Silver-based nanostructures were prepared through reduction/oxidation reactions of aqueous silver nitrate solutions mediated by extracts of red fruits of the piquin pepper (Capsicum annuum var. aviculare) at room temperature. Detailed morphological and microstructural studies using X-ray diffraction, conventional and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction revealed that the product was constituted by three kinds of nanoparticles. One of them was composed of twinned metallic silver nanoparticles with a size of few nanometers. Other kind of particles was ultrafine disk-like single crystals of silver 4,4′-dimethyldiazoaminobenzene, being in our best knowledge the first time that this compound is reported in the form of nanoparticles. Both kinds of nanoparticles experienced processes of self-assembly and subsequent grain growth to form the third kind of nanoparticles. Such resulting nanostructures are monocrystalline and flattened metallic silver nanoparticles that have diameters around tens of nanometers, the [112] direction perpendicular to the particle plane, and are coated by a surface organometallic layer and residues of biomolecules. The ultraviolet-visible spectrum of the biosynthesized product showed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) extinction band with an absorbance maximum at around 400 nm, thereby confirming the presence of fine Ag particles. Studies carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the principal active compounds responsible of the reduction of the Ag ions are proteins and capsaicin (through the amino groups) and phenolic compounds (through hydroxyl groups).

The optimization of Regeneration tissue culture system of three chilli peppers cultivars based on the uniform design and the mathematical model equation

Using uniform random design optimization and the mathematical model equation we optimized the regeneration tissue culture system of the chilli pepper. An efficient and detailed plant reproducible protocol in vitro has been established using different explants and induction media for three chilli pepper cultivars. The result displayed that the seedlings at the curved hypocotyl stage were the best choice to prepare for explants, the genotype of explants affected shoot buds induction frequency and number of shoot buds per explant, and the cotyledon explant was more responsive than hypocotyl explant. The optimal media for maximum shoot initiation and regeneration and the optimal elongation medium were obtained. For Capsicum annuum var. annuum (cv. Xinsu), Capsicum annuum var. annuum (cv. Neimengchifeng) and Capsicum frutescens (cv. Xingfu), the induction rates were 99.17%, 97.50 and 96.11%, respectively; the elongation rates of shoot buds were 86.67%, 85.19% and 82.96%, respectively. The MS medium with 0.57 μM IAA and 0.69 μM NAA is the best choice for root induction. The frequency of their root emergence was 95.00-98.33%. Regenerated chilli peppers were successfully acclimatized and cultivated with 100% survival. This work will help to improve multiplication process and the genotype of chilli pepper, and may have commercial impact.

Heterochromatin type, amount and distribution in wild species of chili peppers (Capsicum, Solanaceae)

Triple staining with the fluorochromes chromomycin A3, distamycin A and 4′-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (CMA/DA/DAPI) was applied to somatic metaphases and interphase nuclei of 11 taxa of wild chili peppers (Capsicum), with 2n = 2x = 24 (C. annuum var. glabriusculum, C. cardenasii, C. chacoense, C. flexuosum, C. galapagoense, C. eximium, C. praetermissum and C. tovarii) and 2n = 2x = 26 (C. recurvatum, C. rhomboideum and C. villosum) to analyse heterochromatin type, amount and distribution in wild members of this genus. Heterochromatic banding patterns allowed the identification of all the taxa examined and contributed to their taxonomic grouping. GC-rich heterochromatin (CMA+/DAPI−) was typical in all taxa; only C. praetermissum possessed also AT-rich (CMA−/DAPI+) and mixed GC- and AT-rich (CMA+/DAPI+) bands. Heterochromatin amount (expressed as % of karyotype length) ranged between 1.72 (C. chacoense) and 16.82 (C. flexuosum) and was positively correlated with karyotype length in most of the taxa examined. Heterochromatin located mainly at terminal position of chromosomes but intercalary position prevailed in C. flexuosum. Nucleolus organizer regions (NOR)-associated GC-rich heterochromatin was exclusively terminal and included the distal macrosatellite and a small portion on the corresponding arm. In all the taxa analysed, an equilocal heterochromatin distribution in non-homologous chromosomes of karyotype was observed, suggesting concerted evolution of heterochromatin dispersion in Capsicum.

A new collection of wild populations of Capsicum in Mexico and the southern United States

An exploration and collection mission for wild populations of Capsicum was carried out in the fall of 2006 and 2007, in 13 Mexican states and in the U.S. states of Arizona and Texas. The aim of this collection was to expand the number of accessions of wild chile pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum and Capsicum frutescens) that are publicly available for research in plant improvement and for subsequent use in an inquiry into the domestication of C. annuum. While Mexico and the United States National Plant Germplasm System both have germplasm repositories INIFAP—Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales—Agricolas y Pecuarias and USDA GRIN—United States Department of Agriculture’s Genetic Resources Information Network) with accessions of C. annuum var. glabriusculum, the very limited number available, their age, and/or validity of the information attached to many accessions do not allow for extensive research. Four hundred and sixty-six plants were sampled over two field seasons, of which copies of the collection reside in both UAA and at UC Davis. Given the current environment with the intellectual property of varieties of crop plants and, particularly, the extreme restrictions affecting explorations and the official procuring and sharing of germplasm across national borders, this U.S.—Mexico collaboration is one of the few examples of joint U.S.—Mexico germplasm collection efforts.

A New Disease of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) Caused by Drechslera bicolor, Its Pathophysiology, Efficacy of Fungicides and Botanicals

A New Disease of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) Caused by Drechslera bicolor, Its Pathophysiology, Efficacy of Fungicides and Botanicals

Differential responses of Chiltepin (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) and Poblano (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) hot peppers to salinity at the plantlet stage

Poblano (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) and Chiltepin pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) are considered closely related parent species. Poblano pepper is a cultivated species that has lost stress tolerance attributes, and Chiltepin is a wild species adapted to adverse environmental conditions, such as salinity stress. Differential physiological responses between the wild and cultivated species were compared in order to study the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of Chiltepin’s salinity tolerance. Salt stress treatments were applied to Chiltepin and Poblano and their growth, chlorophyll content, transpiration rate, and concentrations of anions and cations in leaves, stem and roots were measured. Dry weight and relative growth index decreased significantly with salt stress in Poblano, chlorophyll-a decreased significantly in both peppers and transpiration decreased in Chiltepin, with no significant changes evidenced by Poblano. Concentrations of Na

Effect of storage temperature on survival and growth of foodborne pathogens on whole, damaged, and internally inoculated jalapeños (Capsicum annuum var. annuum).

There is a lack of general knowledge regarding the behavior of foodborne pathogenic bacteria associated with jalapeño peppers. The survival and growth behaviors of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella enterica on the interior and exterior of jalapeño peppers were determined under different storage conditions. Jalapeños were inoculated with a five-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, or S. enterica on the intact external surface, injured external surface, or intact internal cavity of jalapeño peppers and held at 7 or 12°C for a period of 14 days. Populations of each pathogen were determined at 0, 1, 2, 5, 7 10, and 14 days throughout storage. The uninjured, intact external surface of jalapeño peppers did not support growth of the pathogens tested under both storage conditions, with the exception of L. monocytogenes at 12°C. Populations of E. coli and S. enterica declined on the external injured surface of peppers at 7°C, but populations of L. monocytogenes remained consistent throughout the length of storage. At 12°C, L. monocytogenes and S. enterica populations increased throughout storage, and E. coli populations remained unchanged on injured surfaces. The uninjured internal cavity of the jalapeño supported growth of all pathogens at 12°C. Overall, L. monocytogenes was the microorganism most capable of growth and survival in association with jalapeño peppers for the scenarios tested. Results emphasize the importance of jalapeño pepper quality and proper storage conditions in preventing or reducing pathogen survival and growth.

Air-dried capsicum annuum var. acuminatum medium and big: Determination of bioactive constituents, antioxidant activity and carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes inhibition

In the present study the total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and capsaicinoids content, the in vitro antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of extracts of air-dried fruits from two Capsicum annuum cultivars were investigated. A different composition between the two cultivars was evidenced. C. annuum var. acuminatum medium extract presented a major content of phenols, carotenoids, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin while C. annuum var. acuminatum big extract is characterized by the highest quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol content with 68.0, 87.6 and 29.7μg/g dried weight, respectively, analyzed by HPLC. Medium pepper showed the highest radical scavenging activity in DPPH assay (IC50 of 85.3μg/ml) while big pepper have an interesting activity in ABTS assay (IC50 of 16.4μg/ml) and the highest inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation with an IC50 value of 1.2μg/ml after 30min of incubation. A selective inhibitory activity against α-amylase was demonstrated for C. annuum var. acuminatum big lipophilic fraction (IC50 values of 8.7μg/ml). The obtained results suggest that C. annuum cultivars could be used as valuable flavor with functional properties for foods.

Flow Injection Assessment of Nitrate Contents in Fresh and Cooked Fruits and Vegetables Grown in Fiji

Nitrates form part of the essential chemistry of soils and plants. Thus, plant roots are able to absorb nitrate directly from the soil. It has been discovered that human nitrate intake is mainly from vegetables. Vegetables play an important role in human nutrition since they are an outstanding source for vitamins, minerals, and biologically active compounds. In risk assessment of nitrate contents, this study reports the nitrate levels of 8 commonly consumed fruits and vegetables grown in Fiji, tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), eggplant (Solanum melongena), capsicum (Capsicum annuum var. grossum), breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), long bean (Vigna sesquipedalis), jackfruit (A. heterophyllus), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). The effects of different types of cooking methods, baking, boiling, and frying, have also been studied. The validated flow injection analysis technique has been used to quantify the nitrate-N levels in the chosen products following nitrate extraction using the activated carbon technique. The mean values of nitrate levels in fresh products ranged from 25.83 to 281.02 mg NO(3) (-) kg(-1) . The study shows that boiling reduced nitrate contents by 65.37% to 25.25%. The frying in soy bean oil elevated nitrate contents from 354.79% to 86.69%, but after baking, nitrate contents remained almost constant with slight increasing trend in the case of tomato (19.97%). The nitrate levels published in the literature for the same types of fruits and vegetables studied have also been reviewed and compared. The average nitrate-N values were comparable or lower than overseas data, but did not present unpredictably high values, that is, they were below the risk level.

Comparative analysis of pathogenesis-related protein 10 (PR10) genes between fungal resistant and susceptible peppers

To elucidate the functional roles of PR10 genes from two pepper species during plant-pathogen interactions, PR10 genes were isolated from fungal-resistant (Capsicum baccatum var. PBC80) and fungal-susceptible (C. annuum var. Yeoju) pepper fruits infected with anthracnose fungus (Colletotrichum acutatum). Despite strong nucleotide sequence identity, there were significant differences in the patterns of gene expression and protein accumulation between the genes from the two host species. Induced expression of the PR10 mRNA in PBC80 (bacPR10) was highly maintained from 24 h after infection (HAI) rather than that in Yeoju (annPR10). These mRNA expression patterns were correlated with the level of respective protein that was detected as two or three bands in each species. Substantial induction of bacPR10 proteins was confirmed by 2D-gel analysis followed by immunoblotting. Immunolocalization study showed that deposition of bacPR10 was exclusively observed in the pericarp of PBC80 fruits after fungal infection, suggesting functional significance in defence. Additionally, in vitro analysis of the enzymatic properties of PR10 proteins revealed that recombinant bacPR10 had higher ribonucleolytic activity and exhibited less sensitivity to proteinase treatment than did annPR10. Taken together, these results support the idea that relative abundance and prolonged longevity of bacPR10 in PBC80 fruits may contribute to their increased resistance in response to the anthracnose fungus, as compared with Yeoju fruit.