Carolina Cayenne Research Articles

Assessment of the Effect of Different Varieties of Tomato and Hot Pepper on Nematodes Attack in Senegal

Tomato and hot pepper are very susceptible to nematodes. The Parasitic Plant Nematodes (PPN) are controlled using chemicals or resistant varieties. This study focuses on appraising the resistance levels of local and American varieties through the plant characteristics (growth, biomass) and the nematodes metrics (gall index, population). For each crop, three American varieties were tested to ascertain their resistance to the nematodes in Senegal using the following plant materials and protocol. American tomatoe varieties are as follows: Small Fry, Jet Setter, and Celebrity. The hot pepper American varieties include Charleston Bell, Carolina Cayenne, and Carolina Wonder. All of these were provided by the Entomology and Nematology Department and Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Florida. They were compared with highly susceptible Senegalese local varieties which were Roma and Orbit for tomato and Safi for hot pepper. The test was conducted in pots containing sterilized sand of dune and placed in a shelter in a completely randomized design. There were 200 second stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne inoculated in each pot thirteen days after transplantation. After fifty days, plants were uprooted to collect agronomic and nematological parameters. Results for tomato showed, in general, better growth from Roma than the other American tomato varieties. Celebrity offered possibilities of reducing Meloidogyne population, while Small Fry and Jet Setter’s growth were not affected by Meloidogyne populations. Safi, which is the local hot pepper variety, displayed the poorest growth. Carolina Cayenne variety also performed better than Safi in heavy infestations. Analysis of Meloidogyne J2 final population data (in the soil and root) showed a significant difference between Small Fry and Celebrity for tomato. As for hot pepper, Carolina Cayenne performed significantly better than Carolina wonder and Safi. This opens up further research opportunities on the impact of Meloidogyne nematode genus and the agronomic parameters.

Inheritance of Resistance to the Peanut Root-knot Nematode in Capsicum chinense

Greenhouse experiments determined the inheritance of resistance to the peanut root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood race 1] in Capsicum chinense Jacq. germplasm lines PA-353 and PA-426. Evaluation of parental, F1, F2, and backcross populations of the crosses PA-353 × PA-350 and PA-426 × PA-350 (PA-350 is a susceptible cultigen) indicated that resistance in both C. chinense germplasm lines was conditioned by a single dominant gene. Evaluation of the F1 × resistant parent backcross populations in the cytoplasm of their respective resistant and susceptible parents indicated that the cytoplasm of the resistant parent is not needed for full expression of resistance. Allelism tests indicated that the dominant resistance gene in both PA-353 and PA-426 is allelic to a resistance gene in C. annuum L. `Carolina Cayenne'. However, these allelism tests did not demonstrate conclusively that the M. arenaria race 1 resistance gene in C. chinense is the N gene that conditions resistance to the southern root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood] in C. annuum. The ease and reliability of evaluating plants for resistance to root-knot nematodes and the availability of simply inherited sources of resistance makes breeding for peanut root-knot nematode resistance a viable objective in C. chinense breeding programs.

027 Genetic Analysis of Resistance to the Peanut Root-knot Nematode Exhibited by the Capsicum chinense Germplasm Line PA-353

The peanut root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne arenaria race 1) is potentially a major pest of pepper cultivars belonging to the species Capsicum chinense. Greenhouse tests were conducted to: 1) compare the level of resistance to the peanut root-knot nematode exhibited by the recently released C. chinense germplasm line PA-353 to that exhibited by the C. annuum cv. Carolina Cayenne; 2) to determine the inheritance of the resistance in the C. chinense germplasm line PA-353; and 3) to determine the genetic relationship between the resistance exhibited by the C. chinense germplasm line PA-353 and that exhibited by the C. annuum cv. Carolina Cayenne. The level of resistance exhibited by the C. chinense germplasm line PA-353 was equal to the high level of resistance of the C. annuum cv. Carolina Cayenne. Evaluation of parental, F1, F2, and backcross populations of the cross between the resistant C. chinense germplasm line PA-353 and the susceptible C. chinense accession PA-350 indicated that the resistance in C. chinense is conditioned by a single dominant gene. The F2 population of the interspecific cross between the resistant C. chinense germplasm line PA-353 and the resistant C. annuum cv. Carolina Cayenne did not segregate for resistance, indicating that the dominant resistance gene in C. chinense is likely allelic to or closely linked to a gene conditioning resistance in C. annuum. The availability of a simply inherited source of outstanding resistance makes breeding for peanut root-knot nematode resistance a viable objective in C. chinense breeding programs.

Genetic Analysis of Resistance to the Southern Root-knot Nematode in Capsicum chinense Jacq.

Greenhouse tests were conducted to compare the levels of resistance to the southern root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood] exhibited by recently released Capsicum chinense Jacq. Scotch Bonnet-type germplasm lines PA-353, PA-398, and PA-426 to the levels of resistance exhibited by C. annuum L. `Carolina Cayenne' and `Mississippi Nemaheart'; to determine the inheritance of the resistance in C. chinense germplasm line PA-426; and to determine the genetic relationship between the resistances exhibited by C. chinense germplasm line PA-426 and C. annuum `Carolina Cayenne'. The results of a replicated test indicated that the level of resistances exhibited by the resistant released C. chinense germplasm lines is equal to the level of resistances exhibited by the resistant C. annuum cultivars. Evaluation of parental, F1, F2, and backcross populations of the cross PA-426 × PA-350 (a susceptible Habanero-type C. chinense cultigen) indicated that the resistance in C. chinense is conditioned by a single dominant gene. The results of an allelism test indicated that this dominant gene is allelic to the dominant gene that conditions much of the southern root-knot nematode resistance in the C. annuum `Carolina Cayenne'. The ease and reliability of evaluating plants for resistance to root-knot nematode and the availability of a simply inherited source of outstanding resistance makes breeding for southern root-knot nematode resistance a viable objective in C. chinense breeding programs.

Use of a Resistant Pepper as a Rotational Crop to Manage Southern Root-knot Nematode

A 3-year field study was conducted at Blackville, S.C., to evaluate the potential of using resistant pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars as a rotation crop for managing the southern root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood]. The experiment was a split-plot with main plots arranged in a randomized complete-block design. In 1993, the entire experimental site was infested with M. incognita by inoculating a planting of susceptible PA-136 cayenne pepper with eggs of M. incognita race 3. In 1994, the main plots were planted to either highly resistant `Carolina Cayenne' or its susceptible sibling line PA-136. In 1995, `Carolina Cayenne' and the susceptible bell cultivars California Wonder and Keystone Resistant Giant were grown as subplots in each of the original main plots. `Carolina Cayenne' plants were unaffected by the previous crop. Previous cropping history, however, had a significant impact on the performance of the bell cultivars; the mean galling response was less (P < 0.01) and the yield was 2.8 times greater (P < 0.01) in the main plots previously cropped with `Carolina Cayenne' than in those previously cropped with PA-136. These results suggest that resistant pepper cultivars have considerable merit as a rotation crop for managing M. incognita infestations in soils used for growing high-value vegetables.

Inheritance of Resistance to the Southern Root-knot Nematode in Capsicum chinense Jacq.

A series of greenhouse tests were conducted to compare the level of resistance to the southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) exhibited by recently released Capsicum chinense germplasm lines to the level of resistance exhibited by C. annuum cultivars, to determine the inheritance of the resistance in C. chinense, and to determine genetic relationship between the resistances exhibited by C. chinense and C. annuum. The results of a replicated test indicated that the level of resistances exhibited by the recently released C. chinense germplasm lines PA-353, PA-398, and PA-426 is equal to the level of resistances exhibited by the resistant C. annuum cultivars Mississippi Nemaheart and Carolina Cayenne. Evaluation of parental, F1, F2, and backcross populations of the cross PA-426 × PA-350 indicated that the resistance in C. chinense is conditioned by a single dominant gene. The results of an allelism test indicated that this dominant gene is allelic to the N gene that conditions southern root-knot nematode resistance in the C. annuum cultivar Carolina Cayenne. The availability of a simply inherited source of outstanding resistance makes breeding for southern root-knot nematode resistance a viable objective in C. chinense breeding programs. This objective should be readily obtained by the application of conventional plant breeding methodologies.

Effectiveness of Resistance to Southern Root-knot Nematode in `Carolina Cayenne' Pepper in Greenhouse, Microplot, and Field Tests

The southern root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood] is a serious pest of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Currently, methyl bromide is used for nematode control, but the pending withdrawal of this fumigant from the United States market has resulted in a need for effective alternative root-knot nematode management measures. We evaluated the effectiveness of resistance of `Carolina Cayenne' relative to the susceptible genotypes `Early Calwonder' and PA-136 in greenhouse, microplot, and field studies. In all tests, `Carolina Cayenne' exhibited exceptionally high resistance (minimal galling, minimal nematode reproduction, and no yield reduction) to M. incognita; `Early Calwonder' and PA-136 were highly susceptible. In a test conducted in a heavily infested field, `Carolina Cayenne' outyielded PA-136 by 339%. The exceptionally high resistance exhibited by `Carolina Cayenne' provides an alternative to methyl bromide and other fumigant nematicides for managing root-knot nematodes in pepper.

`Carolina Cayenne' as a Source of Resistance to Meloidogyne incognita Races 1, 2, 3, and 4

The resistance of `Carolina Cayenne' (Capsicum annuum L.) to root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood races 1, 2, 3, and 4 was measured. Egg counts from roots were used to determine the plant's resistance to M. incognita. Few eggs were observed on `Carolina Cayenne' roots, whereas all races of M. incognita produced numerous eggs on the susceptible `NuMex R Naky' roots. The results indicated `Carolina Cayenne' is a source of resistance to all known races of M. incognita.

Plant Spatial Arrangement Affects Growth, Yield, and Pod Distribution of Cayenne Peppers

The effect of planting population density (as a function of in-row plant spacing and number of rows per bed) on the growth, yield, and pod distribution of cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L. cv. Carolina Cayenne) was investigated in a 2-year study. In 1988, 15 -, 30-, 45-, and 60-cm in-row spacings in a single row were evaluated, and in 198915 -,30-, and 60-cm in-row spacings in single and double rows were evaluated. Plant population densities at these respective spacings ranged from≈ 11,100 to 44,400 and 11,100 to 88,900 plants/ha. In 1988, pepper plants grown at the highest density (15-cm in-row spacing, 44,400 plant/ha) produced less fruit per plant but more fruit per hectare than those grown in lower densities. In 1989, yields with either a 15-cm in-row spacing in a single row or a 30-cm in-row spacing in double rows (both with 44,400 plants/ha) were higher than in the others. In general, less fruit were located in the lower part of the plant canopy when planted in higher plant population densities.

Resistance in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to Western Flower Thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)

A replicated greenhouse study was conducted to confirm the availability of resistance to western Rower thrips in pepper germplasm. Host-plant resistance ratings confirmed earlier observations that there is a considerable amount of variability within pepper germplasm for reaction to F. occidentalis. Plants of `Keystone Resistant Giant', `Yolo Wonder L', `Mississippi Nemaheart', `Sweet Banana', and `California Wonder' were resistant to the insect and exhibited only mild symptoms of damage. Plants of `Carolina Cayenne', `Santaka', and `Bohemian Chili', however, exhibited the symptoms of severe thrips damage, i.e., poorly expanded, deformed, and distorted leaves; greatly shortened internodes; and severe chlorosis. The resistance to F. occidentalis in pepper appears to be due to tolerance mechanisms, not antixenosis (nonpreference) or antibiosis mechanisms. Thrips-resistant cultivars could be used as a cornerstone in an integrated pest management program for greenhouse pepper production.

WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS: IDENTIFICATION OF RESISTANCE IN PEPPER

A greenhouse study was conducted to confirm the availability of resistance in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to western flower thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande)]. Host plant resistance ratings confirmed earlier observations that there is a considerable amount of variability within pepper germplasm for reaction to F. doccidentalis. Plants of `California Wonder', `Keystone Resistant Giant', `Mississippi Nemaheart', `Sweet Banana' and `Yolo Wonder L' were resistant to the insect and exhibited only mild injury. Plants of `Bohemian Chili', `Carolina Cayenne', and `Santaka', however, exhibited the symptoms of severe thrips injury, i.e., poorly expanded, deformed and distorted leaves, greatly shortened internodes, and severe chlorosis. The resistance in pepper to F. occidentalis appears to be due to tolerance mechanisms, not nonpreference or antibiosis mechanisms. The levels of resistance identified in this study are sufficiently high to justify the initiation of breeding efforts to transfer F. doccidentalis resistance into susceptible pepper cultivars.

YIELD AND POD DISTRIBUTION OF CAYENNE PEPPERS AS AFFECTED BY PLANTING DENSITY

The effect of planting density on yield and pod distribution of cayenne pepper (Capsicun annuum var. annuum L. cv. Carolina Cayenne) was investigated in a two year study. In 1988, planting density was adjusted by altering the in-row spacing of single row beds, while in 1989 planting density was adjusted by altering both in-row spacing and number of rows per bed. In-row spacings evaluated in 1988 were 60, 45, 30, and 15 cm, while in-row spacings of 60, 30, and 15 cm in single and double rows were evaluated in 1989. In 1988, pepper plants grown in the highest density (15 cm in-row spacing) produced less fruit per plant, but more fruit per hectare than those grown in lower densities. In 1989, greatest yields per hectare were recorded with either 15 cm in-row spacings with single rows per bed or 30 cm in-row spacings with double rows per bed, In general, greater percentages of fruits were located in the upper part of the plant canopy when planted in higher plant densities.

YIELD AND POD DISTRIBUTION OF CAYENNE PEPPERS AS AFFECTED BY PLANTING DENSITY

The effect of planting density on yield and pod distribution of cayenne pepper (Capsicun annuum var. annuum L. cv. Carolina Cayenne) was investigated in a two year study. In 1988, planting density was adjusted by altering the in-row spacing of single row beds, while in 1989 planting density was adjusted by altering both in-row spacing and number of rows per bed. In-row spacings evaluated in 1988 were 60, 45, 30, and 15 cm, while in-row spacings of 60, 30, and 15 cm in single and double rows were evaluated in 1989. In 1988, pepper plants grown in the highest density (15 cm in-row spacing) produced less fruit per plant, but more fruit per hectare than those grown in lower densities. In 1989, greatest yields per hectare were recorded with either 15 cm in-row spacings with single rows per bed or 30 cm in-row spacings with double rows per bed, In general, greater percentages of fruits were located in the upper part of the plant canopy when planted in higher plant densities.

‘Carolina Cayenne’ Pepper

Abstract In the article “‘Carolina Cayenne’ Pepper”, by R.L. Fery, P.D. Dukes, and W.L. Ogle [HortScience 21(2):330, April 1986], the authors wish to note the following: The 13th line under Description should be changed from “…are straight to slightly curved, 0.64 cm in…” to “…are straight to slightly curved, 1.63 cm in…”.

‘“Carolina Cayenne’ Pepper”

Abstract In the article ‘“Carolina Cayenne’ Pepper” by R.L. Fery, P.D. Duke, and W.L. Ogle (HortScience 21:330, Apr. 1986), the first 2 lines of the Description should read ‘“Carolina Cayenne’ exhibits much less variability for horticultural traits than ‘Carolina Hot’. ‘Carolina Cayenne’ has an erect plant habit, and the fruit are borne well above the soil surface.”

‘Carolina Cayenne’ Pepper

Abstract ‘Carolina Cayenne’ pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) has been released by the USDA and Clemson Univ. as a replacement for ‘Carolina Hot’, a widely adapted home garden and commercial cultivar that was released by Clemson Univ. in 1954 (2). The major attribute of the new cultivar is its exceptionally high level of resistance to southern root knot, a major root disease of pepper caused by the nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood. ‘Carolina Hot’ exhibits a variable reaction to M. incognita, and results of field trials indicate that this parasite can reduce the marketable fruit yield of susceptible ‘Carolina Hot’ plants by as much as 87.5% (1).