Chilli Cultivars Research Articles

Genetic Dissection of Bloom Time in Low Chilling Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Using a Multi-Family QTL Approach.

Bloom time in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a highly heritable trait that varies between genotypes and depends on the environmental conditions. Bud-break occurs after chill and heat requirements of each genotype are fulfilled, and dormancy is released. Bloom time is a critical trait for fruit production as matching cultivar adaptation to the growing area is essential for adequate fruit set. Additionally, low chilling cultivars are of interest to extend sweet cherry production to warmer regions, and for the crop adaptation to increasing winter and spring temperatures. The aim of this work is to investigate the genetic control of this trait by analyzing multiple families derived from the low chilling and extra-early flowering local Spanish cultivar ‘Cristobalina’ and other cultivars with higher chilling requirements and medium to late bloom times. Bloom time evaluation in six related sweet cherry populations confirmed a high heritability of this trait, and skewed distribution toward late flowering, revealing possible dominance of the late bloom alleles. SNP genotyping of the six populations (n = 406) resulted in a consensus map of 1269 SNPs. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using the Bayesian approach implemented by FlexQTL™ software revealed two major QTLs on linkage groups 1 and 2 (qP-BT1.1m and qP-BT2.1m) that explained 47.6% of the phenotypic variation. The QTL on linkage group 1 was mapped to a 0.26 Mbp region that overlaps with the DORMANCY ASSOCIATED MADS-BOX (DAM) genes. This finding is consistent with peach results that indicate that these genes are major determinants of chilling requirement in Prunus. Haplotype analysis of the linkage group 1 and 2 QTL regions showed that ‘Cristobalina’ was the only cultivar tested that contributed early bloom time alleles for these two QTLs. This work contributes to knowledge of the genetic control of chilling requirement and bloom date and will enable marker-assisted selection for low chilling in sweet cherry breeding programs.

Color Development and Phytochemical Changes in Mature Green Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) Exposed to Red and Blue Light-Emitting Diodes.

Exposure of mature green "Takanotsume" chili fruit to blue and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) was investigated. The red LED accelerated the red color development of chili as indicated by higher a* and chroma values, as well as lower hue angle and total chlorophyll compared to the blue LED and darkness (control). These were linked to increases in β-carotene, free-capsanthin, and total carotenoids. The carotenoid biosynthesis-related genes, lycopene-β-cyclase (Lcyb), β-carotene hydroxylase (CrtZ), and capsanthin/capsolubin synthase (Ccs), were up-regulated by the red LED after 2 days of the experiment. The blue LED was more effective in increasing the expression of the phytoene synthase (Psy) gene at day 1 of experiment. The total phenolic, vitamin C content, and antioxidant capacity were also higher in the blue LED-treated chili. Results suggest that the responses of each carotenoid-related gene to the light wavelengths and the accumulation of phytochemicals are specific characteristics of this chili cultivar.

Chili cultivation on tin mined land at Bangka Island: prospects and constraints

Chili (Capsicum sp.) is one of most valuable crop in some part of Indonesia due to high price and profitability compared to another crop. However, growing chili needs high capital and special expertize due its growth requirements. All chili cultivar needs good drainage land and good soil nutrients status for their optimum growth. Meanwhile, tin mined land is very degraded land and the tailing dominated by quartz sand. Poor soil physical properties and poor nutrient status cause this land unsuitable for most crops including chili. However, high demand and high price, promises profitable chili cultivation on such land. Advanced technologies in fertilizer and water management have been assessed at Bukit Kijang Village, Bangka Island and showed very promising results for expansion. Amending soil with mixture of manure and biochar increased water holding capacity and cation exchange capacity and hence, increased yield. Although attained yield of chili was 5.7 t ha−1, which is about 23.7 % from the average of agronomic potential yield, the net profit ranged from IDR 51.8 to 92.9 million per year after taking into account the investment for fertigation installation. The main constraints identified included low water holding capacity due to sandy texture. However, this constraints could be solved by drip irrigation technique and fertigation system. Pest and diseases were another contraints that also contributed significantly to decreased chili yield.

Impact assessment of azulene and chromium on growth and metabolites of wheat and chilli cultivars under biosurfactant augmentation

Dye azulene and heavy metal chromium are two different types of persistent toxic compounds present in textile effluent. These compounds contaminate the soil and harm plant productivity during unchecked disposal of textile effluent to the farm soil. Environmental and safety concerns associated with crops, soil, and human health encourage the exploration of biological tools to control the issue. We hereby propose the application of biosurfactant (lipopeptide) to reduce the toxic effects of azulene and chromium in plants. Results of the study indicated that the augmentation of biosurfactant with azulene and chromium promoted seed germination, plant biomass, specific leaf weight (SLW), chlorophyll content, protein content, soluble sugar and ascorbic acid concentration in cultivars of wheat and chilli. Decreasing the level of proline under biosurfactant augmentation further confirms the reduction of oxidative stress caused by azulene and chromium amendment. The results indicated that lipopeptide biosurfactant could be an effective biological tool to reduce the toxic effect of persistent substances in soil, thus maintaining soil health and sustainable agriculture.

Determination of the Chemical Volatile Compounds of a Chili Pepper Cultivar (<i>Capsicum annuum</i>) Grown in Eastern Côte d’Ivoire

Chilli is widely used throughout the world and, in Côte d'Ivoire in particular, for his nutritional and medicinal properties. Indeed, peppers are good sources of vitamins, polyphenols, minerals and volatile compounds. This work allowed to determine the volatile compounds of a pepper cultivar (Capsicum annuum) grown in eastern Côte d'Ivoire. The analysis of the volatile compounds was made by gas chromatography coupled to the mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS). The results showed that the fresh fruits of the grown pepper cultivar contained a total of 37 compounds. Majority compounds identified in green fruits are thymol (24.60%), d-limonene (21.80%) and hexyl isovalerate (09.90%) while those identified in fresh red fruits are thymol (45.90%), hexyl isovalerate (14.90%) and linalool (05.50%). The identified compounds belong to different families of compounds: terpenes (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes), alcohols, aldehydes, fatty acids, esters, ketones and hydrocarbons. The fresh red fruits are rich in thymol and green fruits in D-limonene. This study shows that this chili cultivar has very interesting properties that can contribute to human health. As a result, this pepper could be a good pharmacological source.

Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of chilli (Capsicum annum L.) under the agro climatic condition of Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract The experiment was conducted to evaluate the “Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of chili (Capsicum annum L.)” at Horticulture Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during April 2017. The experiment was laid out in Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors, vermicompost levels (0, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 t ha−1) and cultivars (Magma and Himaliya). The data related to vermicompost showed that growth, yield and quality parameters increased with increasing level of vermicompost. Maximum plant height (93.83 cm), stem diameter (1.69 cm), number of branches (12), leaf area (1337.3 cm2), fruit length (10.92 cm), fruit weight (4.80 gm), root length (23.11 cm), yield (8.26 tons ha-1), highest ascorbic acid content (193.33 mg 100-1 g fruit) were recorded at @ 2.5 tons ha-1 of vermicompost,. In case of cultivars maximum plant height (89.58 cm), stem diameter (1.55cm), number of branches (10.67 fruit weight (4.27 gm), fruit length (10.33 cm), root length (21.07 cm) and yield (6.55 tons ha-1) and minimum ascorbic acid content (165.50 mg 100-1 g fruit) and leaf area (1102.2 cm2) were recorded in Magma cultivar. However highest ascorbic acid content (184.08mg 100-1g) and maximum leaf area (1211.6 cm2) were recorded in cultivar Himaliya. It is found that Magma cultivar along with 2.5 tons ha-1 vermicompost showed better growth, yield and quality parameters and hence may be recommended under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Further research is suggested to explore vermicompost benefits and other high yielding chili cultivar for Peshawar. Keywords: Chili; Growth; Quality; Vermicompost; Yield http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80027

Effect of ridges height on the growth, yield and root rot control of different chili cultivars in mansehra

Effect of ridges height on the growth, yield and root rot control of different chili cultivars in mansehra

Indonesian red chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) capsaicin and its correlation with their responses to pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum

Red chili is a commercial crop for the food industry in Indonesia. There are some categories of red chili based on their pungency. The hot chili usually has more capsaicin than the sweet chili. Some cultivars may have more resistance to pathogen infection than the others. This research aimed to analyze the disease resistance of red chili cultivars from Indonesia against pathogenic Fusariumoxysporum and the correlation with capsaicin contents. Disease resistance was examined by determination of the Disease Severity Index (DSI) 15 dpi (days post inoculation). The correlation was analyzed by the regression coefficient. The result showed that the most resistance cultivar against F. oxysporum was Branang, while Lembang-1displayed the contrary. There was not a correlation of capsaicin content with the chili resistance to F. oxysporum.

An efficient method for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

In this study, we have describe a highly efficient transformation protocol for two elite Indian cultivars of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), Pusa Sadabahar and Pusa Jwala. We used hypocotyls and cotyledons derived from young seedlings as explants, standardized regeneration medium for enhanced regeneration, and optimized parameters for promoting efficient transformation in these chilli cultivars. The optimized regeneration medium consisting of MS medium augmented with 1 mg l−1 indole-3-acetic acid and 5 mg l−1 6-benzyl amino purine induced profuse shoot regeneration from the hypocotyl and cotyledon explants, with a regeneration frequency of 81% in Pusa Sadabahar and 78% in Pusa Jwala. The transformation protocol was standardized using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harbouring pCAMBIA2301 construct with GUS reporter and NPT-II marker genes. The results demonstrated that the hypocotyl explants are more amenable to transformation than cotyledonary explants in both the cultivars studied. Further, co-cultivation of the hypocotyl explants with agrobacterial cells (OD600 = 0.2–0.5) for the duration of 72 h was found to be optimum for obtaining high transformation efficiency of about 30% in both the cultivars. The transgenic status of chilli transformants recovered in the selection medium having 30 mg l−1 kanamycin was confirmed by GUS activity, PCR, Southern and RT-PCR analyses. About 85–90% of rooted transgenic plants survived hardening and acclimatization processes. Using this protocol we produced several independent transgenic lines of each chilli cultivar.

A new Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose of chilli in the Philippines and its pathogenicity to chilli cultivar Django

Chilli fruits with symptoms of anthracnose were collected from Batangas, Philippines, to determine the etiology of the disease. The fungus was initially identified as Colletotrichum acutatum sensu lato based on its morpho-cultural characteristics and molecular identity by using primer sets CaInt2/ITS4. Further analyses of three important gene regions, namely internal transcribed spacer (ITS), partial β-tubulin (BTUB), and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), used in discerning species within the C. acutatum species complex, revealed that the gene sequence of Philippine isolate 0013 had high similarity to known authentic gene sequence of C. scovillei. The fungus induced the anthracnose symptoms on chilli cv. Django fruits in both wounded and unwounded conditions. This is the first record of C. scovillei as chilli anthracnose pathogen in the Philippines and of the chilli cultivar “Django” as highly susceptible host of C. scovillei 0013.

Evaluation of a New Mexico Landrace and Two Commercial Chile (Capsicum annuum) Cultivars under Four Furrow Irrigation Schedules

Commercial and landrace chile (Capsicum annuum) cultivars are cultivated under furrow irrigation systems in Northern New Mexico. Yield and physiological differences between commercial and landrace chile cultivars under furrow irrigation systems have not been evaluated. In 2011 and 2012 two commercial chiles, ‘Sandia’ and ‘NuMex Big Jim’, with one landrace chile, ‘Chimayo’, were evaluated under four irrigation schedules, with irrigation once every 7, 9, 11, and 13-days. These four schedules represent possible water availability for farmers in Northern New Mexico. In 2011 there were inconsistent yield patterns; fresh red chile yield of ‘Chimayo’ at the seven-day interval was 90% more than at the nine-day interval. ‘Sandia’ had 138% better yields at the seven- than at the nine-day interval. ‘Chimayo’ fresh green chile yields at the nine-day interval were 47% better than the seven-day interval. ‘NuMex Big Jim’ fresh green yields were 40% greater at the seven-day interval than the 13-day interval. In 2012 no yield components were statistically different for cultivars across irrigation intervals. This data shows commercial green and landrace chile cultivars can be furrow irrigated as water becomes available on 7, 9, 11, or 13-day intervals with no yield effect.

Optimization of pollen storage conditions for low chill peach cultivars

The study was conducted to optimize conditions for long term pollen storage of low chill cultivars of peach. Pollen grains of three cultivars i.e. Florda Prince, Flordaglo and Prabhat were stored at variable temperatures (−80°C, −20°C, 3±1°C, 6±1°C and room temperature) for one year and were tested for their viability at 30 days interval by in vitro pollen germination and staining test using acetocarmine. The viability varied significantly according to the genotypes of peach, storage temperature and time. The maximum pollen germination percentage was found in pollen grains stored at −80°C after 30 days of storage followed by pollens stored at −20°C temperature. After 360 days of storage, only pollen grains stored at −80°C and −20°C showed germination in all cultivars. In staining test, pollen showed (94–100%) viability at different temperature after 30 days of storage and after 360 days of storage pollen viability ranged from 53.6%-82.4%. The pollen viability and germination decreased with the increase in storage temperature and time in all the peach cultivars.

Characterization and Pathogenicity of New Record of Anthracnose on Various Chili Varieties Caused by Colletotrichum scovillei in Korea

The anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum species is well-known as a major plant pathogen that primarily causes fruit rot in pepper and reduces its marketability. Thirty-five isolates representing species of Colletotrichum were obtained from chili fruits showing anthracnose disease symptoms in Chungcheongnam-do and Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. These 35 isolates were characterized according to morphological characteristics and nucleotide sequence data of internal transcribed spacer, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase, and β-tubulin. The combined dataset shows that all of these 35 isolates were identified as C. scovillei and morphological characteristics were directly correlated with the nucleotide sequence data. Notably, these isolates were recorded for the first time as the causes of anthracnose caused by C. scovillei on pepper in Korea. Forty cultivars were used to investigate the pathogenicity and to identify the possible source of resistance. The result reveals that all of chili cultivars used in this study are susceptible to C. scovillei.

Yield, Capsaicin Content and Peroxidase Enzyme Activity of Four Chili Cultivars on Three Environments

The experiment aimed to determine the effect of different environment (altitude and drought stress) on the growth, yield per plants, capsaisin levels, and peroxidase activities of four chili cultivars. Capsicum annuum (‘Lado’ and ‘Gada’) and Capsicum frutescens (‘Pelita’ and ‘Sona’) were grown with standard cultivation in medium land (± 700 m asl, Kaliurang) and low land (112 m asl, Bulaksumur) in two environments i.e. standard cultivation and drought treatment. The cultivars were arranged in Complete Randomize Design with four replications in each environment. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance with orthogonal contrast model, while the GGE biplot was applied for identification of stability. The result showed significant interaction between environment and cultivar on plant height, fruit’s weight per plant and the contents of capsaicin. Medium land of Kaliurang had suitable environment for chili cultivation of four cultivars and the high capsaicin content of C. frutescens. ‘Gada’ was significantly higher than other cultivars for fruit weight per plant in all planting conditions, while ‘Sona’ had the highest capsaicin content and was stable in all environments. Drought stress increased capsaicin content in low capsaicin content variety, in contrast to high capsaicin content cultivar. Peroxidase enzyme activity of C. frutescens was significantly higher than C. annuum, while C. annuum cultivars also shown significantly different in peroxidase activity.

Effect of Climate Change on Apple Productivity

India with its unique agro climate conditions favours cultivation of number of fruits. For decades together typical temperate fruits like apple, pear, stone and nut fruits were grown with adequate production and productivity. However, during the past 10-15 years on account of global warming many of the sites which were potential hub for temperate fruit cultivation have been rendering unfit for their cultivation. The productivity of temperate fruits especially apple in Himachal Pradesh is declining at a faster rate. Average yield of apple in India has been estimated at about 7.0 t/ha which is far below the level of 30 t/ha in most of advanced countries. The productivity has also not kept pace with the expansion in area under temperate fruits due to various biotic and abiotic problems faced by the farmers in the Himalayas. This has caused a serious concern not only to the hill farmer community but also to researchers, development agencies and policy planners. With the global warming, the decline in productivity is being mainly attributed to changing climatic scenario. It is clearly reflected that standard apple cultivar 'Starking Delicious' and 'Red Delicious' would not flower and fruit when chilling units are not adequately fulfil. Hence there is an urgent need to select appropriate low chill cultivars for plantation at low elevation location so that consistent yields are obtained and crop failures avoided. Results obtained revealed that cultivar 'Tropical Beauty' was the best genotype for the characters like plant height (6.60m), plant spread (5.67m), trunk girth (64.50cm), tree volume (111.20m3), leaf area (60.67cm2), number of fruit set per unit shoot length (15.25%), yield per plant (15.82Kg), fruit weight (129.80g), total sugar (8.48%) and non-reducing sugar (1.92%). Cultivar 'Parlin's Beauty' was the best genotype for characters like fruit breadth, reducing sugar and was recorded as promising next to 'Tropical Beauty' for many desirable traits. Cultivar 'Chahla' was superior for high number of flowers per unit shoot length, shoot length, fruit length and long duration of flowering. Earliest flowering was observed in cultivars 'Anna'. Maximum phenotypic coefficient of variability was observed for fruit yield per plant. High heritability and high genetic advance indicated presence of additive gene action for these traits. To meet the bulk requirements of the processing units and horticultural diversification, apple cultivation can be extended to mid hills by planting suitable low chilling cultivars. The low productivity of apple has become a serious concern for the farmers, research workers and development agencies at national and state level for the last two decades. Several factors can be attributed to the declining trend in productivity like expansion of apple cultivation to marginal areas, monoculture of Delicious varieties, declining standards of orchard management, improper chilling requirements and the fluctuating abnormal climatic conditions.

Evaluation of chili germplasm for resistance to bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum

Bacterial wilt incited by Ralstonia solanacearum is a serious threat to economically important crops throughout the world and warrants strict control strategies. Use of resistant cultivars is one of the most important strategies to dispense with the pernicious consequences of chemicals. In the present study, twenty eight chili cultivars were assessed for their relative resistance or susceptibility to a highly virulent strain of R. solanacearum biovar 3 (RsBd6). Two cultivars namely Skyline-II and Hifly appeared highly resistant. Sanam was the only cultivar found to be resistant while twelve cultivars were categorized as moderately resistant to the bacterium. On the other hand, seven cultivars were rated as moderately susceptible and three showed susceptible reaction. Two cultivars, Talhari and Maxi, behaved as highly susceptible and California Wonder was found to be extremely susceptible. In susceptible cultivars, symptoms appeared 4 days after inoculation resulting in complete wilting within 14 days while in resistant and moderately resistant cultivars, no wilting was observed even after 14 days of inoculation. Brown discoloration in vascular systems of highly susceptible plants was also observed. The resistant and moderately resistant cultivars are therefore recommended for cultivation and in developing new resistant chili cultivars.

Dormancy related traits and adaptation of sweet cherry in Northern Africa: A case of study in two Tunisian areas

Chilling requirements of temperate fruit species may vary substantially depending on the climatic conditions where they grow. In addition, in a climate change context, a precise knowledge of these requirements and their effect on productivity is critical for choosing the best suited cultivars to assure long-term adaptation under low-chill environments. To date most studies circumvented the analysis of productivity when assessing chilling requirements in different climatic conditions. Thus, the chilling and heat requirements of different sweet cherry cultivars (Prunus avium L.) for breaking dormancy, flowering and fruit set were investigated in two contrasted growing areas in Tunisia: Ain-Drahem (800m above sea level) and Tibar (328m above sea level). Additionally, we evaluated several parameters to assess the productivity under these two different conditions. Low chill cultivars showed a higher fruit set in both locations suggesting a better adaption to warm-winter conditions. This three-year study establishes the basis of sweet cherry adaptation under two contrasted locations in Northern Africa.

Prevalence of Cucumber Mosaic Virus and its impact on growth and yield of different chili cultivar

Prevalence of Cucumber Mosaic Virus and its impact on growth and yield of different chili cultivar

Classification and characterization of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) found in Manipur using multivariate analysis

The present study was undertaken to understand and find out the morphological characters contributing to the diversity of chilli germplasm of Manipur. A total of 20 chilli cultivars were collected from different districts of Manipur and characterized using 41 morphological characters (both qualitative and quantitative) based on IPGRI Descriptor for chilli. Cluster analysis using NTSYS revealed grouping of 20 chilli cultivars into 3 major groups at a distance co-efficient of 0.04 - 0.05. The first major group consist of 5 cultivars which are all bigger chilli cultivars and the second major cluster consist of 4 cultivars which are mainly consume in daily cuisine and the last major cluster consist of 11 cultivars which are small to medium in size. The first 2 principal components explained 97% of total variance. Based on eigen values greater than (±0.6), all the 41 characters used were informative and contributes highly to chilli diversity. So, the present study revealed that all the 41 morphological characters proposed by IPGRI descriptors can be successfully used in classifying bigger chilli cultivars from medium and small size chilli and daily used chilli cultivars.

Effect of different mulching materials on weeds and yield of Chili cultivars

To evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on the weeds and yield of chili cultivars, an experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm at University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the year 2014. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication.. There were two factors i.e. mulching materials (Wheat straw, Saw dust, Transparent plastic, Black plastic, Unmulched) and chili cultivars (PusaJawala, Sky Star, Hot Green, Green Star).Minimum weed density m -2 (19), maximum yield tons ha -1 (3.07) were found when black plastic was used, while maximum weed density m -2 (209), were found, when transparent plastic was used. Highest soil moisture content (%) was found under black and transparent plastic mulch. Wheat straw and saw dust also increase growth and yield components of chili as compare to Unmulched plots. Lowest soil moisture content (16.1 %) and minimum yield tons ha -1 (0.70) were recorded from Unmulched plots. In case of cultivars maximum yield tons ha -1 (2.33) were noted in cultivar Sky Star. It is concluded from the results that cultivar Sky star along with black plastic mulch proved better with respect to weed control and yield and should be used for higher production of chili under the agro climatic conditions of Peshawar.