Grossum Sendt Research Articles

First report of Stemphylium lycopersici associated with leaf spot disease of Capsicum annum var. grossum Sendt. in India

First report of Stemphylium lycopersici associated with leaf spot disease of Capsicum annum var. grossum Sendt. in India

Genetic diversity study of bacterial wilt-tolerant bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes using cluster and principal component analysis

The present study was carried out during summer and rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the research farm of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh to study the genetic diversity among 43 bacterial wilt tolerant genotypes of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt), focusing on 12 quantitative and 3 qualitative traits along with disease resistance. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Following hierarchical cluster analysis, the 43 unique genotypes were categorized into 5 separate clusters. Cluster I consisted of maximum number of genotypes (39), followed by clusters II, III, IV and V, each having only one genotype. The greatest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and V (3090.70), while the smallest distance was noted between cluster II and III (1299.21). Cluster I displayed the greatest intra-cluster distance (803.75), while clusters II, III, IV and V showed the lowest distances (0.00). The primary contributors to genetic divergence were found to be capsanthin content (23.4%), followed by ascorbic acid (21.4%), fruit length (12.5%), plant survival (11.1%) and marketable fruit yield/plant (10.9%). Principal component analysis indicated that the initial six principal components, each possessing an eigen value surpassing one, jointly accounted for 70.62% of the total observed variability. PCA biplot revealed that, the traits namely, marketable fruits/plant, average fruit weight, harvest duration and plant height were the major yield contributing traits. The results underscored the importance of genetic characterization and the selection of diverse genotypes for hybridization, facilitating the development of improved bell pepper cultivars with enhanced productivity and quality.

Characterisation of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) accessions for genetic diversity and population structure based on agro-morphological and microsatellite markers

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) is a leading Solanaceous vegetable crop across the world with immense therapeutic and export potential. Such wide cultivation exposes the crop to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Genetic diversity is one of the major prerequisites for any crop breeding programme. Hence, in this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of 24 bell pepper genotypes using 25 agro-morphological [9 distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) descriptors; 13 quantitative traits; and 3 quality traits] and 82 microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Eight DUS descriptors showed polymorphism with maximum morphological variation (H = 1.29) for fruit shape in longitudinal section. Multivariate analysis using Mahalanobis D2 statistic distinguished the genotypes into 11 clusters. With a mean of 4.08 alleles per locus, a total of 151 alleles were generated from 37 polymorphic SSR primers. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.14 (CAMS 451) to 0.76 (CA 525390) with an average of 0.54. The genotypes were divided into two major clusters based on cluster analysis using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) algorithm, whereas the cluster tree using the neighbour-joining (NJ) method identified three major groups. The population was classified into three groups based on structure analysis. On comparing agro-morphological and molecular clusters, 11 genotypes viz., BWT-39, BWT-39-BR, BWT-39-DR, BWT-29, BWT-3Y, BWT-3Y-4L, Kandaghat Selection, BWT-48-AC, BWT-49-AC, EC-464107, and EC-464115, were found common. These genotypes also exhibited considerable resistance to bacterial wilt disease. Mantel's test showed a moderate positive correlation between agro-morphological (DUS descriptors) and molecular data. Therefore, a combined approach of agro-morphological and molecular evaluation can facilitate the selection of diverse parental lines followed by subsequent hybridisation between them to introduce new traits in bell pepper.

Performance of colored capsicums as affected by plant training systems in a naturally ventilated polyhouse

ABSTRACT The yield and quality of capsicum fruit is affected by plant training system due to the number of branches and fruit retained. More branches on a plant result in nutritional imbalance in fruit, lowering yield and fruit quality. Developing an appropriate plant training system for bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) under protected structures may help obtain the highest yield. A two-year (2018–2019, 2019–2020) study was undertaken to monitor the performance of bell pepper (green = “Indra,” red = “Inspiration,” and yellow = “Bachata”) cultivated in a naturally ventilated polyhouse as affected by training systems (T1 = un-trained, T2 = two-shoot, T3 = three-shoot and T4 = four-shoot). A benefit-cost analysis was also included. Among training systems, T1 had taller plants, larger and heavier fruit, thicker rinds and longer self-life, but fewer fruit; T4 had the highest yield of 3.54, 2.66 and 2.93 kg/plant for “Indra,” “Inspiration” and “Bachata,” respectively. Among cultivars, “Indra” had the tallest plants, longest shelf-life, and “Bachata” had the earliest flowering and thickest rind. The cost:benefit values for T4 and T2 were 1.31–1.1.55 and 1.39–1.61, respectively, indicating economic viability.

Genetic control of qualitative and quantitative traits in bell pepper crosses involving varied fruit colors and shapes

ABSTRACT Genetic improvement of fruit color and shape of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum Sendt.) have been constrained by lack of adequate information on genetic control of fruit physical-chemical characteristics at the physiologically mature stage. Inheritance pattern of fruit color and shape and the nature of gene action for quantitative traits at physiological maturity were studied in six genetic populations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1P1, BC2P2) generated from four crosses involving parents bearing different fruit color and shape. Duplicate recessive epistasis gene action was involved in the expression of fruit color in Red × Yellow cross. The segregation pattern of the crosses Red × Purple and Red × White indicated involvement of dominant and recessive epistasis, respectively. Fruit shape segregation of the cross Blocky × Elongate indicated recessive epistasis gene interaction. The inheritance pattern indicated that fruit color and shape in bell pepper were conditioned by two genes with either dominant or recessive epistatic action. The segregation pattern of test crosses revealed involvement of two loci; there is no linkage between the genes and their two alternative alleles on both the loci. Gene action of most of the quantitative characters in the crosses ‘C/4 × 8/4ʹ and ‘C/4 × BC CAP Yellow’ indicated predominance of non-additive gene action showing duplicate epistasis. Fruit color and shape were conditioned by two genes showing either dominant or recessive epistatic action, however, these two characters were not linked. Fruit physical and chemical traits could be improved following deferred selection through advancement of promising cross-combination.

Comparative susceptibility of commercial cultivars of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var Grossum Sendt) to major insect pests in West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted at Barasat II Block, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal in two consecutive rabi seasons of 2017 and 2018 to study the relative susceptibility of different commercial cultivars of bell pepper to major insect pests infesting it. Ten recommended commercial cultivars of bell pepper viz Indra, Asha, Biotara, KSP 1070, Fiza, Lakshmi, Arya, Super Gold, Ayesha and Mahabharath were planted on 15 November each year to know their relative susceptibility to the major insect pests namely thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood), aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover, Myzus persicae Sulzer), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) and chilli mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks). Pest population studies revealed that the varieties Indra, Asha, Biotara and Fiza were relatively less susceptible to all the major pests of bell pepper, whereas, Super Gold, Mahabharath, Ayesha and Arya were relatively more susceptible. The variety Indra resulted in less damage score (0.82) after 120 days of planting which resulted in enhancement of yield (15.97 tonnes/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (0.60). Coloured varieties of bell pepper were more vulnerable to pest infestation.

Estimation of heterosis for seed yield and its component traits in red sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var grossum Sendt) grown under protected condition

The objectives focuses on estimation of the magnitude of heterosis for seed yield and its component traits taking an example of six diverse lines (Pure and Stable) of sweet pepper (red color) which were attempted in half-diallel fashion excluding reciprocals during Kharif 2017 and evaluated with a cultivar Bombay grown in a greenhouse with natural ventilation. The analysis of variance showed significant differences among parents and crosses for all traits studied. On the basis of heterosis studies, RSPUHF-3 × RSPUHF-2 and RSPUHF-4 × RSPUHF-2 were identified highly significant cross combinations over better parent and standard check for the number of seeds per fruit, seed weight per fruit, thousand seed weight and per cent seed recovery, whereas; the crosses RSPUHF-7 × RSPUHF-1 and RSPUHF-7 × RSPUHF-4 exhibited a higher standard heterosis for seed yield per plant. This study showed a desirable heterosis over better parent and standard check for seed yield and contributing traits and can further directly be identified as a superior F1 s after their validation over different seasons for growing under protected environments or may be utilized in future breeding programmes to obtain desirable segregants for the development of trait specific superior genotypes.

Evaluation of bioagents and chemicals for the management of root rot disease of bell pepper

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) a member of Solanaceae family, commonly known as “Sweet pepper ” or “Capsicum ” or “Shimla mirch ” has attained a status of high value crop among vegetables in India because of its delicacy and pleasant flavor besides being rich in fatty acids, flavanoids, volatile oil and carotene. Out of total six bioagent tested under in vitro condition, Trichoderma harzianum (SMA-5) and Trichoderma sp. (AF2) were observed as potential bioagents which inhibited the mycelial growth upto 84.7 per cent. Studies on different methods of application of bioagent revealed that drenching was effective in controlling disease (61.1%). In vitro evaluation of fungicides revealed that out of seven fungicides tested, Ridomil MZ and Moximate @ 100 μg/ml were highly fungitoxic as compare to other fungicides. Under pot experiments, Ridomil MZ and Moximate @ 0.25 per cent were found highly effective in managing root rot disease upto 64.7 and 59.0 per cent, respectively. Integrated application of Trichoderma sp. (PF2) with Ridomil MZ (1.75g/l) was found most effective in the management of Phytophthora root rot of bell pepper under polyhouse conditions.

PSM-1: A high yielding bell pepper variety having seed production potential under North Indian plains

Capsicum or bell pepper, botanically known as Capsicum annuum L var. grossum Sendt, is a member of family Solanaceae. It originated in Brazil in Tropical South America. Most peppers are bell-shaped; therefore, the name bell pepper is common. Bell pepper is sometimes grouped with less pungent pepper varieties as “sweet pepper”. However, sweet peppers come in a range of shapes from round to oblong to taper.

Effect of organic fertigation on yield and quality of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. Grossum Sendt.)

Investigation on effect of organic fertigation on growth and yield of bell pepper ( Capsicum annuum var. grossum Sendt.) was carried out at vegetable unit, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, during 2016-2017. There were nine treatment combinations including organic manures viz ., farm yard manure, vermicompost, bio-stimulants (Humic acid and Sea weed extract) and organic fertigation with Neem cake (two levels viz ., 1:20 and 1:40 dilution). Among the nine treatments, the treatment T 7 (Humic acid granules @ 5g plant -1 + fertigation with Neem cake 1:20) exhibited the highest yield of 580.18 g plant -1 , and it was followed T 1 (RDF 250 :150:150 kg NPK ha -1 ) with 561.5 g plant -1 . However, the lowest yield was recorded under T 8 (FYM @125 g plant -1 + fertigation with Neem cake 1:40) with 319.6 g plant -1 . Among the nine treatments, the per se effect of organic basal supplements derived from the treatment combinations revealed the superiority of humic acid over other organic supplements.

Behaviour of Some Green Pepper Lines ( Capsicum annuum l. Var. Grossum Sendt) Tested in the Comparative Plots for Evaluation at Research and Development Institute for Vegetable and Flower Growing Vidra

During the 2015-2016 periods in the frame of the experimental field of RDIVFG VIDRA, 5 round pepper lines, created at the Plant Breeding Department of the Institute were investigated under comparative plots for evaluation. As control the green pepper variety Galben superior was used. Several observations and morphological determinations were carried out aiming the following characteristics: total yield, number of fruits per plant, their shape and color. By comparison of the data regarding the total yield of the green pepper lines under investigation (average of the 2015-2016 period) one could notice that all the 5 lines assured a higher total yield to the control variety Galben superior. The values for total yield ranged between 51.8 t/ha and 52.5 t/ha, by comparison with control variety Galben superior that gave 31.5 t/ha. The results emphasized that the best behaviour had the lines L45 by comparison with the control variety.

Growth and yield of bell pepper as influenced by growing environment, mulch, and planting date

ABSTRACTBell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) production is often constrained by prevailing sub-optimal temperature conditions. The treatments that enhance earliness and extend availability period may substantially increase value of the crop. This two-year study (2010–11 and 2011–12) was conducted to investigate the comparative effect of two growing environments (open field vs. polyhouse), three planting dates (15 October, 30 October, and 15 November), and four mulch treatments (black polythene, clear polythene, paddy straw, and no-mulch) on growth and yield of bell pepper. The highest fruit number, fruit weight, early yield, marketable yield, and total yield were obtained when the crop was planted in the polyhouse on 30 October under black polythene mulch. Thus, the use of polyhouse and black plastic mulch, when combined with appropriate planting date, improves early and total yields of bell pepper in areas where the production is constrained by sub-optimal temperature conditions.

Inheritance of bacterial wilt resistance and performance of horticultural traits in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum)

The genetic nature of bacterial wilt resistance was studied in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) plants using the P1, P2, F1, F2 and backcross generations obtained from four crosses between four parental lines, viz, EC 464107, EC 464115, Kandaghat Selection and Sweet Happy I considered as standards for resistance and/or susceptibility. The evaluation trial was conducted in bacterial wilt sick plots along with two susceptible checks, namely Indira (Hybrid) and California Wonder (Open-pollinated variety) that were included after every 15th row to ensure uniform distribution of inoculum in the experimental fields. Simultaneously, in a separate block, the parents and their F1’s were also evaluated for twelve different horticultural traits. The findings revealed that bacterial wilt resistance was governed by a single dominant gene in the cross EC 464107 × Sweet Happy I, whereas two genes with dominant and recessive epistasis dictated resistance in the crosses EC 464107 × Kandaghat Selection and EC 464115 × Kandaghat Selection, respectively. Based upon the mean performance, the hybrid EC 464107 × Kandaghat Selection was the best in terms of total and marketable fruit yield, fruits per plant and fruit length, which underscores its importance to be exploited, especially during wet season. In addition, the resistant parents EC 464107 and EC 464115 can be used to develop bacterial wilt resistant F1 hybrids as they expressed complete or near complete dominance for resistance in combination with the moderately resistant and susceptible varieties Kandaghat Selection and Sweet Happy I. Backcrossing with commercial cultivars and recombinant breeding accompanied by selection would also help to evolve bacterial wilt disease resistant, high yielding and horticulturally desirable pure line varieties.

Characterization and complete nucleotide sequencing of Pepper Mild Mottle Virus infecting Bell Pepper in India

Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L var. grossum Sendt) commonly known as bell pepper or sweet pepper, is one of the most economical agricultural crop grown under both open and polyhouse conditions. The presence of Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) from different districts of Himachal Pradesh was confirmed by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) and RT-PCR using coat protein (CP) gene amplification. The first complete genome sequence of Indian isolate of PMMoV (HP-1) was elucidated and compared with other members of Virgaviridae family and PMMoV isolates. Sequence homology, multiple alignment and phylogenetic analysis on the basis of nucleotide and amino acid sequences showed that PMMoV-HP1 isolate is more closely related to the PMMoV-J, the Japanese isolate. Based on CP gene amino acid sequence analysis, the PMMoV-HP1 isolate showed 100 per cent identity with P12 pathotypes (capable of breaking L 2 gene mediated resistance in capsicum). This is the first report of the PMMoV complete genome organization intercepted in India.

Genetic Variation and Association Analysis for Fruit Yield, Agronomic and Quality Characters in Bell Pepper

Knowledge of the magnitude of genetic variability for marketable fruit yield and quality traits, and relationships among these traits, is needed to improve quality breeding in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.). The study was undertaken to assess genetic variation for marketable fruit yield, fruits per plant, average fruit weight, pericarp thickness, number of lobes per fruit, TSS, and ascorbic acid and capsaicin contents and to quantify the relationship among these traits in diverse bell pepper germplasm. Significant difference among bell pepper genotypes indicated presence of significant variation for all the traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) indicated higher values than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits, indicating close association between phenotype and genotype. High heritability estimates along with high genetic advance was recorded for fruits per plant, marketable fruits per plant, pericarp thickness, and lobes per fruit, indicating the role of additive gene action for their inheritance. Days to 50% flowering, harvest duration, and ascorbic acid had high heritability estimates along with low genetic advance, indicating nonadditive gene activity, and these could be improved through hybridization. In general, genotypic correlations were higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations, revealing inherent associations among traits. The maximum direct effect on fruit yield per plant was exhibited by fruit per plant followed by harvest duration, average fruit weight, and pericarp thickness, whereas marketable fruits per plant and days to 50% flowering had negative direct effects. This suggests that a selection procedure based on higher fruits per plant, harvest duration, and average fruit weight may be effective in improving fruit yield. Adequate genetic variability was present within available bell pepper germplasm to allow breeding improvement of marketable yield and quality traits.

Genetic nature of low capsaicin content in the variant strains induced by grafting in Capsicum annuum L.

The genetic nature of low capsaicin content in variant strains induced by grafting was elucidated by crossing the G5S23 strain with the two cultivars, ‘Yatsubusa’ (Capsicum annuum L. var. fasciculatum Ilish) and ‘Spanish Paprika’ (C. annuum L. grossum Sendt) originally used for grafting. Decreased capsaicin synthesis was a stable characteristic for at least several generations from G5S16 to G5S23 and was transmitted to the progenies of crosses. This fact shows that the decreased capsaicin synthesis is a genetic trait in the graft-induced variant strains. The genetically dependent characteristic of pungency of the G5S23, ‘Yatsubusa’ and ‘Spanish Paprika’ were analysed by High Perfomance Liquid Chromatography measurement and tasting assay.