Habanero Pepper Research Articles

Modeling consumer satisfaction to identify drivers for liking: An online survey based on images of Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

AbstractThe objective of this study was to analyze the impact of factors that influence consumer satisfaction (CSAT) and how emotions and sensory attributes are related to the consumer's preference for Habanero pepper. In Phase 1: A total of 202 Habanero pepper consumers responded to a structured survey to determine the influence of factors on satisfaction using the Partial Least Squares (PLS)‐Path modeling technique. In Phase 2: A total of 498 pepper consumers evaluated images of immature, intermediate‐ripened, and ripened Habanero peppers assigning emotions, sensory attributes, and liking level for each chili image. Results showed that the relationship between intrinsic, extrinsic quality, and consumer safety influenced CSAT. Immature and ripened chili peppers were most preferred. Immature chilies elicited calm, bored, tame, and mild emotions that were related to attributes green vegetable, fresh leaf, and crunchiness. Ripened Habanero peppers elicited emotions such as loving, pleasant, active, worried, satisfied, happy, guilty, wild, aggressive, and joyful that were related to attributes mouth heat, mouth hardness, mouth numbness, and pungency. Satisfaction of Habanero pepper consumers is influenced by safety, extrinsic and intrinsic quality which includes emotions and sensory aspects such as color and texture.Practical ApplicationsThe use of online questionnaires is an effective tool to collect data for the explanation of the relationships between intrinsic and extrinsic factors from the consumer's point of view and for the evaluation of sensory attributes and emotions evoked through images of Habanero pepper. This makes it possible to identify different patterns of consumer liking levels that can be a key element in the generation of marketing strategies. Results from this research are important for the chili industry, producers, gastronomes and international and nationals' researchers dedicated to the production, processing, use, and research of the Habanero pepper.

Host utilization by the pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii): suitability, preference and offspring performance.

Host plant selection is a key factor affecting the survival, population establishment, and spread of herbivorous insect pests. The pepper weevil is one of the most important pests of cultivated pepper in North America with a capacity to rapidly expand its geographic range, in part through its ability to switch between cultivated and wild Solanaceous host plants. Towards a better management of this pest, this study examined metrics of pepper weevil host use including oviposition preference, development time, and successful offspring emergence on wild Solanaceous species and cultivated pepper cultivars. Pepper weevil successfully developed within fruit of several Solanaceous species including eastern black (Solanum ptycanthum) and climbing nightshade (S. dulcamara), in which development time was on average 4 days faster relative to Capsicum annuum cv. jalapeno peppers. Oviposition events occurred in all fruit types assessed and no strong host preference was detected among these. However, the number of emerged offspring was significantly lower than the number of oviposition events in C. chinense cv. habanero pepper fruit. Although not all nightshade species are suitable hosts for pepper weevil development, those permissive to offspring production do allow for faster development than in C. annuum peppers. While host preference was not detected among fruit types tested, low offspring emergence from fruit with high capsaicin content suggests a reduced ability of pepper weevil to tolerate high concentrations of this metabolite. These findings help elucidate the factors influencing pepper weevil bionomics, and their implications on pepper weevil management are discussed. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Effect of solvent polarity on the Ultrasound Assisted extraction and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds from habanero pepper leaves (Capsicum chinense) and its identification by UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS

Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites involved in plant adaptation processes. The development of extraction procedures, quantification, and identification of this compounds in habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense) leaves can provide information about their accumulation and possible biological function. The main objective of this work was to study the effect of the UAE method and the polarity of different extraction solvents on the recovery of phenolic compounds from C. chinense leaves. Quantification of the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) by ABTS+ and DPPH radical inhibition methods, and the relation between the dielectric constant (ε) as polarity parameter of the solvents and TPC using Weibull and Gaussian distribution models was analyzed. The major phenolic compounds in C. chinense leaves extracts were identified and quantified by UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS. The highest recovery of TPC (24.39 ± 2.41 mg GAE g−1 dry wt) was obtained using MeOH (50%) by UAE method. Correlations between TPC and AA of 0.89 and 0.91 were found for both radical inhibition methods (ABTS+ and DPPH). The Weibull and Gaussian models showed high regression values (0.93 to 0.95) suggesting that the highest phenolic compounds recovery is obtained using solvents with “ε” values between 35 and 52 by UAE. The major compounds were identified as N-caffeoyl putrescine, apigenin, luteolin and diosmetin derivatives. The models presented are proposed as a useful tool to predict the appropriate solvent composition for the extraction of phenolic compounds from C. chinense leaves by UAE based on the “ε” of the solvents for future metabolomic studies.

Fertilizers in the yield of chile habanero (Capsicum chínense) in Úrsulo Galván, Veracruz

Mexico is the country in the world with the greatest genetic variety of Capsicum: its richness is largely due to the diversity of climates and soils, which is why the commonly called “habanero” pepper is found throughout the peninsula. The objective of this project is to evaluate their adaptation to edaphoclimatic conditions different from those prevailing in their area of origin. As well as different mineral and organic fertilizers, which meet the nutritional needs in the cultivation of habanero pepper to obtain better yields and better profits for the producer. The experiment was carried out at the Tecnológico Nacional de Mexico Campus Úrsulo Galván. The experiment was carried out in a shade mesh cover, the experimental design was completely randomized with 5 treatments and 7 repetitions with a total of 35 experimental units. Therefore, it is expected that fertilizers and fertilizers have a greater significant response in the increase of the habanero pepper (Capsicum chínense Jacq) in Úrsulo Galván, Ver.

Agronomic behavior and fruit quality in habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) as a response to formative pruning

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pruning on the agronomic variables and fruit quality of habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). Methodology: Habanero peppers were pruned with two intensities, two shoots and three shoots. The control plants were not pruned. The experiment had a randomized block design with four replications. The experimental plots consisted of 50 plants established in rows at a distance of 1.2 m and 0.3 m among plants within a row. The evaluated variables were fruit yield, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit length and fruit diameter. Data were obtained from 10 harvests. For the analysis, the fruit quality, ash content, moisture, protein and crude fiber were determined. Results: Plants with two and three shoots produced fruits of 4 and 3.99 cm in length. Plants with two and three shoots produced 42 and 48 % first quality fruits, whereas control plants produced only 10 % first quality fruits. The highest protein content in fruits at physiological ripeness (14 %) and commercial maturity (12 %) was observed in plants pruned to two shoots. Implications: These results show the importance of crop management on the fruit quality of habanero peppers. Further studies are needed to have more information on the effects of crop management on the nutritional content of fruits. Conclusion: The pruning of habanero pepper plants significantly influenced the fruit size, crude fiber and protein content in their fruits

Endogenous Hormones in Habanero Pepper Seeds

Aims: Habanero pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivation is growing worldwide, mainly as a result of its high demand and nutritive contribution to human society. The presence of endogenous gibberellins and cytokinins in seeds of various vegetable crops has been related to a good germination; however, little is known on habanero pepper. The aim of this study was to search for the presence, identification and amount of gibberellins and cytokinins in seeds of habanero pepper cv “Jaguar”.
 Study design: Laboratory analysis for gibberellins and cytokinins were organized in solvent solutions groups with three technical replicates using a complete randomized design and results when applicable were analyzed using the statistical program 'RStudio' (version 10) and data obtained subjected to a comparison of means with the Tukey (P≤0.05) test.
 Place and duration of study: The experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture in Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo, Mexico, during 2020-2021.
 Methodology: Lots of 50 grams dry weight of “Jaguar” habanero pepper seed samples were freeze dried and prepared with several organic solvents for the extraction, purification and identification of gibberellins and cytokinins using the techniques of GC-MS and GCMS-SIM respectively.
 Results: Gibberellins A1, A4, A7, A9, A15, A17 and A44 were found in habanero seed tissue. The cytokinins zeatin and zeatin-riboside were also detected in analyzed habanero samples. 
 Conclusion: The endogenous gibberellins A1, A4, A7, A9, A15, A17, A44, and the cytokinins zeatin and zeatin-riboside are present in habanero pepper cv “Jaguar” contributing to an improve seed viability, ensuring health and overall plant yield.

Phytochemical Characterization of By-Products of Habanero Pepper Grown in Two Different Types of Soils from Yucatán, Mexico.

By-products of edible plants may contain potentially useful phytochemicals. Herein, we valorized the by-products of Capsicum chinense by phytochemical characterization of its leaves, peduncles and stems. Plants of habanero pepper were grown in a greenhouse, in polyethylene bags with two soils that were named according to the Maya classification as: K’ankab lu’um (red soil) and Box lu’um (black soil). Habanero pepper by-products were dried using an oven, the extracts were obtained by Ultrasound Assisted Extraction, and phytochemical quantification in all the extracts was conducted by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Diode Array Detector (UPLC-DAD). Differences in the phytochemical content were observed according to the by-product and soil used. Catechin and rutin showed the highest concentrations in the peduncles of plants grown in both soils. The leaves of plants grown in black soil were rich in myricetin, β-carotene, and vitamin E, and the stems showed the highest protocatechuic acid content. While the leaves of plants grown in red soil were rich in myricetin and vitamin C, the stems showed the highest chlorogenic acid content. This novel information regarding the phytochemical composition of the by-products of C. chinense may be relevant in supporting their potential application in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Reactivity of astrocytes in hippocampal CA1 area in rats after administration of habanero peppers.

Astrocytes react to microenvironmental changes. Their reactivity is manifested by an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100b protein levels, hypertrophy and hyperplasia. The aim of the study was to analyse immunoreactive GFAP (GFAP-IR) and S100b (S100b-IR) astrocytes of hippocampal CA1 area in adult rats intragastrically (i.g.) treated with habanero peppers. Brains from 10 control rats (group C) and 10 rats receiving oil suspension of habanero fruits for 7 days (group I-7) or 28 days (group II-28) were used. Antibodies against GFAP and S100b were used for immunohistochemistry. Morphology and distribution of astrocytes was evaluated under light microscope and their density was quantitatively analysed. In the CA1 hippocampal area of group II-28 rats, GFAP-IR cells with numerous, branched processes were observed. S100b-IR astrocytes had delicate, single processes in comparison with cells without processes observed in groups I-7 and C. In groups I-7 and II-28, GFAP-IR astrocytes' density significantly increased in SR - stratum radiatum of hippocampal CA1 area. In group I-7, a density of cells with the expression of S100b was significantly increased in SO - stratum oriens layer. In group II-28, the density of S100b-IR astrocytes was decreased. Habanero peppers administrated to rats, especially for a longer time, caused reactive changes in the astrocytes in hippocampal CA1 area, and thus these glial cells may protect neurons against excitotoxic damage.

Production and quality of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) with chemical and organic fertilization

Objective: To compare the effect of earthworm humus (vermicompost) withrespect to that of a standard fertilization treatment with conventional chemicals onthe yield and fruit quality in the cultivation of habanero pepper (Capsicumchinense).Design / methodology / approach: The experimental design was of randomizedblocks with seven replicates. The treatments consisted of 100% worm humus, 50%worm humus + 50% soil combination, as well as soil with chemical fertilizers as acontrol. The number of fruits, the quality of the fruits (length, diameter, and weight)of three cuts (harvests), in addition to the yield per plant, were evaluated. The datawere analyzed with an analysis of variance and when statistical differences weredetected, a means comparison was performed with the Tukey test (P>0.05). 2Results: The 100% vermicompost treatment did not significantly reduce the heightand diameter of the plant stem. Regard yield, a 15% increase was observed,although it was not significant compared to the control. Likewise, the quality of thefruits did not decrease.Study limitations / implications: The combination of 50% vermicompost and soilor less could affect the development and yield of habanero pepper crops.Findings / conclusions: Supplying earthworm humus does not affect the yield orquality of habanero pepper fruits, which is an alternative for nutrients supply at lowcost which is also an environmentally friendly practice.

Efecto de diferentes proporciones de luz LED azul:roja en plantas de chile habanero (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

El chile habanero es el cultivo hortícola de mayor im­portancia económica en la península de Yucatán. Este podría desarrollarse en ambiente controlado con iluminación LED y permitiría tener una producción continua, con un aumento exponencial de rendimiento y estar libre de plagas y enfer­medades. Los objetivos fueron evaluar el efecto de cinco proporciones de luz LED azul:roja y un testigo fluorescente sobre crecimiento en planta, concentración de pigmentos fotosintéticos, compuestos fenólicos y nutrimental en hoja; germinación de polen, grosor de hoja, anatomía de ovario y antera de chile habanero ‘Mayan Ba’alché’ bajo condiciones controladas de crecimiento. Los resultados mostraron que los tratamientos no indujeron un efecto en crecimiento de plan­ta. La luz roja favoreció el rendimiento de frutos y frecuencia estomática. La luz roja monocromática favoreció la concen­tración de pigmentos fotosintéticos, Mg y Mn e indujo menor concentración de P y Cu. La luz azul monocromática favoreció la concentración de compuestos fenólicos. El testigo indujo mayor concentración de K entre algunos tratamientos LED e incrementó la germinación de polen y el grosor de hoja al igual que la luz azul monocromática. La anatomía de los óvu­los en ovarios y el polen en anteras no presentaron ningún efecto por los tratamientos.

Field Evaluation Of Bioinsecticides Against Melanaphis sacchari (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Sorghum

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner), has become the most important insect pest of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) in Mexico after its invasion in 2013. Effectiveness of several plant extracts and dish soap were compared to flupyradifurone in a field experiment against M. sacchari on sorghum in northeastern Mexico during the fall growing season of 2016. Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), and habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) were not effective against M. sacchari, with density similar to the check treatment, peaking at >1,000 aphids per leaf. Dish soap killed 72% of M. sacchari within 2 hours, but aphids soon resurged and reached >500 per leaf within 6 days. Flupyradifurone was very effective at managing M. sacchari below economic threshold (<50 aphids per leaf) during 28 days. Severe damage by M. sacchari when treated with plant extracts, dish soap, or the check resulted in grain yield loss >78%, as compared to flupyradifurone. In conclusion, neem, garlic, habanero pepper, and dish soap have no potential as commercial control methods against M. sacchari under the conditions tested in this study.

Evaluation of Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) Varieties under Shade House Conditions in Yucatan, Mexico

Habanero pepper (HP) is the main emblematic horticultural species of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and it is highly valuable for commercial purposes. Since the Yucatan Peninsula has been qualified by official instances with the Denomination of Origin, a very promising horizon is opened for new varieties to be demanded by the local and abroad commercial markets. Nowadays all varieties are being produced under open field conditions but its agronomic and qualified behaviour has never been evaluated under shade house production systems. Keeping in mind the foregoing, the Jaguar (Ja), Mayapan (Ma) and Calakmul (Ca) varieties were evaluated and compared with a control, the Rey Pakal (RP) hybrid during the Fall-Winter season. A 1200 m2 shade house was used, covered with a white mesh with a density of 52 × 25 threads/square inch. RP and Ma reached the highest height (68.29 and 63.14 cm) and stem diameter (4.48 and 4.46 cm), compared to the rest of the evaluated varieties (Ca and Ja). A greater precocity is projected in Ca and RP to set flower buds, flowers and fruits than in Ja and Ma. In general, flower buds setting was recorded between 23.4 and 25.6 days after transplanting (DAT), flowering was from 30.3 to 40.5 DAT and the fruit set from 42.2 to 45.3 DAT. The four genetic materials had a similar behavior in terms of phenology. RP (hybrid) and Ma (Variety) showed the higher yields.

Evaluación del comportamiento de un fiofertilizante en el cultivo de chile habanero (Capsicum chinense JACQ.) Variedad Jaguar®

El chile habanero (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) Solanacea semi-perenne con denominación de origen el estado de Yucatán, el cultivo es considerado con potencial debido a su alta rentabilidad, retornos económicos, competencia y demanda en el mercado de chile, este cultivo demanda una buena nutrición tanto de micronutrientes como macronutrientes, sin embargo un desconocimiento en cuanto al uso de los fertilizantes químicos ha ocasionado un incremento en el uso de estos, ocasionando daños irreversibles al medio ambiente, por lo anterior se ha implementado el uso de abonos orgánicos con el fin de recuperar la micro fauna del suelo y así estos organismos aceleren los procesos microbianos, de tal forma que se aumente las cantidades de nutrientes que pueden ser asimilados por las plantas. Por tal motivo se realizó una evaluación de un biofertilizante aplicado sobre lombricomposta en el cultivo de chile habanero variedad Jaguar y el efecto que tiene sobre el desarrollo y rendimiento bajo condiciones de invernadero en la FCBA ubicada en Peñuela municipio de Amatlán de Los Reyes Veracruz. El trasplante se realizó al mes de edad el día 23 de diciembre del 2019, se trabajó con 8 tratamientos y 1 testigo absoluto. El diseño experimental fue boques al azar, la parcela útil fue de 2 plantas y 3 repeticiones dando un total de 6 plantas evaluadas por tratamiento, dejando fuera las plantas de los extremos y las centrales. Las variables evaluadas fueron: altura de la planta, número de frutos por planta, dimensiones del fruto (largo y diámetro) y el peso unitario del fruto. Las variables se analizaron empleando el Statistical Analysis System (S.A.S). Las variables tuvieron diferencias significativas entre tratamientos. El biofertilizante que tuvo mejor efecto fue el de lombricomposta sin tamizar.

Rendimiento de semilla y calidad de fruto de chile habanero con fertilización química y orgánica

El objetivo de la presente investigación consistió en evaluar poblaciones de chile habanero, con fertilización química y orgánica, para rendimiento de semilla y fruto. En 2017 en el Tecnológico Nacional de México campus Roque se establecieron tres genotipos de chile habanero con cinco diferentes tipos de fertilización. Un grupo de variables agronómicas se evaluaron con las normas del SNICS. Las variables se sometieron a un análisis de varianza y componentes principales. La mejor colecta fue el genotipo Rojo Campeche 12 con un peso promedio de fruto de 4.8 g, 27.5 semillas por fruto y una germinación a los 16 días de 39.2%. Con relación a la fertilización se determinó que el mejor peso de fruto se alcanzó con el 50+50% de fertilización química y orgánica. Para semillas por fruto y germinación fue mejor la fertilización química, aunque estadísticamente similar al valor de la fertilización combinada (50+50). Lo anterior, permite explorar genotipos, dosis y oportunidades de aplicación de abonos orgánicos que mejoren la producción y calidad de semilla, con manejo sustentable y amigable con el ambiente.

Polyphenols Content in Capsicum chinense Fruits at Different Harvest Times and Their Correlation with the Antioxidant Activity.

The aim of this work was to investigate the changes of the content of polyphenols in fruits of Capsicum chinense Jacq. at different harvest times and their correlation with the antioxidant activity. Habanero pepper plants grown in black soil (Mayan name: Box lu’um) and harvested at 160, 209, 223, 237 and 252 post-transplant days (PTD) were analyzed. The results indicated that subsequent harvesting cycles decreased the content of total polyphenols, catechin, chlorogenic acid and ellagic acid, while the content of gallic and protocatechuic acid increased. The antioxidant activity determined by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging and ABTS (2,2′-azino-di-3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonic acid) assay decreased through the harvest days. Linear correlation analysis between total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in peppers resulted in a correlation of r2DPPH = 0.8999 and r2ABTS = 0.8922. Additionally, a good correlation of the antioxidant activity was found with catechin (r2DPPH = 0.8661 and r2ABTS = 0.8989), chlorogenic acid (r2DPPH = 0.8794 and r2ABTS = 0.8934) and ellagic acid (r2DPPH = 0.8979 and r2ABTS = 0.9474), indicating that these polyphenols highly contributed to the antioxidant activity in Habanero peppers. This work contributes to understanding the changes that take place during the development of Capsicum chinense, indicating that fruit harvested at earlier PTD showed the highest concentrations of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity, obtaining the best results at 160 PTD.

Selection of Habanero Pepper F1 Hybrids (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) at the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico with a High Potential for Different Markets

This study evaluated 29 F1 lines and the 11 genotypes of habanero peppers used in the crossbreeding program developed by the Scientific Research Center of Yucatan, México. A randomized complete block design with four repetitions was used. Eight plants of each of the genotypes were studied per block. A total of 22 qualitative and 18 quantitative descriptors established in the manuals of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the National Service for Seed Inspection and Certification (SNICS) was used. The multiple correspondence analysis of the qualitative traits explained 38.2% of the total variability. The trait that contributed the most to the qualitative variability identified was the presence of anthocyanins in the node. Principal component analysis showed that the first two axes explained 85.1% of the total variability and that capsaicin content and fruit pericarp thickness were the major contributors to the variation recorded. Based on these results, four F1 hybrids of habanero pepper were selected because of their promising traits for the different markets, i.e., high productive potential and/or high pungency. These traits are described in the section on Results.

Efecto de biofertilizantes microbianos en las características agronómicas de la planta y calidad del fruto del chile xcat´ik (Capsicum annuum L.)

El chile xcat´ik (Capsicum annuum L.) es el segundo más consumido en la península de Yucatán, después del habanero. Los biofertilizantes microbianos son una opción factible de integrarse a los sistemas de producción para disminuir el uso de fertilizantes químicos. El objetivo del trabajo se basó en la evaluación del efecto de la aplicación de Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzanium y un consorcio microbiano en las características agronómicas de la planta y la calidad del fruto del chile xcat´ik. El experimento se realizó en condiciones de invernadero, a través de un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. De acuerdo a los resultados se encontró que la aplicación de B. subtilis incrementó significativamente la altura de plantas respecto al testigo, así mismo la aplicación de B. subtilis y T. harzanium incrementó el volumen de raíz. Se observó que existen diferencias estadísticas en los contenidos de lípidos y proteínas en el fruto de plantas biofertilizadas con T. harzanium, y que en los frutos de plantas tratadas particularmente con B. subtilis y T. harzanium se acumulan mayores cantidades de fósforo.

Extracts from Six Native Plants of the Yucatán Peninsula Hinder Mycelial Growth of Fusarium equiseti and F. oxysporum, Pathogens of Capsicum chinense.

Fusarium equiseti strain FCHE and Fusarium oxysporum strain FCHJ were isolated from the roots of wilting habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) seedlings with root rot. Toward developing a biorational control of these serious phytopathogenic strains, ethanolic (EE) and aqueous (AE) extracts of different vegetative parts of 40 tropical native plants of the Yucatán Peninsula were screened for antifungal activity. Extracts of six out of 40 assayed plants were effective, and the most inhibitory extracts were studied further. EEs from Mosannona depressa (bark from stems and roots), Parathesis cubana (roots), and Piper neesianum (leaves) inhibited mycelial growth of both strains. Each active EE was then partitioned between hexane and acetonitrile. The acetonitrile fraction from M. depressa stem bark (MDT-b) had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration of 1000 µg/mL against both pathogens and moderate inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 462 against F. equiseti and 472 µg/mL against F. oxysporum. After 96 h treatment with EE from M. depressa stem bark, both strains had distorted hyphae and conidia and collapsed conidia in scanning electron micrographs. Liquid chromatography–ultraviolet–high resolution mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the major component of the fraction was α-asarone. Its antifungal effect was verified using a commercial standard, which had an IC50 of 236 µg/mL against F. equiseti and >500 µg/mL against F. oxysporum. Furthermore, the P. cubana hexane fraction and P. neesianum acetonitrile fraction had antifungal activity against both Fusarium pathogens. These compounds provide new options for biorational products to control phytopathogenic fungi.

OVIPOSITION OF Bactericera cockerelli (SULC) (HEMIPTERA: TRIOZIDAE) ON Capsicum chinense (JACQ) TREATED WITH SPIROMESIFEN OR SPIROTETRAMAT

El psílido de la papa/tomate, Bactericera cockerelli, es una de las plagas más importantes de cultivos de solanáceas en el mundo. Spirotetramat y spiromesifen son insecticidas comúnmente utilizados contra esta plaga y actúan inhibiendo la acetil CoA carboxilasa, y con ello evitan la biosíntesis de lípidos. Se evaluó el efecto de los insecticidas sobre el comportamiento de oviposición de B. cockerelli en plantas de chile habanero [Capsicum chinense (Jacq)]. El follaje de la planta se dividió en tres estratos (superior, medio e inferior) y todas las combinaciones de estratos se trataron por separado con 30 mL de la solución a una concentración de 1 mL L-1 de formulación comercial, se utilizó una torre Potter a 0.703 kg cm-2 de presión, calibrada para aplicar 2 mL cm-2. Después de 1 h de tratamiento se retiró la cubierta plástica de los estratos no tratados, y las plantas de cada tratamiento se infestaron con 20 pares de adultos de 20 a 24 h y se les permitió ovipositar durante 7 d. Se registró el número de huevos por hoja por estrato y se calculó su porcentaje. El porcentaje de huevos por hoja en el testigo en los estratos superior, medio e inferior fue 42, 32 y 26 %, respectivamente. El Spiromesifen inhibió significativamente (P ≤ 0.05) la oviposición sólo en la capa tratada. El Spirotetramat redujo significativamente (P ≤ 0.05) la tasa de oviposición, independientemente del estrato tratado, lo que indica actividad biológica en partes no tratadas de la planta, ya sea por encima o por debajo de la parte tratada.

Biocontrol potential of Streptomyces sp. CACIS-1.5CA against phytopathogenic fungi causing postharvest fruit diseases

BackgroundFungi are one of the microorganisms that cause most damage to fruits worldwide, affecting their quality and consumption. Chemical controls with pesticides are used to diminish postharvest losses of fruits. However, biological control with microorganisms or natural compounds is an increasing alternative to protect fruits and vegetables. In this study, the antifungal effect of Streptomyces sp. CACIS-1.5CA on phytopathogenic fungi that cause postharvest tropical fruit rot was investigated.Main bodyAntagonistic activity was evaluated in vitro by the dual confrontation over fungal isolates obtained from grape, mango, tomato, habanero pepper, papaya, sweet orange, and banana. The results showed that antagonistic activity of the isolate CACIS-1.5CA was similar to the commercial strain Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108 against the pathogenic fungi Colletotrichum sp., Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Botrytis sp., Rhizoctonia sp., and Rhizopus sp. with percentages ranging from 30 to 63%. The bioactive extract obtained from CACIS-1.5 showed a strong inhibition of fungal spore germination, with percentages ranging from 92 to 100%. Morphological effects as irregular membrane border, deformation, shrinkage, and collapsed conidia were observed on the conidia. Molecularly, the biosynthetic clusters of genes for the polyketide synthase (PKS) type I, PKS type II, and NRPS were detected in the genome of Streptomyces sp. CACIS-1.5CA.ConclusionsThis study presented a novel Streptomyces strain as a natural alternative to the use of synthetic fungicides or other commercial products having antagonistic microorganisms that were used in the postharvest control of phytopathogenic fungi affecting fruits.