Pepper Tree Research Articles

Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides for Controlling Cochineal Scale (Dactylopius opuntiae) Insect on Cactus (Dactylcompound sopius opuntiae) Plant at Southern Tigray, Ethiopia

Cochineal scale insects, scientifically known as D. opuntiae, are small insects that feed on the sap of cacti plants. These insects are notorious for their ability to rapidly reproduce and spread, causing significant damage to cactus populations. Tigray region, located in northern Ethiopia, has been particularly affected by the relentless attack of cochineal scale insects on its cacti. The aim of this study was to evaluate botanical insecticide to control cochineal scale insect of cacti plant in southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted during 2024 in off-season at Raya-azobo district. A total of five treatments; leave extract (Neem, Lantana camara and Pepper tree and liquid soap), salt+liquid soup, liquid soup, water and control (no sprayed)) were used in the field experiment. The experiment was laid out randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The mortality rate of cochineal scale insect had a significant difference at (p<0.001) among the treatments. The highest rate of mortality (free of cochineal scale insect) was calculated from the leave extract (100%) extracted from leaves. However, the increasing number of cochineal scale insect was observed from untreated (control) (+9.9%) followed by cladodes treated with water (45.29%). The current research findings provide strong evidence that botanical insecticide derived from plant leaves could be an effective solution for controlling cochineal scale insect infestations on cacti. These eco-friendly alternatives offer several advantages over synthetic pesticides in terms of reduced toxicity to non-target organisms. Beside; it should be promoted to further demonstration and popularization at farmer level in the coming off-season.

Assessment of acute toxicity, genotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity of SteLL, a lectin from Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi. Leaves, in mice

Ethnopharmacology relevanceSchinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae), known as Brazilian pepper tree, stands out as a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine. The leaves are popularly used as anti-inflammatory agent and to relieve inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis, ulcers, and wounds, for example. Aim of the studyThe present study evaluated the acute toxicity, genotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity of S. terebinthifolia leaf lectin (SteLL) in mice (Mus musculus). Materials and methodsIn the acute toxicity assay, the animals were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) or orally (per os) with a single dose of 100 mg/kg. Genotoxicity was assessed by the comet and micronucleus assays. Carrageenan-induced peritonitis and paw edema models were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of SteLL (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.). ResultsNo animal died and no signs of intoxication or histopathological damage were observed in the acute toxicity assay. Genotoxic effect was not detected. In peritonitis assay, SteLL reduced in 56–69% leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity; neutrophil count decreased by 25–32%, while mononuclear cell count increased by 67–74%. SteLL promoted a notable reduction of paw edema after 4 h (61.1–63.4%). Morphometric analysis showed that SteLL also decreased the thickness of epidermal edema (30.2–40.7%). Furthermore, SteLL decreased MPO activity, plasma leakage, NO release, and modulated cytokines in both peritoneal fluid and paw homogenate. ConclusionSteLL did not induce acute toxicity or genotoxicity in mice and stands out as a promising candidate in the development of new phytopharmaceuticals with anti-inflammatory action.

Response of ectomycorrhizal fungi to full and selective removal of an invasive tree in riparian woodland

The Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is an invasive species that requires significant disturbance to eradicate. Previous studies have identified associations between the Brazilian pepper tree and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). However, limited research has explored the connection between disturbance from removal and the effect on EMF. This study investigated the sensitivity of EMF and the broader fungal community to the full and selective removal of the Brazilian pepper tree. During the selective removal of Brazilian pepper tree, we examined the mycorrhizal community of the Arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) to assess the influence of the restoration disturbance on native species. We used ITS2 sequencing to identify the EMF present during the restoration. Our expectation was that both removal efforts would reduce the presence of EMF. Contrary to our predictions, full removal increased EMF richness and relative abundance in the soil. As anticipated, selective removal reduced the richness and relative abundance of EMF associated with soil. Selective removal led to a decrease in the richness of EMF in arroyo willow roots with no effect on relative abundance. Moreover, fungal community composition in soil and roots shifted significantly during selective and full removal. However, the community composition of EMF, specifically, remained constant across treatment types. During full removal efforts, the application of organic soil amendments may have contributed to the increase in the diversity and relative abundance of EMF. Selective removal will require additional measures, such as soil amendments, to curtail the loss of EMF.

Apparent anti‐parasite behaviour in the Norfolk Island green parrot Cyanoramphus cookii

AbstractBirds must cope with all manner of ectoparasites, from insects and mites to bacteria and fungi. During their grooming routine, several Norfolk Island green parrots Cyanoramphus cookii were observed and photographed, and a pair was videoed, biting off and chewing small pieces of lateral shoot and bark of pepper trees Piper excelsum and working the chewed material through their feathers. They also stripped the leaves and rubbed their beaks along the branches before extracting preen oil. Pepper trees are a well‐known source of piperine and other potent aromatic chemicals that are insect repellent and antimicrobial. This appears to be a rare example of a bird using plant material to anoint themselves, which we interpret as a way to repel blood‐sucking insects and ectoparasites and, possibly, void endoparasites, thereby improving fitness.

Dreg Deposits and Domestic Beer Production: Assessing the Ubiquity of Chicha Production in the Wari Empire

ABSTRACT Chicha (a fermented beverage) was an essential element of the political economy for some prehistoric Andean societies. In this article we outline the archaeological correlates of chicha production for the Wari Empire (ca. 600–1100 CE) using excavated evidence from the provincial center of Cerro Baúl and results from informant guided experimentation, which involved making chicha with maize (Zea mays), with drupes from the Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle), and using both ingredients. This information offers a guide to identify production at other sites and assess the ubiquity of small-scale brewing in Wari-affiliated domestic settings in Moquegua, Peru. We conclude that fermentation vessels are an imperfect but unambiguous indicator for brewing, although multiple lines of evidence could be marshaled in their absence, and that chicha brewing was largely exclusive to state-sponsored, specialized production in the Wari province of Moquegua, rather than a broadly practiced, ubiquitous domestic activity.

Transitioning from Monoculture to Mixed Cropping Systems: The Case of Coffee, Pepper, and Fruit Trees in Vietnam

In the Central Highlands of Vietnam, coffee (Coffea canephora) and pepper (Peper nigrum) farmers have started transitioning from monoculture to mix cropping systems. To investigate this ongoing shift towards diversified systems and understand the underlying agronomic and economic drivers, a total of 234 interviews were conducted with farmers in the three provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Gia Lai in 2021. The interviews showed that farmers are increasingly incorporating coffee, pepper, and fruit trees (mostly avocado, durian, and macadamia) within their plots. This response is likely driven by market prices and government incentives. The addition of perennial crops into existing systems results in an overall increase in planting densities (+33–71% compared with monoculture systems). Despite the intensification and diversification, there is currently no noticeable competition between crops, and productivity per tree remains high in these intensive farming systems. Furthermore, diversified coffee systems exhibit higher gross margins (only considering fertilizer and pesticide costs while excluding labor costs) than monoculture coffee systems. They also demonstrate greater economic resilience to price fluctuations. Given the perennial nature of the crops, this transformation is expected to continue unfolding in the coming years, reshaping the agricultural landscape of the Central Highlands.

Nutritional composition, Phytochemical analysis and Antioxidant capacity of Ethanol extract of Picralima nitida fruit (bark and pulp)

Picralima nitida (Apocynaceae) is an African pepper tree known for its medicinal benefits. This paper aims to investigate the nutritional composition, phytochemical analysis, and Antioxidant capacity of Ethanol extract of Picralima nitida fruit (bark and pulp) using standard methods. The proximate analysis of the dried powdered fruit (bark and pulp) had high carbohydrate, crude fiber content, moderate ash content, low moisture content, and low crude fat composition. The metal composition analysis showed the presence of various essential and non-essential elements, with sodium, potassium, and iron having the highest concentrations. The qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, and phytosterols in varying concentrations in the ethanol extract. The quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the total phenol, total flavonoid, total tannins, proanthocyanidin, and total saponin contents had concentrations of 92.45 mg GAE/g extract, 331.64 mg QE/g extract, 64.89 mg TAE/g extract, 129.00 mg AAE/g extract, and 213.79 mg DE/g extract respectively. The ethanol extract of P. nitida fruits exhibited strong antioxidant activities, with the FRAP assay showing the highest activity, followed by DPPH radical scavenging activities. These findings suggest that P. nitida stem bark has significant potential as a natural source of antioxidants and essential minerals, which could be useful in developing functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Application of soil seed bank techniques to facilitate forest restoration in the Caatinga

Nucleation is a technique widely used in restoration projects, but the transposition of the seed bank in the soil with greater depth is still incipient, especially in the Caatinga Biome. Thus, it evaluated whether the two seed bank transposition techniques (litter and topsoil) collected in two natural environments of the Mata da Pimenteira State Park (PEMP) provide seedling emergence in degraded areas of the Caatinga. Litter and topsoil techniques were transported from two Natural Environment Zone (ZAN) of the park, Serra Branca and Pimenteira, to two restoration areas in UFRPE/UAST in plots distributed in nuclei. The design was in randomized blocks, for litter in 2016 and topsoil in 2017. The highest average of emerging seedlings occurred in the surface forest soil transposition (topsoil) technique, mainly in the collection environment of the pepper tree area of the Pimenteira State Park. Herbaceous (herbs) were more evident in the topsoil (63.25%) than in litter (61%) and the species Alcalypha poiretii Spreng. was the most abundant in the Pimenteira area while the species Croton hirtus L’Hér. in the Serra Branca. The topsoil technique showed higher species richness, while litter was less uniform. However, both techniques presented a potential for species conservation, and the Pimenteira environment provided higher viable seed bank potential in degraded areas under Caatinga ecosystem conditions.

Distribution and impact of the native South African wasp, Megastigmus transvaalensis (Hussey, 1956) (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) on the invasive Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) in South Africa

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) (Brazilian pepper tree) is a tree native to subtropical South America that was introduced into South Africa as an ornamental plant. Globally, it is regarded as one of the world’s worst invasive trees. In South Africa the tree has acquired a native seed-feeding wasp, Megastigmus transvaalensis (Hussey, 1956) (Hymenoptera: Torymidae). The wasp’s native hosts are from the Searsia F.A. Barkley genus (Anacardiaceae), but it has expanded its host range to form a new association with both S. terebinthifolia and its close relative Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae). In order to quantify the seed predation by M. transvaalensis on S. terebinthifolia seeds, tree populations were surveyed across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The wasp was present at 99% of the S. terebinthifolia populations with an average of 22% of the seeds being destroyed. In the Eastern Cape province, the highest seed damage occurred at the start of the winter months, when about 35% of seeds were damaged. This fell to less than 12% in spring and summer when the plants were flowering. Megastigmus transvaalensis was found at nearly all the S. terebinthifolia populations in South Africa, but due to the limited number of predated seeds it is unlikely to reduce population sizes or curb the spread of the invasive alien tree in South Africa.

KERAGAMAN TANAMAN DAN SUMBANGAN PENERIMAAN TUMPANGSARI KOPI DAN LADA DI KABUPATEN TANGGAMUS PROVINSI LAMPUNG

In Tanggamus, pepper trees are commonly intercropped in coffee plantations with coffee-pepper intercropping type (dominant coffee), coffee pepper type (dominant pepper), and agroforestry type. The intercropping system plays a role in improving agro-ecosystems, increasing farm productivity and income. This study aimed to study crops diversity, productivity and income of coffee-pepper intercropping farming. This study used a survey method. The survey locations were determined purposively in two sub-districts which were centers of coffee cultivation in Tanggamus, namely Ulu Belu and Air Naningan District. In the Ulu Belu District, the villages of Sinar Banten, Sinar Galih, Petai Kayu were selected purposively, and in the Air Naningan District were Datar Lebuay Village and Air Kubang Village. Primary data was collected by visiting plantations and interviewing farmers. Sample farmers were determined randomly with a total of 137 samples. The diversity of intercrops was analyzed by calculating the Benefit Index Value and Importance Value Index. The results showed that coffee plantations were generally intercropped (79-86%) with coffee and pepper. Based on the Importance Value Index, in Ulu Belu the most important intercrops were pepper, banana, avocado and cayenne pepper, while in Air Naningan they were pepper, jengkol, cayenne pepper and durian. The income of intercropping coffee farmers could reach IDR 24 million/hectare/year. This income was obtained from both the coffee-pepper intercropping or the coffee-non-pepper intercropping. The productivity of intercropping coffee ranged from 528-1,097 kg/hectare. The productivity of pepper intercrops ranged from 0.45-0.54 kg per tree and contributed 11-29% of coffee income.

Evaluation of selected botanicals for the management of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) on maize (Zea mays L.) grain under laboratory condition in Gabilay District, Somaliland

One of the most reliable crops in the research region is maize. However, a variety of post-harvest insect pests like Sitophilus zeamais and Angoumois grain moths pose a hazard to the cultivation and storage of maize. Hence, a laboratory experiment was conducted in Gabilay District Somaliland in 2021 to assess selected botanicals effectiveness against maize weevil. The treatments of consisted of six botanicals namely neem seed, neem leaves, garlic, lantana, ginger, and pepper tree leaves at 50 g/kg of each were evaluated. Malathion 5% dust at 0.05 g/kg as standard check and the control/untreated check/were included for comparison. The Experiment was designed in a Completely Randomized Design and replicated three times, All the botanical powders were more effective than the control by causing high insect mortality, by lowering grain damage, weight loss, and emergence of F1 progeny. Neem seed and Garlic showed 100% adult mortality, which had a similar effect to Malathion 5% dust. Neem seeds produced the lowest F1 offspring, followed by garlic. Neem seeds and garlic had the least amount of seed damage among the botanicals (0%) and (4%), respectively. The control/untreated check/resulted in the most seed damage (45%). Similarly, the highest weight loss among the botanicals was recorded on the control check, Ginger and Pepper tree 11%, 5%, and 4% respectively. The ability of seeds to germinate was unaffected by the botanicals. A conclusion, neem seed and garlic leaves are the most effective treatment against maize weevil.

Use of Schinus molle (Anacardiaceae) as a means of biological control against Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Aleyrodidae)

Greenhouse whiteflies, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, are very small sucker-whipper-type pests of the family Aleyrodidae. They cause considerable damage to greenhouse crops in the first order and show resistance to chemical insecticides. In this context, we dedicated this study to the control of this pest through the active ingredients extracted from the leaf and fruit part of the pepper tree, Schinus molle by inhibiting the chemosensory protein responsible mainly for capturing external stimuli in these polyphagous insects. By applying molecular modeling methods, including molecular docking, using software Molegro Virtual Docker version 2012.5.5.0, we tested the bioinsecticide potency of seven inhibitors. The results obtained show that the molecule beta- elemol is the best chemosensory protein inhibitor with a score of –82.6648 Kcal/mol and that it forms strong bonds with the active site amino acids of the protein.

Ultrasound-assisted production of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) oleoresin and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) juice: a potential source of bioactive compounds in margarine

Ultrasound-assisted production of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) oleoresin and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) juice: a potential source of bioactive compounds in margarine

An impact assessment of alien invasive plants in South Africa generally dispersed by native avian species

Invasive alien plant species have been identified as a major threat to biodiversity and the relationship with native avian dispersers may increase their invasion potential. The impact of invasive plant species needs to be quantified using comparable assessment tools across different habitats and species to allocate limited resources to high-priority species. Here, we used the Generic Impact Scoring System (GISS) to assess the impacts of 16 fleshy-fruited alien invasive plant species in South Africa generally dispersed by native avian species. The results showed that fleshy-fruited invasive species have both environmental and socio-economic impacts. The cumulated impact scores for lantana (Lantana camara) and the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) were the highest, with scores of 42 and 32, respectively. Some species, such as white mulberry (Morus alba), camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), American bramble (Rubus cuneifolius) and Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), had low overall impact scores of 8, 18, 14 and 16, respectively, but scored the maximum impact of 5 for certain mechanisms. Environmental impacts of fleshy-fruited invasive plant species had a high impact magnitude through effects on the ecosystem and vegetation. Socio-economic impacts were mainly through effects on forest production, agriculture and human health. Species with large crop sizes, small seeds and fruit sizes had higher environmental and socio-economic impact magnitude. The information generated in this study is important for guiding resource allocation and preventing the uncontrolled introduction of invasive species in South Africa. The impact of the fleshy-fruited invasive species transcended sectors and, therefore, effective management of invasive species will require the collaboration of multiple and inter-sectoral stakeholders in South Africa.

Pengaruh Pemberian Dosis Pupuk Bio-Slurry Cair terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescens L.)

Liquid Bio-slurry is the final product of wastewater treatment in the form of liquid sludge which is very useful as a source of nutrients for plants. Liquid Bio-slurry contains nutrients that are very important for plant growth, namely macro nutrients, Nitrogen (N) 0.03% - 1.15%, total P, 0.02 – 0.04, total K 0.07-0.6 %, total Ca 1.402-2900 ppm, Mg total 1.200-1,544 ppm, S total 0.50%. In addition to macronutrients, Bio-slurry also has the required micronutrients in small amounts, for example Iron (Fe) total 0.01 ppm, Mn total 132.5-714.3 ppm, Cu total 4.5-36.2 ppm, and Zn a total of 1,200-1544 ppm, a total of 29.7 ppm Mo, and a total of 56.3 ppm B. This study aims to determine the effect of giving a dose of liquid Bio-slurry on the growth of cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) as an effort to find a new solution to the fertilizer problem for the community. This research was conducted in Mangunjaya Village, Arjasari District, Bandung Regency. The number of samples used in this study were 24 samples of cayenne pepper trees. This type of research is a pure experiment and uses a completely randomized design (CRD). The study used 4 treatments with 6 replications using liquid Bio-slurry, with fertilizer concentrations of 30%, 50% and 70%, with research parameters namely stem height, number of leaves, wet weight, and dry weight. Data collection techniques were carried out by observation and documentation techniques. The data in this study were analyzed using One Way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) using the SPSS 14 for Windows program at a level of 5%. Based on the results of the study, the data obtained at a dose of 70% were as much as 14.5 stem height, 8 leaves, 1.5 wet weight and 0.4 dry weight. The dose of 50% was 13.5 stem height, 8 leaves, 1.3 wet weight and 0.3 dry weight. The dose of 30% was 12.5 stem height, 7 leaves, 1.3 wet weight and 0.3 dry weight. While in the control stem height was 10.2, the number of leaves was 6, the wet weight was 0.7 and the dry weight was 0.0. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that in this study the dose of liquid Bio-slurry fertilizer had a significantly higher effect on the growth of plants that had quite a lot of leaves such as vegetables.

Qualidade de muda de pimenteira-de-cheiro influenciada pelo volume do substrato

The pepper tree is a plant with great relevance in the income of small family farmers, mainly in the North Region, where there is a great demand. In seedling production, one of the challenges is the volume of substrate for each cultivar. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of pepper tree seedlings in containers with different volumes of substrate. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design (DBC), in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme, using a regional variety selected by small producers in the region and the commercial cultivar of the company Feltrin, Lupita, in 4 volumes of containers: 50 cm³, 100 cm³, 200 cm³and 300 cm³, with 5 repetitions and 10 samples per repetition. Three seeds were sown in each container, after seedling emergence, thinning was performed and after 45 days the analyzes were performed. After obtaining the data, the analyzes of the assumptions of the analysis of variance were carried out, followed by the F test. Peppermint seedlings of the local variety and the cultivar Lupita, produced in containers above 100 cm³, present higher quality. Containers with volumes of 50 cm³ reduce the biometric and biomass characteristics of sweet pepper seedlings.

Transitioning from Monoculture to Intercropping: The Case of Coffee, Pepper, and Fruit Trees in Vietnam

Transitioning from Monoculture to Intercropping: The Case of Coffee, Pepper, and Fruit Trees in Vietnam

Transitioning from Monoculture to Intercropping: The Case of Coffee, Pepper, and Fruit Trees in Vietnam

Transitioning from Monoculture to Intercropping: The Case of Coffee, Pepper, and Fruit Trees in Vietnam

Three New Biological Control Programmes for South Africa: Brazilian Pepper, Tamarix and Tradescantia

Three weed biological control (biocontrol) programmes are described, all of which are considered to be ‘transfer projects’ that were initiated elsewhere, and on which South Africa has piggybacked its biocontrol efforts. Using knowledge and expertise from international collaborators, South African weed researchers are following a long tradition of transfer projects, which has been a largely successful and practical approach to biocontrol. Two Brazilian weeds, the Brazilian pepper tree Schinus terebinthifolia and the spiderwort Tradescantia fluminensis are being targeted, along with the Old-World trees Tamarix ramosissima and T. chinensis. The potential biocontrol agents are described and ranked for the two trees according to what has been discovered elsewhere, while the agent already released against T. fluminensis is rated (as poor), and other potential agents are considered. The addition of molecular techniques, climate matching and remote sensing in transfer projects can increase the chance of successful biocontrol and the inclusion of these techniques in the three new programmes is discussed. Transfer projects are a cost-effective and pragmatic way to pick winning biocontrol programmes.

Factors affecting the intention of sustainable agriculture practices among pepper farmers in Sarawak, Malaysia

The demand for safe, hygienic, organic, and high-quality food products nowadays puts pressure on farmers to produce and practice sustainability. Sustainable agriculture practices (SAPs) are crucial to be implemented on every farm that produced foods to enable the supply of hygienic, safe food products and as a solution of pesticide-residue problems towards a healthier lifestyle. However, the farmers' main challenges towards sustainability and hindering their penetration to the global market are the difficulties in complying with the international standard of quality and certification compliance, such as MyGAP or Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices in cultivating, harvesting, and processing. MyGAP compliance showed that farmers are moving towards sustainable agriculture. This paper was aimed to assess the perception and the factors that influence the Intention to implement SAPs in pepper cultivation among pepper farmers in Sarawak. Descriptive analysis and factor analysis were used to accomplish the objectives of this study. Data collection was through interviews using a structured questionnaire administered on registered farmers under the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB), planted at least 1 hectare or 2000 pepper trees in Bau and the District of Serian, Sarawak. Systematic stratified random sampling method was used based on the two different districts selected as stratification. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was used as the conceptual framework to explain the farmers' behaviour towards SAPs. The results discovered four latent factors influencing Intention to practice SAPs: attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural Intention, and Intention, with the value of percentages of variance, explained 13.554%, 27.912%, 12.506%, 8.771%, and 7.703%, respectively. Subjective norms showed a high value of alpha at 0.935, followed by attitude (0.817) and Intention towards Sustainable Agriculture Practices (0.804). The findings provided the pepper farmers with invaluable insight on the advantages of adopting sustainable agriculture practices to expand their business locally and intentionally.