Scotch Bonnet Research Articles

Susceptibility of Capsicum varieties to Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) infestation for production optimization.

Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a major threat to the production and marketing of pepper (Capsicum spp.) in Ghana. To reduce the damage of the pest on pepper farming, it is important to find appropriate control methods, which may include the use of resistant host plants. This study investigated the relative susceptibility of 6 pepper varieties commonly cultivated in Ghana: Legon 18, Bird's eye, Scotch bonnet, Cayenne, KA2, and sweet pepper (Yolo wonder+ variety). Choice and no-choice ovipositional preference tests were conducted and the population growth rate of T. leucotreta was determined by establishing life table parameters including the net reproductive rates (R0), the mean generation time (G), intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), the population doubling time (T), and the finite rate of increase (λ). In the no-choice test, females exhibited oviposition preference for sweet pepper (12.08 eggs/fruit), while Bird's eye was the least preferred (5.00 eggs/fruit). The same results were observed in the choice test. However, the population growth rate of T. leucotreta was highest on the Scotch bonnet and Cayenne, with rm of 0.124 and 0.127, respectively, while the Bird's eye and sweet pepper recorded the least rm of 0.116. Thus, the tested varieties had varying levels of susceptibility to T. leucotreta infestation. Bird's eye was the least susceptible variety, while Cayenne and Scotch bonnet were the most susceptible varieties. These findings could direct farmers on the choices of pepper varieties for cultivation and proffer potential opportunities to breed new varieties resistant to T. leucotreta infestation.

Do Cultivar, Watering and Plant Distance Impact Aphids and Their Natural Enemies in Chili (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)?

Chilies are being increasingly favored worldwide, with an increasing growing area. As limited information is available about the population dynamic of arthropod communities in chilies under field conditions, the aim of our survey was to observe aphids and their natural enemies under various agrotechnological factors to improve IPM for chilies. The Yellow Scotch Bonnet (YSB) and Trinidad Scorpion Butch T (TSBT) chili varieties were investigated. Two plant spacings (30 vs. 40 and 40 vs. 60 cm in YSB and TSBT, respectively) and two watering rates (40 min/day; 20 min every second day) were applied with three replicates. Ten plants per plot/date were checked visually from July to September each year. In 2019, significantly more Chrysopidae eggs and significantly fewer Coccinellidae eggs were found under less watering. The number of Chrysopidae larvae and Coccinellidae pupae and larvae was significantly higher, whereas that of Chrysopidae eggs and Thomisidae individuals was significantly lower in the less-irrigated plots in 2021. In the same year, significantly more Coccinellidae adults were detected in the TSBT cultivar, and the number of Chrysopidae eggs and larvae and Coccinellidae pupae was significantly lower under decreased plant spacing. Predators preferred plots with an increased plant distance and plants with higher aphid pressure.

Effect of Varieties, Solar Drying and Zeer Pot Refrigeration Lining Media on Physico – Chemical Characteristics of Chili Pepper Fruits

Chili peppers are used as food and contain food nutrients such as vitamins A and C, fibre, folic acid and potassium for proper human growth and development. In addition, they are used by industries for manufacturing alcoholic, culinary and pharmaceutical products however they are perishable and undergo physico - chemical changes to cause postharvest loss of chili peppers. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of varieties, solar drying and zeer pot refrigeration lining media on physico – chemical characteristics of chili peppers. A 2 x 3 x 3 factorial experimental design in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used to collect data for laboratory analyses. The study found – out that, varieties of chili peppers had significant effect (p < 0.05) on physico – chemical characteristics of chili peppers with red cayenne significantly recorded the best pericarp thickness (0.21mm), porosity (72.3%) total soluble solids (2.42%) and pH (5.38) but titratable acidity (0.56%) of chili pepper fruits was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in scotch bonnet. Also, on effect of solar drying on physico – chemical characteristics of chili pepper fruits, there were significantly (p < 0.05) better thickness of pericarp (0.23mm), total soluble solids (2.47%), titratable acidity (0.62%) and pH (4.64) shown in unblanched solar dried chili pepper fruits while the best porosity (71.19%) was noted in controlled chili pepper fruits. Again, on effect of lining media of zeer pot refrigeration on physico – chemical characteristics of chili pepper fruits, thickness of pericarp (0.22mm) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in wood shavings used as zeer pot refrigeration lining media but total soluble solids (2.03%) and porosity (69.27%) were best indicated in styrofoam used as zeer pot refrigeration lining media. Titratable acidity (0.54%) and pH (5.00) were better shown in sand used as lining media of zeer pot refrigeration.

Identification of ascorbic acid and phytochemical profiles of Scotch Bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet Detector (HPLC-UV)

Researchers have discovered that red and green scotch peppers are extremely rich in phytochemicals and that these secondary metabolites are connected to several biological processes in the human body. This study aimed to determine the numerous phytochemicals present in scotch pepper seeds, flesh, and red and green varieties. The samples were pulverized after being air-dried. The phytochemicals and ascorbic acid contents were examined using a High-performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV). Twelve phytochemicals and ascorbic acid were identified in the flesh and seed of red scotch pepper, with lycopene having the highest content (83.10 mg/kg), the ascorbic acid content of 8.80 mg/kg; moreover, the seed of red scotch pepper revealed twelve phytochemicals and lycopene being the highest content (75.60 mg/kg) and ascorbic acid content of 6.80 mg/kg, furthermore, fourteen phytochemicals were identified in the flesh of red scotch bonnet pepper with lycopene the highest quantity (86.00 mg/kg) and ascorbic content of 10.60 mg/kg. Twelve phytochemicals were identified in the flesh and seed of green scotch bonnet pepper, lycopene (68.70 mg/kg) being the highest content, ascorbic acid content (6.50 mg/kg), twelve phytochemicals were revealed in the flesh of green pepper and lycopene had highest quantity (76.30 mg/kg), in the seed of green pepper, the lycopene content was 68.70 mg/kg. However, it has been shown that capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and lutein concentrations varied, with red scotch pepper flesh having the highest concentration of capsaicin (7.50 mg/kg). The lycopene and ascorbic acid contents of flesh were the highest (86.00 mg/kg) and (10.60 mg/kg). The study's findings showed that red pepper flesh was better than other components that were looked at.

Extraction and recovery of capsaicin from scotch bonnet by alkaline-based deep eutectic solvent

Extraction and recovery of capsaicin from scotch bonnet by alkaline-based deep eutectic solvent

Fungal spoilage of cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) and scotch bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense)

The fungal spoilage of scotch bonnet pepper and cayenne pepper was investigated. About 20 Samples of cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) and scoth bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense) were obtained from five differerent sellers (four samples each) including two (2) spoiled and two (2) fresh samples in Wadata market in Makurdi metropolis. The samples were serially diluted and dilution 10-2 and 10-4 dilution factors were used, inoculation was done using pour plate method onto SDA medium and the colonies were enumerated in colony forming unit per gram (CFU/g). Identification of the colonies was done from the colony characteristics such as color, shape and type of hyphae under the microscope using the compendium for fungi. Production of afflatoxin by the isolated fungi was also determined. The occurrences of the isolated organisms was recorded based on frequencies and percentage. The isolated fingi were Trychophyton Sp, Geotrichum Sp, Mucor Sp, and Yeast. Preservation and proper handling of different species of pepper should be taken seriously and hygienically to reduce spoilage organisms and hence bring post-harvest losses of pepper to a minimal level.

Assessing the Impact of Variety, Irrigation, and Plant Distance on Predatory and Phytophagous Insects in Chili

Chilies are plants that are becoming increasingly popular all over the world, including in Hungary. Since little is known about the abundance and seasonal dynamic of insect pests and their natural enemies associated with chilies under Hungarian climatic conditions, the aim of the study was to monitor these organisms on different varieties under different growing conditions to provide data for improving IPM for chilies. Chili varieties “Yellow Scotch Bonnet” (YSB) and “Trinidad Scorpion Butch T” (TSBT) were planted with three replicates. Two different plant-to-plant distances (30 vs. 40 and 40 vs. 60 cm in YSB, TSBT, respectively) and two different irrigation frequencies (daily, 40 min; every second day, 20 min) were used. Fifty flowers/plot/date were collected. In 2019, Orius (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) larvae, and in 2021, phytophagous thrips larvae were dominant in all the treatments. Significantly more Orius adults and larvae were found in the YSB than in the TSBT variety and the number of Aeolothrips and phytophagous thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) adults was significantly higher under less irrigation in 2019. The plant spacing did not affect the abundance of predators or herbivores. Upon comparing the two years, no effect of the treatments on the studied insect taxa was observed.

Identification of Amino Acids and B-Vitamins in Scotch Bonnet Pepper (Capsicum chinense) Using an HPLC-UV Detector

The scotch bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense), which is grown in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, is frequently used to spice up foods and soups in addition to a variety of therapeutic benefits. They contain vitamins and amino acids and can be used to treat pain disorders including headaches, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe diabetic neuropathy. The concentration of amino acids and vitamins B₁, B₂, and B₆ in the flesh and seed of red and green scotch bonnet peppers, on the other hand, remains unknown, which prompts this inquiry. On a nearby farm in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, red and green scotch bonnet peppers were picked, split into flesh and seed, mixed, air-dried at room temperature and then ground into powder. With the aid of an HPLC-UV detector, the samples were tested for their amino acid content and vitamin B₁, B₂, and B₆ identification. For the red scotch bonnet pepper, 17 amino acids were identified at different retention times and classified as essential and non-essential. Eighteen amino acids were discovered in the seed and eighteen in the flesh. However, serine was only found in the seed and not in the flesh. Furthermore, eighteen acids were identified in the flesh and seed of green pepper, eighteen in the flesh, and fifteen in the seed. Serine has only been detected in the flesh and in the flesh and seed. The vitamins B₁, B₂, and B₆ were all present in the seed and flesh of the red and green peppers studied with varying heights and retention times. The abundance of serine in the green pepper seed and flesh, as well as the availability of eighteen amino acids shows that it is more nutritious than the red pepper.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Potentials of Aqueous Extracts of Two Capsicum Fruits in the Management of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli

Common bacterial blight of cowpea is caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) which can devastate both the seedlings and adult plants, thereby yield reduction. The experiment was carried out by evaluating the antibacterial potential of two aqueous pepper fruit extracts; Capsicum chinense cv. Bonnet and Capsicum annuum cv. Red bell. The extracts were prepared at 25, 50 and 75% w/v concentrations. Sterile distilled water (SDW) was used a negative control while streptomycin sulfate (0.2% w/v) served as positive control. Bactericidal evaluation of the extracts was carried out using agar well diffusion method, laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Pathogenicity, morphological and biochemical tests of the isolates confirmed the characteristics of the bacterium. The results revealed that the two extracts had inhibitory effects on the two isolates of the bacterium tested. At 75% concentration for both extracts and 72 hrs after incubation, Bonnet pepper extract recorded inhibition zones of 23.50 mm and 15.27 mm while Red bell pepper extract had 23.23 mm and 12.60 mm on Xap1 and Xap2 isolates, respectively. These values were significantly higher than inhibition zones (11.20 mm and 8.17 mm) recorded for Bonnet pepper extract and inhibition zones (11.20 mm and 9.53 mm) recorded for Red bell pepper extract at 50% concentration. It could be concluded that, the two Capsicum fruit extracts have promising potential in the management of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) at 75% concentration which could serve as alternative to synthetic chemicals for poor resource farmers.

Effects of hardening off on Growth, Yield and Quality of some Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Cultivars

Research findings attribute field performance of crops to factors such as hardening off. As a result, an experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture Experimental Field of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Nyankpala Campus to assess the effects of hardening off on the growth, yield and quality of Cayenne chilli, Scotch bonnet and Sweet pepper cultivars. The treatments were: Cayenne chili pepper hardened off (C1), Cayenne chilli pepper non-hardened off (C2), Scotch bonnet pepper hardened off (SB1), Scotch bonnet pepper non-hardened off (SB2), Sweet pepper hardened off (SW1) and Sweet pepper non-hardened off (SW2). These were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) using a 2 x 3 factorial combination with three replications. The results indicate that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the hardened off and non-hardened off pepper cultivars in all the growth and yield parameters studied, except fruit diameter and fruit length. The interactions of the two factors (hardening off and the pepper varieties) produced significant effects in all the growth and yield parameters studied. Hardening off produced taller plants [C1 (25.56 cm), SB1 (21.14 cm) and SW1 (13.64 cm)], broader leaves [C1 (20.25 cm2); SB1 (24.53 cm2) and SW1 (26.11 cm2)], more fruits [SW1 (39); C1 (35) and SB1 (16)], bigger fruits [C1 (126.21 cm2), SW1 (86.54 cm2) and SB1 (40.14 cm2)] and higher yields [C1 (3.40 t ha-1); SW1 (3.22 t ha-1); and SB1 (1.82 t ha-1)]. Hardening off also improved fruit quality in terms of freshness/firmness but did not influence colour change of the fruits.

Nutritional and phytochemical profiles of common pepper (Capsicum spp.) foliage consumed as leafy vegetables in Southeast Nigeria

Pepper foliage is consumed as a secondary plant part and as a traditional leafy vegetable in some climes. The six commonly consumed pepper species namely Cayenne, Anaheim, Bell, Bird’s eye, Scotch Bonnet and Habanero were analysed for their nutrient and phytochemical contents on a fresh weight basis. Proximate composition, vitamins were evaluated while minerals were analysed by the dry ash extraction method. Phytochemicals namely alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids were analysed by gravimetry; tannin and phenols by spectrometry; oxalate by titrimetry and hydrogen cyanide were analysed by alkaline picrate assay. Results indicated a significant difference (p<0.05) in the nutrient and phytochemical contents of the pepper foliage. Moisture ranged between 86.90 to 88.6% while their energy densities ranged between 34.33 to 45.66 kcal/100 g. Anahiem had the highest crude protein while Scotch Bonnet had the highest carbohydrate contents of 3.50% and 2.70% respectively. Bird's eye, Bell and Scotch Bonnet had the highest ash, fat and crude fibre contents respectively. The order of concentration of vitamins in the pepper foliage was in this order: Vitamin C > Vitamin A > Vitamin E > Vitamin B2 > Vitamin B1 > Vitamin B3. Scotch Bonnet had the highest calcium and magnesium contents, Cayenne had the highest phosphorus, potassium and iron contents while Anahiem and Bell had the highest zinc and sodium contents respectively. The phytochemical profile indicated that oxalate content of the foliage ranged between 0.14 to 0.28 mg/100 g and this classifies them as low oxalate vegetables. Bird's eye had the highest hydrogen cyanide content (9.45 mg/100 g) while Cayenne had the highest phytate content (12.72%). Results indicated the presence of tannins, alkaloids, phytosterols, phenols, flavonoids and saponins. These phytochemicals in the pepper foliage can be beneficial for human wellbeing based on their health-promoting effects.

Domestication of Chili Pepper Has Altered Fruit Traits Affecting the Oviposition and Feeding Behavior of the Pepper Weevil.

Simple SummaryThe pepper weevil is an economically important pest that causes major damage to fruits of chili pepper varieties selected for consumption. However, the impact of this pest on wild and ornamental peppers remains unknown. Therefore, we studied the effect of chili domestication on the feeding and oviposition behavior of pepper weevil when exposed to wild chili, ornamental varieties, and varieties used for consumption. More specifically, we examined how changes in fruit and flower size, fruit thickness, spiciness level, and fruit position as a result of the domestication of chili peppers affected their susceptibility to this specialist pepper pest. In addition, we recorded that fruits and flowers from wild and ornamental plants were less susceptible to pepper weevil attacks than those from chili varieties selected for consumption. Our results have important implications for chili pepper breeders and could guide the selection of new resistant varieties against this pest.The pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii, Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most destructive pests of chili pepper. It causes extensive damage on varieties selected for consumption. However, the occurrence of this pest on wild and ornamental peppers remains unknown. We investigated the consequences of chili domestication on the feeding and oviposition of A. eugenii on fruits and flowers. We used plants of one wild accession, Bird Eye Pepper, five ornamental varieties (Pops Yellow, Black Pearl, Sedona Sun, Chilli Chilli, and Salsa Deep), and two domesticated varieties selected for consumption (Scotch Bonnet and Jalapeño). First, we characterized the plants according to their fruit and flower sizes, pericarp thickness, capsaicin level, fruit position, and flower color. Then, we evaluated the susceptibility of fruits and flowers to A. eugenii. Overall, domestication increased fruit and flower sizes and pericarp thickness, altered capsaicin levels, and altered fruit position and flower color. Weevils laid more eggs and caused more feeding damage on varieties selected for consumption than on wild and ornamental plants. Our results add to the growing literature on the consequences of crop domestication on herbivores. This knowledge could be integrated into breeding programs to select varieties resistant against the pepper weevil.

Determination of morphological changes using gamma irradiation technology on capsicum specie varieties

Abstract The recent increase in the demand of hot and chili pepper at local, national, and international market has drawn the interest of breeders’ crop improvement researchers globally. Thus, there is a need to enhance its breeding and development to improve the production of hot and chilies pepper in the quest for food quality and security. This study focused on the germination ability and evaluation of chlorophyll mutations in M2 generation of gamma irradiates on pepper cultivars. The materials used in this experiment were obtained from the M1 generation of gamma-irradiated seeds of pepper cultivars (Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum chinense, and Capsicum annuum (hot pepper, bonnet pepper, and bell pepper, respectively)). Seeds of the pepper varieties were subjected to doses of gamma ray (i.e., 0, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 Gy) after which they were planted, raised, and harvested in the M2 generation. The parameters evaluated were germination percentage, survival percentage, epicotyl height, and chlorophyll mutations. However, the highest chlorophyll mutation frequency was observed in C. frutescens. This showed that it was more sensitive to gamma irradiation relative to C. chinense and C. annuum. virescenes were the highest chlorophyll mutant observed in all the three cultivars, while the least was Xanthan. The effective dose ranges between 50 and 250 Gy for germination and survival rate for the three cultivars of pepper give higher desirable mutations in the pepper cultivars. While 400 Gy recorded most efficient for chlorophyll mutation.

Dataset on performance of solar dryer for scotch bonnet pepper drying

The use of solar drying systems to preserve agricultural products has been proven to be cheap, reliable, and environmentally friendly. Solar dryers offer advantages of shorter periods of drying, reduced loss of raw materials and larger scale of production. This paper presents method followed in evaluating the performance of three different solar dryers with different materials used for solar collectors in order to determine the best among the three. The evaluation was performed twice, and each evaluation was done for three weeks. The parameters recorded in these experiments are drying chamber temperature and humidity, solar collector temperature, ambient temperature and humidity and the weight loss of the pepper. It was observed that the temperature of all drying chambers was higher than ambient temperature during most hours of the day. While three different metals were used as solar collectors in dryers and attained significant different temperature through radiation from the sun, the energy transmitted through natural convection to the drying chambers of the dryers was not significantly different (at p ≤ 0.05) from one dryer to the other. The efficiency of the dryers was an average of 29.7%, 29.1% and 30.3% for stainless steel, mild steel and galvanized steel solar collectors respectively.

Increasing the shelf-life and quality of matured scotch bonnet (Ata rodo) and tomato using chitosan coating

Loss in quantity and quality of several perishable crops occur between harvest and handling process to the final consumer. In tomatoes and scotch bonnet, the quality loss occurs majorly due to over-ripening, mechanical damage, fungal infection and decay. Extending the shelf life and storability of these perishable crops has been of major concern to researchers. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the protective effect of chitosan coating on post-harvest qualities of matured scotch bonnet and tomato. Freshly harvested scotch bonnets and tomatoes from a field plot at Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan were sorted on the basis of color, size and absence of external injuries. The selected crops were randomly divided into two groups (group with chitosan and without chitosan). Chitosan synthesized from Chemistry Department in Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ibadan was used to coat the scotch bonnets and tomatoes crops in group 1 while group 2 served as the control. The coated scotch bonnets and tomatoes where kept at room temperature and monitored on daily basis for seven days for scotch bonnet and twenty days for tomato. Chitosan coating markedly reduced the weight loss, fungal infection, shrinking and decay, improving the firmness and titratable acidity in group coated with chitosan. It can be concluded that chitosan coating delays senescence and fungal infection in scotch bonnet and tomato most likely due to its ability to alleviate water stress and its anti-fungal activities.

Design and Performance Evaluation of a Solar Dryer

One of the ways to combat food insecurity as world population rises is the reduction of food losses. Drying is one of the oldest methods of food preservation and hence reduces food losses. Solar drying uses energy from the sun and an absorber material to carry out drying of produce. In this project, a solar dryer was designed, constructed and its performance was evaluated. The dryer has overall dimensions of 1000mm by 410mm by 700mm. The inner part of the dryer compartment was lagged with aluminum foil to act as an insulator. The solar collector made of galvanized sheet and the glass on top of it have an area of 800mm by 380mm. Fresh scotch bonnet pepper was used as the produce of choice. The pepper was dried in 2 experiments for 3 weeks each. 200g of pepper was used and weighed to measure weight loss periodically. Temperature and humidity of the drying chamber and the surrounding were measured with data loggers throughout the periods of the experiments. The results showed that the ambient temperature during the experiments was higher than the temperature of the drying chamber in the early hours of the morning between 4am and 10am. During every other period, the temperature in the drying chambers was higher than the ambient temperature. An average moisture content of 81.3% w.b. was removed from the pepper during the experiments. The average efficiency of the dryer was 28.4%.

The influence of genotype and season on the biological potential of chilli pepper cultivars

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate the yield parameters (number of fruits per plant, total yield per plant and average fruit weight), level of ascorbic acid, and pungency (SHU units) of different genotypes of chilli pepper in protected cultivation in the Czech Republic in order to identify a suitable and prospective chilli cultivar which could be recommended to the Central European growers. The experiment took place in two years (2016 and 2018) in a plastic greenhouse with 17 genotypes of the species Capsicum chinense Jacq., C. annuum L., C. baccatum L. and C. pubescens Ruiz. & Pav. From the viewpoint of yield parameters and stability of yield, ‘Habanero Red’, ‘Jamaican Yellow’, ‘Jwala’ and ‘Rocoto Orange’ can be recommended for Czech conditions. The majority of the tested cultivars were a good source of vitamin C (mostly reaching a value of at least 800 mg kg−1). From the perspective of pungency, the following cultivars can be recommended: low pungency – Fish, Jalapeño, Jwala, Pimiento de Padrón and Rocoto Orange; medium pungency – Cayenne Gold, NuMex Piñata and Scotch Bonnet Orange; and high pungency – Aji Lemon Drop, Cayenne Purple, TMSR and Tricolor Variegata.

First Report of a Putative New Pepper Vein Yellows Virus Species Associated with a Vein Yellows Disease of Bonnet Pepper Plants in Brazil

First Report of a Putative New Pepper Vein Yellows Virus Species Associated with a Vein Yellows Disease of Bonnet Pepper Plants in Brazil

Gender differential in profitability of cultivating Scotch bonnet pepper

ABSTRACT Profitability difference may exist across farmers’ gender. This study examined profitability differences of male and female Scotch bonnet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) farmers, levels of profitability of Scotch bonnet pepper cultivation, comparison of production cost, output and profit, and identified factors affecting profitability in Scotch bonnet pepper production. Data from respondents obtained through multi-stage sampling were analyzed with descriptive and budgetary techniques. There was a mean gross margin (GM) of N42,126 for male and N16,929 for female farmers; N is the Naira, Nigerian currency, 1 USD = N300. The GM ratio was 0.81 and 0.91 for male and female farmers, respectively. Rates of return on investment were 23.8% for male and 9.5% for female; profit was N23,796 for males and N8,016 for female farmers. A difference occurred across gender in mean production cost per land area (N100,025.33 for males and N84,260.58 for females), output (375.55 kg for males and 286.62 kg for females), and profit (N23,789.00 for males and N8,016.35 for females). For both genders, profitability of Scotch bonnet pepper cultivation was mostly affected by poor pricing (96.0% for males and 100.0% of females), poorly organized market (88.0% for males and 100.0% of females), scarcity of improved inputs (76.0% of males and 80.8% of females), problem of pests and diseases (77.3% of males and 80.8% of females). Profitability level of Scotch bonnet pepper cultivation, especially for female farmers can be improved through adequate training and access to funds for purchasing basic production inputs and facilitating adequate market linkages.

Host Potential and Adaptive Responses of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) to Barbados Cherries.

Biological invasions are a global threat to agricultural crops worldwide. In the Neotropical region, the spotted-wing Drosophila [Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura)] has rapidly expanded its geographical range spreading throughout South America in recent years. Besides climatic factors, the remarkable success of its establishment and subsequent distribution in this region is closely dependent on the diversity and availability of host plants. We evaluated the host potential (e.g., as food and oviposition sources) of fruits of jabuticaba [Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel (Myrtales: Myrtaceae)], Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata DC) (Malpighiales: Malpighiaceae), bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) (Solanales : Solanaceae), and coffee (Coffea arabica L.) (Gentianales : Rubiaceae) and their effects on the biological and physiological traits of D. suzukii. For the fruit types where fly emergence occurred, we assessed the biological and physiological performance of the flies and compared these parameters with those recorded for flies reared on strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) (Rosales : Rosaceae) and an artificial diet. Our results revealed that oviposition into fruits and completion of the life cycle occurred on Barbados cherries only. Furthermore, field surveys revealed a higher emergence rate of D. suzukii on undamaged ripe Barbados cherries than damaged ones. Moreover, flies developing on Barbados cherries and an artificial diet presented earlier emergence, shorter developmental time, lower number of adults per female, and a female-biased sex ratio compared to flies developing on strawberries. Overall, our findings demonstrated suitability of Barbados cherry as a host for D. suzukii, which renders management of D. suzukii in Neotropical region an even more challenging task.