Sweet Banana Research Articles

Inheritance of Tolerance to the Herbicide Bentazon in Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

Several inheritance experiments with bentazon herbicide-tolerant Capsicum annuum `Bohemian Chili' (BCH P1) and susceptible `Keystone Resistant Giant' (KRG, P2) and `Sweet Banana' (SB, P2) were conducted. Populations of plants at the three- to five-leaf stage were treated with a bentazon rate of 4.5 kg·ha-1. Tolerance expression was affected by environment and varied across experiments. F2 and BCP2 generations from both susceptible parent crosses fit the expected ratios for a single, dominant gene conferring tolerance. Reciprocal F1s showed a maternal effect on tolerance intensity not consistently observed in reciprocal BCP2s or at all in reciprocal F2s. Segregation ratios of reciprocal crosses, however, were not heterogeneous, based on x2 tests of observed ratios in seven of eight cases. Variable tolerance expression in expected homogeneous populations (P1, P2, and F1) and lower tolerance in BC3 families suggested that modifying factors affected tolerance. Analysis of genetic components of shoot height and fresh weight generation means showed significant digenic epistasis, primarily additive × dominance. Modifying genes that affect the major gene controlling tolerance in BCH are, therefore, present. The simple inheritance of bentazon tolerance, even though modifying factors were present, facilitated transfer of bentazon tolerance into KRG via backcrossing. Chemical name used: 3-(1-methylethyl)-(1H)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide (bentazon).

DORMANCY INDUCTION IN PEPPER SEEDS WITH TETCYCLACIS

Seeds of six pepper (Capsicum Anuum L.) cultivars were treated with tetcyclacis (TCY), an inhibitor of the oxidative steps from ent-kaurene to ent -kaurenoic acid in the gibberellin biosynthetic pathway. Seeds were soaked in TCY solutions for 24h in darkness at 25° to 30°C, washed with water and then air-dried. Various concentrations of TCY were needed to induce dormancy in `Yolo Wonder', `Cayenne', `California Wonder', `Sweet Banana', `El Paso' and `Anaheim'. TCY-treated seeds were germinated in water and in various concentrations of GA4+7 in darkness. Dormancy induced by TCY was released with 10 μM GA4+7. The germination inhibitor, abscisic acid (ABA), failed to induce dormancy in pepper seeds even when treated at a concentration of 400 μM for up to 14 d. Similar results were obtained with tomato seeds and will be reported elsewhere. The results indicate that the absence or the unavailability of GA rather than the presence of ABA determines the dormant state in pepper seeds.

Resistance in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to Western Flower Thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)

A replicated greenhouse study was conducted to confirm the availability of resistance to western Rower thrips in pepper germplasm. Host-plant resistance ratings confirmed earlier observations that there is a considerable amount of variability within pepper germplasm for reaction to F. occidentalis. Plants of `Keystone Resistant Giant', `Yolo Wonder L', `Mississippi Nemaheart', `Sweet Banana', and `California Wonder' were resistant to the insect and exhibited only mild symptoms of damage. Plants of `Carolina Cayenne', `Santaka', and `Bohemian Chili', however, exhibited the symptoms of severe thrips damage, i.e., poorly expanded, deformed, and distorted leaves; greatly shortened internodes; and severe chlorosis. The resistance to F. occidentalis in pepper appears to be due to tolerance mechanisms, not antixenosis (nonpreference) or antibiosis mechanisms. Thrips-resistant cultivars could be used as a cornerstone in an integrated pest management program for greenhouse pepper production.

Bentazon Response of the U.S. Plant Introduction Collection of Pepper (Capsicumsp.)

The U.S. Plant Introduction Collection for six pepper species (2694 accessions) was evaluated for tolerance to bentazon in a field study. Based on injury ratings,Capsicum annuum, C. chinense, andC. frutescensaccessions were mostly intermediate in response to bentazon with relatively few highly tolerant or susceptible. Most ofC. bacatum, C. chacoense, andC. pubescensand the unspeciated accessions were susceptible. Greenhouse experiments indicated that although most of the tolerant selections were highly tolerant, none was more tolerant than theC. annuumcultivars ‘Santaka’ or ‘Bohemian Chili’. None of the susceptible selections were more susceptible to bentazon than theC. annuumcultivar ‘Sweet Banana’. Individual plants that were highly tolerant were self-pollinated to produce progeny that were all highly bentazon tolerant, but none was more tolerant than Santaka or Bohemian Chili.

WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS: IDENTIFICATION OF RESISTANCE IN PEPPER

A greenhouse study was conducted to confirm the availability of resistance in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to western flower thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande)]. Host plant resistance ratings confirmed earlier observations that there is a considerable amount of variability within pepper germplasm for reaction to F. doccidentalis. Plants of `California Wonder', `Keystone Resistant Giant', `Mississippi Nemaheart', `Sweet Banana' and `Yolo Wonder L' were resistant to the insect and exhibited only mild injury. Plants of `Bohemian Chili', `Carolina Cayenne', and `Santaka', however, exhibited the symptoms of severe thrips injury, i.e., poorly expanded, deformed and distorted leaves, greatly shortened internodes, and severe chlorosis. The resistance in pepper to F. occidentalis appears to be due to tolerance mechanisms, not nonpreference or antibiosis mechanisms. The levels of resistance identified in this study are sufficiently high to justify the initiation of breeding efforts to transfer F. doccidentalis resistance into susceptible pepper cultivars.

Interaction Between Spray Distribution and Systemic Activity of Insecticides for Control of European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Peppers and Snap Beans

Interactions between spray distribution and insecticide mode of action in relation to control of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), on bell peppers ( Capsicum annuum L.), sweet banana peppers ( Capsicum annuum L.), and snap beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were investigated. Multiple treatments were applied using either a conventional boom sprayer or an air-curtain sprayer. Materials evaluated were fenvalerate (local activity) and acephate (systemic activity). Spray droplet distribution was evaluated with UV-spectrophotometric analysis of sprayed dyes. European corn borer egg massey were sampled weekly during the experiment, and crop injury was evaluated at harvest. Spray deposition with the air-curtain sprayer was much higher on the undersides of the leaves and on fruit than with the conventional boom application. Variability of spray deposition between samples also was reduced. Faceplate and fenvalerate significantly reduced banana pepper and bell pepper injury from European corn borer. However, significant reductions in injury due to air-curtain application occurred only with fenvalerate on bell peppers. Systemic activity of the acephate compensated, at least partially, for poor spray distribution with the conventional boom application. Virtually no injury occurred to the snap beans even in artificially infested, untreated plots. Total mortality caused by glandular trichomes was observed when larvae were introduced onto snap bean plants in the laboratory.

Differential Tolerance of Peppers (Capsicum annuum) to Bentazon

Two field studies were conducted to compare bentazon tolerance in “Bohemian Chili” (BCH) and “Keystone Resistant Giant” (KRG) with other pepper cultivars and plant introductions (PIs). In the first study, BCH, KRG, “Santaka” (SA), and “Sweet Banana” (SB) were treated with five rates of bentazon from 1.1 to 9.0 kg ai/ha. Based on foliar injury, the cultivars ranked BCH = SA < KRG < SB; based on yield tolerance to bentazon, they ranked KRG ≤ SB < SA ≤ BCH. In the second study, the response of BCH, KRG, SA, SB, and five PIs to 4.5 kg/ha bentazon showed that 3 PIs (127445, 163187, 246123) tolerated bentazon similarly to BCH and SA.

Assessment of Bentazon Tolerance in Pepper (Capsicumsp.)

Preliminary evaluation of 11 pepper genotypes indicated a high degree of variability in bentazon tolerance. ‘Bohemian Chile’ and ‘Santanka’ hot pepper tolerated bentazon similarly in subsequent greenhouse and field experiments. Yields or shoot fresh weights of these two cultivars were not reduced by up to 9.0 kg ai/ha bentazon in the field. ‘Keystone Resistant Giant’ sweet pepper was more susceptible to bentazon compared to the tolerant cultivars, but it was more tolerant than the highly susceptible cultivar, ‘Sweet Banana’. An F1hybrid of Keystone Resistant Giant and Santanka tolerated bentazon better than Keystone Resistant Giant but slightly less than Santanka. Thus, bentazon tolerance in this genotype is genetically transferrable, and increasing bentazon tolerance through conventional plant breeding techniques may be possible.

Inkatha and regional control: policing liberation politics

1. Never abuse, insult, shout at or beat any member of the public. 2. Never take anything in the form of money or property from any member of the public not even somebody's sweet bananas or sugar-cane on the ground that it is a mere sugar-cane without paying for the same. 3. Pay promptly for anything you take and in cash. 4. Never kill any member of the public or any captured prisoners, as guns should only be reserved for armed enemies or opponents. 5. Return anything you borrow from the public. 6. Offer help to members of the public when you find them engaged in productive work, if you have time. 7. Offer medical treatment to members of the public who may be in the territory of your unit. 8. Never develop illegitimate relationship with any woman because there are no women as such waiting for passing soldiers yet many women are wives, or daughters of somebody somewhere. Any illegitimate relationship is bound to harm our good relationship with the public. 9. There should be no consumption of alcohol until the end of the war. Drunken soldiers are bound to misuse the guns which are given to them for the defence of the people.

‘Redlands Sweet Sue’ Pepper

Abstract ‘Redlands Sweet Sue’ is a highly productive, nonpungent, smooth skinned pepper. The fruit shape is similar to ‘Sweet Banana’ and size and color is similar to ‘Cubanelle’. Plants were selected for resistance to the leaf spot bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and one of three strains of potato virus Y (PVY) endemic in southeast Queensland. Plants continuously set fruit and offer wide adaptability in regions where the PVY complex is not a major problem.

Insect Control in Peppers, 1987

Abstract Green bell peppers (var. KRG-3) and sweet banana peppers (open pollinated) were transplanted as separate trials on 29 May at the MSU Entomology Field Research Farm, East Lansing. Plots were 3 rows wide (30 inches between rows) by 30 ft long (18 inches between plants) arranged in a completely randomized design with 4 replications. Treatments were applied with a tractor-mounted boom sprayer at 30 gal/ acre and 40 psi on 22 and 29 Jul and 4 Aug. Two plants from the center row of each plot were examined on a weekly basis for European corn borer (ECB) egg masses and green peach aphids (GPA). Banana and bell peppers were harvested on 10 and 11 Aug, respectively. All fruit from 27 ft of the center row were harvested (a subset of 40 banana peppers were randomly selected) and examined for ECB damage. On 11 Aug, 4 leaves per plant (4 plants per plot) were examined for GPA.

Insect Control in Peppers, 1985

Abstract Bell, sweet banana and hot cherry peppers were transplanted on 6 May at the MSU Horticultural Experimental Staton in Sodus, MI (Berrien Co.). Each plot was 3 rows wide (5 ft spacing between rows) by 15-ft long. Plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications (= blocks) per treatment for each pepper variety. Treatments were applied to the center row of each plot with a CO2 pressurized hand held sprayer at 30 gpa on 1, 8, 15 and 22 Aug. Efficacy was determined by examining 2 plants from the center row of each plot on a weekly basis. Entire plants were examined for ECB egg masses, 4 leaves per plant were examined for GPA, and 20 mature fruit from the center of each plot were examined for ECB damage at harvest (28 Aug).

THE RESPONSE OF PEPPER AND TOMATO CULTIVARS TO CHALLENGE INOCULATION BY Peronospora tabacina

The host range of Peronospora tabacina, isolated in 1979, was investigated by inoculating seedlings of six pepper (Capsicum annuum) and 13 tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) cultivars three times 14 days apart. Tomato cultivars were not infected whereas pepper cultivars Sweet Banana, Midway and Staddon’s Select were slightly infected after the second and/or third inoculation. Differences in host range of P. tabacina in various countries may be due to differences in genotypes of cultivars tested as well as in races of the pathogen.Key words: Pepper, tomato, tobacco, Peronspora tabacina, challenge innoculation, blue mold

FLBG-1 Pepper Breeding Line

Abstract FLBG-1 is a sweet pepper (Capsicum an-nuum L.) breeding line that has been tested to be immune to Florida strains of tobacco etch (TEV) and potato Y (PVY) viruses. It is also tolerant to pepper mottle virus (PeMoV). FLBG-1 could be a useful parent for breeding virus-resistant sweet and hot peppers of the yellow or light-green, fruited types such as ‘Cubanelle’, ‘Hungarian Yellow Wax’, and ‘Sweet Banana’.

European Corn Borer Control in Sweet and Hot Pepper Varieties, 1980

Abstract Pregerminated seed of 4 varieties of peppers (sweet cherry, sweet banana, hot cherry and Hungarian hot wax) were fluid-drilled on May 2, at Napoleon, OH. The experimental design was a split-plot with insecticidal treatments as main plots and pepper varieties as sub-plots. Plots 22-ft long were comprised of 2 rows of each variety, using a 30-in row spacing. Treatments, replicated 4 times, were initiated Jul 24; continued Aug 4, 16, 22, 29; and terminated on Sep 5. Applications were made with a tractor mounted boom sprayer delivering 83 gal/acre at 300 psi, using hollow cone nozzles. All fruit were removed from 1 of the 2 rows on Sep 10. The second row was used for residue sampling. Fruit were examined for worm damage and results expressed as % by number.

European Corn Borer and Corn Earworm Control on Banana Peppers, 1980

Abstract Hot and sweet banana peppers were transplanted into adjacent single-row plots 25 ft long. Treatments were replicated 4 times in a randomized complete block design with 5 ft alleys between blocks. Devrinol (1.5 lbs ai/acre) was incorporated preplant for weed control. Plants were drenched with Terraclor (10 lbs/100 gallons water) on Jun 27 to control southern blight. Weekly treatments of Bravo (1.0 lb/100 gallons water) were applied for disease control. Experimental treatments were applied weekly beginning Jul 18 and ending Aug 22 for a total of 6 applications. Applications were made using a 2.5 gal CO2 backpack sprayer with a single hollow cone nozzle operated at 40 psi. Application rate was equivalent to 100 gallons of water per acre. Insect counts were made 0, 7, 14, and 21 days after the last application.

Tropical fruits as sources of vitamin C

Samples of nine different fruits grown in Oyo State of Nigeria were obtained from different market locations within Ibadan Municipality and analysed for their vitamin C content. Sweet orange was found to contain the highest amount of vitamin C ( 56·0 mg 100 g edible portion) whilst sweet banana variety II contained the lowest amount ( 9·4 mg 100 g edible portion). Lime, grapefruit, pawpaw and ‘agbalumo’ were found to contain considerable amounts of vitamin C, having 46·5, 47·0, 43·2 and 48·0 mg 100 g respectively. Consumption of these fruits would thus meet the nutritional requirement for vitamin C in this part of Nigeria. It is also recommended that sweet orange, agbalumo, grapefruit, lime and pawpaw, found to contain considerable amounts of vitamin C, should be processed either at home or factory level to make them available to the people all year round.