Search Results (91)

Anticipating the ornamental quality of plants is of significant importance for genetic breeding programs. This study investigated the potential of predicting and classifying whether ornamental pepper plants will exhibit desirable ornamental traits based on RGB images, comparing these results with an approach relying on morphological measurements. To achieve this, pepper plants from fifteen accessions were cultivated, and photographs were taken weekly throughout their growth cycle until fruit maturation. A Vision Transformer (ViT)-based model was employed to predict the suitability of the plants for ornamental purposes, and its predictions were validated against assessments conducted by eight experts. An XGBoost-based classifier was employed as well for estimations based on morphological measurements with an accuracy over 92%. The results showed that the ornamental suitability of plants can be accurately estimated and predicted up to seven weeks in advance from photos, with accuracy over 80%. Interestingly, higher-resolution RGB images did not significantly improve the accuracy of the ViT model. Furthermore, the estimation of ornamental potential using morphological measurements and RGB images yielded similar accuracy, indicating that a single photograph can effectively replace costly and time-consuming morphological measurements. As far as the authors are aware, this work is the first to forecast the ornamental potential of pepper plants (Capsicum spp.) multiple weeks ahead of time using image-based deep learning models. Full article

The authentication of high-value spices such as paprika and cinnamon is critical due to increasing food fraud. This study explored the potential of a multi-analytical approach, combined with chemometric tools, to differentiate 45 paprika and 46 cinnamon samples from the Slovenian market based on their geographic origin, production methods, and possible adulteration. The applied techniques included stable isotope ratio analysis (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ³⁴S), multi-elemental profiling, FTIR, and antioxidant compound analysis. Distinct isotopic and elemental markers (e.g., δ¹³C, δ³⁴S, Rb, Cs, V, Fe, Al) contributed to classification by geographic origin, with preliminary classification accuracies of 90% for paprika (Hungary, Serbia, Spain) and 89% for cinnamon (Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Indonesia). Organic paprika samples showed higher values of δ¹⁵N, δ³⁴S, and Zn, whereas conventional ones had more Na, Al, V, and Cr. For cinnamon, a 95% discrimination accuracy was achieved between production practice using δ³⁴S and Ba, as well as As, Rb, Na, δ¹³C, S, Mg, Fe, V, Al, and Cu. FTIR differentiated Ceylon from cassia cinnamon and suggested possible paprika adulteration, as indicated by spectral features consistent with oleoresin removal or azo dye addition, although further verification is required. Antioxidant profiling supported quality assessment, although the high antioxidant activity in cassia cinnamon may reflect non-phenolic contributors. Overall, the results demonstrate the promising potential of the applied analytical techniques to support spice authentication. However, further studies on larger, more balanced datasets are essential to validate and generalize these findings. Full article

This research addresses the critical need for an efficient and precise identification of Capsicum spp. fruit varieties within the post-harvest contexts to enhance quality control and ensure consumer satisfaction. Employing the YOLOv8m convolutional neural network, the study identified eight distinct pepper varieties: Pimento, Bode, Cambuci, Chilli, Fidalga, Habanero, Jalapeno, and Scotch Bonnet. A dataset comprising 1476 annotated images was utilized and significantly expanded through data augmentation techniques, including rotation, flipping, and contrast adjustments. Comparative analysis reveals that training with the augmented dataset yielded significant improvements across key performance indicators, particularly in box precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP50 and mAP95), underscoring the effectiveness of data augmentation. These findings underscore the considerable potential of CNNs to advance the AgriFood sector through increased automation and efficiency. While acknowledging the constraints of a controlled image dataset, subsequent research should prioritize expanding the dataset and conducting real-world testing to confirm the model’s robustness across various environmental factors. This study contributes to the field by illustrating the application of deep learning methodologies to enhance agricultural productivity and inform decision-making. Full article

Pepper anthracnose is a globally devastating fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying anthracnose resistance in Capsicum annuum by comparing a resistant variety 225 with a susceptible variety 307. Phenotypic analysis revealed that variety 225 displayed stronger resistance than variety 307. Through comparative transcriptome analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), 17 gene modules were identified, among which the salmon module showed a strong association with resistance in variety 225. Within this module, 18 hub genes—including Ca59V2g00372.1 (CaTLP6), encoding a thaumatin-like protein (TLP)—were significantly upregulated upon infection. A genome-wide analysis identified 31 CaTLP genes in C. annuum, with members of group V (such as CaTLP6) exhibiting induced expression post-inoculation of Colletotrichum scovillei. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that group V CaTLP proteins were associated with the plasma membrane, suggesting a role in pathogen recognition. These findings highlight the significance of CaTLP genes, particularly those in group V, in pepper’s defense against anthracnose caused by C. scovillei and offer promising targets for breeding resistant cultivars. Full article

A Capsicum spp.-based phytogenic solution (PHY) improved the performance and thermal tolerance of heat-stressed (HS) growing pigs. Two trials were conducted to further evaluate the HS pig response to supplemental PHY. Trial 1: The effects on the serum concentrations of amino acids (AAs) and the gene expression of tight junction proteins in the jejunum and ileum were assessed with 42 pigs (Landrace-Hampshire-Duroc; 27.0 ± 4.5 kg BW). There were three treatments (14 replicates): pigs under thermoneutral (TN) conditions fed control diet (TN-C); and HS pigs fed control diet without (HS-C) or with PHY (HS-PHY). Trial 2: Two-period digestion trial with eight ileal-cannulated pigs to analyze apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AAs. Period 1: All TN pigs, fed the control (TN-C) or PHY-supplemented (TN-PHY) diet. Period 2: All HS pigs, fed the same diet as in period 1 (HS-C and HS-PHY). The control diet was based on wheat–soybean meal. In the jejunum, HS-C pigs had reduced occludin gene expression (p < 0.01) compared to TN-C pigs. HS-PHY pigs increased claudin-2 and tight-junction-protein-1 gene expression compared to HS-C (p < 0.05). In the ileum, HS-C and HS-PHY pigs had reduced occludin gene expression (p < 0.01). The serum concentrations of AAs decreased in HS-C compared to TN-C pigs (p < 0.05); except for arginine and isoleucine, HS-PHY pigs partially recovered serum AA levels. HS tended to reduce (p < 0.10; lysine and methionine) and reduced (p < 0.05) the AID of essential AAs. PHY did not mitigate the HS-associated reduced AA digestibility. In conclusion, these results support the concept that a phytogenic solution improves intestinal integrity and partially restores the post-absorption metabolism of amino acids, independent of the amino acid digestibility of heat-stressed pigs. Full article

Meloidogyne enterolobii is an aggressive root-knot nematode that poses a significant threat to global chili (Capsicum spp.) production. This study evaluated the resistance levels, physiological responses, and capsaicin accumulation patterns of diverse Capsicum genotypes—including C. annuum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, and C. baccatum—under nematode-infested and non-infested conditions. Resistance was assessed using the gall index (GI), egg per g of root, and reproductive factor (Rf). Among these evaluated parameters, Rf and egg count consistently reflected nematode reproductive success, whereas the GI proved less reliable for resistance classification. Several genotypes—notably from C. chinense and C. frutescens—exhibited strong resistance (Rf < 1), suggesting their potential for nematode-infection cultivar development. Physiological assessments revealed variable photosynthetic responses, with some genotypes showing increased photosynthetic rates of post-infection, indicating potential compensatory mechanisms. In contrast, capsaicin accumulation was influenced by nematode stress and genetic background, indicating their roles in capsaicin biosynthesis. These findings highlight the genotype-specific biochemical and physiological responses of Capsicum species to M. enterolobii infection and underscore the value of integrating physiological, biochemical, and molecular data in breeding programs. Future research should focus on dissecting hormonal signaling pathways and post-infection metabolic shifts to accelerate the development of robust, high-yielding cultivars with durable resistance. Full article

The production of spicy sauces from chili peppers (Capsicum spp.) generates 5–30% of spicy by-product which is rich in valuable compounds (e.g., capsaicinoids, carotenoids, phenolics, etc.) and can serve as a source of Capsicum oleoresins, providing spice and color ingredients for food products. This study primarily focused on the optimization of Capsicum oleoresin extraction from Red Habanero chili pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) by-product using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). A second focus was the comparison between UAE and reflux-assisted extraction (RAE). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the extraction time (3 to 17 min) and acoustic power density (APD, 0.30 to 1.00 W/mL). The optimal UAE conditions (8 min, 0.87 W/mL) showed a higher extraction yield (26%) and high quality oleoresin extracts rich in bioactives (capsaicinoids: 7 mg/g; phenolics: 4 mg GAE/g) with antioxidant activity (FRAP: 139 µmol FeSO₄ eq/g; DPPH: 33 µmol TEAC/g). Optimum UAE extracts proved more colored, energy-efficient (95% less consumption), equally spicy (466,000 SHU) and had higher antioxidant activity than RAE. These results demonstrated UAE as a sustainable method for producing high value spicy additives from chili pepper by-product, turning them into products with enhanced bioactivity, favoring a circular economy in the agri-food industry. Full article

Ralstonia solanacearum is an important pathogen causing bacterial wilt in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The concurrent infection of R. solanacearum and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) exacerbates the severity of bacterial wilt in pepper. Utilizing plant endophytic bacteria to control these mixed diseases is a viable strategy. Waltheria indica L. (Sterculiaceae) is a traditional medicine plant. A total of 209 endophytic bacteria were isolated from W. indica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa W-126 showed an efficient antagonistic effect against R. solanacearum. Based on active compound tracking principles, a compound was isolated through silica gel column chromatography and preparative HPLC combined with TLC analysis. It was identified as phenazine-1-carboxamide (PCN) by spectral techniques (ESI-MS, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR). PCN displayed excellent inhibitory activity against R. solanacearum, with an EC₅₀ of 64.16 μg/mL in vitro. In addition, it showed certain nematocide activity, with an LC₅₀ value of 118.63 μg/mL at 72 h. PCN also showed certain inhibitory activity against five other phytopathogenic bacteria. The structure−activity relationship indicated that the phenazine skeleton and acylamide groups were the key pharmacophores for the activity of phenazine-related compounds against R. solanacearum. PCN controlled the complex diseases of R. solanacearum and M. incognita in a pot experiment, with respective 51.41 and 39.80% inhibitory rates. The exploration of secondary metabolites of biocontrol bacteria can provide reference for the development of novel and efficient pesticides. Full article

Peppers (Capsicum spp.) represent not only a plant with a demonstrated history of diverse medicinal applications but also a species having non-neglectable adverse effects potential. “Chili burn” or Hunan hand syndrome represents a type of contact dermatitis rarely appearing after using chili peppers. Here, a case of “chili burn” with no specific treatments or sequelae is presented. A young woman presented with contact dermatitis after first- and second-time dermal exposure to a chili pepper. A strong burning sensation appeared shortly after on the hands and around the mouth after exposure to the plant. The patient applied non-specific measures (hand washing with mild soap and rinsing the affected areas with acidic solutions) with minor improvement; finally, the “chili burn” resolved itself. No other medicines were applied, and no consequences were recorded. Although rare, the use of chili pepper has the potential to cause contact dermatitis. The awareness of medical professionals of this entity should provide adequate diagnosis and treatment for patients. Full article

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is an important global vegetable and spice, with fruit color being a key determinant of its commercial quality. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying pepper fruit color are still not fully understood. This study focuses on the MADS-RIPENING INHIBITOR (MADS-RIN), a MADS-box transcription factor that regulates various aspects of fruit ripening, including pigmentation. We identified CaRIN, a homolog of tomato’s SlRIN, whose expression is closely associated with fruit ripening in pepper. Silencing CaRIN through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) resulted in increased chlorophyll and chlorophyll a content, reduced carotenoid accumulation, and uneven fruit coloration. Integrative analysis of the RNA-seq and DAP-seq data identified 77 target genes regulated by CaRIN, which was involved in processes such as chlorophyll metabolism and plant hormone signaling. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase (LUC) assays demonstrated that CaRIN directly bound to the promoter of CaLhcb-P4, repressing its expression. Downregulation of CaLhcb-P4 in pepper fruits via VIGS accelerated chlorophyll degradation. Additionally, CaRIN indirectly regulated multiple genes associated with chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolism, sugar transport, and cell wall degradation. These findings provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of chlorophyll degradation during pepper fruit ripening, offering a foundation for further research and potential genetic improvement strategies. Full article

Ralstonia solanacearum is a bacterial pathogen that causes bacterial wilt in plants, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. Biological control that mainly utilizes Bacillus spp. is one of the most effective methods to prevent this disease. In this work, a strain of Bacillus stercoris TY-12 with an obvious antagonism effect on R. solanacearum was screened, and the inhibition diameter against R. solanacearum reached 2.18 cm by the plate antagonism test. Furthermore, an antimicrobial protein was isolated and purified from the fermentation supernatant of TY-12. The LC-MS/MS analysis results indicated that the purified antimicrobial protein is a member of the M42 family metallopeptidase with a molecular weight of approximately 40 kDa and named MP-TY12. After co-culture with MP-TY12 for 4 h, the cell surface of R. solanacearum was disrupted under SEM, indicating that MP-TY12 may inhibit R. solanacearum growth by enzymatically cleaving peptide bonds within the cell wall or membrane structure via hydrolysis. To evaluate the potential application of TY-12 in disease control during crop production, the biocontrol efficacy of TY-12 on the capsicum infected by R. solanacearum was investigated and achieved 84.18%. The growth promotion tests showed that the dry weight, fresh weight, stem diameter, stem length, root length, and the chlorophyll content of capsicum using TY-12 was obviously increased compared to the blank control. It is suggested that TY-12 could be used as a new biocontrol microbial strain in crop production and MP-TY12 might be developed as an antimicrobial agent. Full article

Due to the vulnerability of pepper (Capsicum spp.) and the virulence of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), seasonal shortages and surges of prices are a challenge and thus threaten household income. Traditional bioassays for detecting TSWV, such as observation for symptoms and reverse transcription-PCR, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and sometimes lack precision, highlighting the need for a faster and more reliable approach to plant disease assessment. Here, two imaging techniques—Red–Green–Blue (RGB) and hyperspectral imaging (using NDVI and wavelength intensities)—were compared with a bioassay method to study the incidence and severity of TSWV in different pepper accessions. The bioassay results gave TSWV an incidence from 0 to 100% among the accessions, while severity ranged from 0 to 5.68% based on RGB analysis. The normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) scored from 0.21 to 0.23 for healthy spots on the leaf but from 0.14 to 0.19 for disease spots, depending on the severity of the damage. The peak reflectance of the disease spots on the leaves was identified in the visible light spectrum (430–470 nm) when spectral bands were studied in the broad spectrum (400.93–1004.5 nm). For the selected wavelength in the visible light spectrum, a high reflectance intensity of 340 to 430 was identified for disease areas, but between 270 and 290 for healthy leaves. RGB and hyperspectral imaging techniques can be recommended for precise and accurate detection and quantification of TSWV infection. Full article

Actinobacteria, especially the genus Streptomyces, have been shown to be potential biocontrol agents for phytopathogenic bacteria. Bacteria spot disease caused by Xanthomonas spp. may severely affect chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) crops with a subsequent decrease in productivity. Therefore, the objective of the study was to isolate rhizospheric actinobacteria from soil samples treated by physical methods and evaluate the inhibitory activity of the isolates over Xanthomonas. Initially, soil samples collected from avocado tree orchards were treated by dry heat air and microwave irradiation; thereafter, isolation was implemented. Then, antibacterial activity (AA) of isolates was evaluated by the double-layer agar method. Furthermore, the positive/negative effect on AA for selected isolates was evaluated on three culture media (potato-dextrose agar, PDA; yeast malt extract agar, YME; and oat agar, OA). Isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. A total of 198 isolates were obtained; 76 (series BVEZ) correspond to samples treated by dry heat and 122 strains (series BVEZMW) were isolated from samples irradiated with microwaves. A total of 19 dry heat and 25 microwave-irradiated isolates showed AA with inhibition zones (IZ, diameter in mm) ranging from 12.7 to 82.3 mm and from 11.4 to 55.4 mm, respectively. An increment for the AA was registered for isolates cultured on PDA and YME, with an IZ from 21.1 to 80.2 mm and 14.1 to 69.6 mm, respectively. A lower AA was detected when isolates were cultured on OA media (15.0 to 38.1 mm). Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis, the actinobacteria belong to the Streptomyces (6) and Amycolatopsis (2) genera. Therefore, the study showed that microwave irradiation is a suitable method to increase the isolation of soil bacteria with AA against Xanthomonas sp. In addition, Streptomyces sp. BVEZ 50 was the isolate with the highest IZ (80.2 mm). Full article

To develop functional varieties of Capsicum spp. leaves, 40 genetic resources were collected and extracted with 30% aqueous-fermented ethanol. We investigated the protective effects of extracts from 40 genetic resources of Capsicum spp. on glutamate-induced HT22 and LPS-induced BV2 cells. The results showed that the five extracts exhibited cell-protective activities. We also investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of these five extracts on LPS-induced BV2 cell neuroinflammation and found that 23OM18 exhibited superior anti-inflammatory effects. We further investigated the protective activity and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of 23OM18 in these two cell models. In addition, the profiles of 16 metabolites were compared between the representative accessions and among the five genetic resources using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). The results showed that 23OM18 protected HT22 cells by inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation and regulating the MAPK-JNK signaling pathway, thereby reducing LPS-induced BV2 cell neuroinflammation by regulating the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Based on these results, 23OM18 has the potential to be developed as a functional food for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Since 2015, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood has emerged as the main pest of strawberries in Florida. Given the limited management options, there is a recognized need to expand on the management strategies for this pest. Therefore, we explored the possibility of using banker plants to recruit naturally occurring predators of thrips into strawberry fields to suppress S. dorsalis. The study began in the 2021–2022 strawberry season where five banker plants were screened to determine which ones could consistently attract thrips predators by flowering throughout the strawberry season. Capsicum annum L. (ornamental pepper) and Lobularia maritima L. (sweet alyssum) were selected for further evaluation. In the 2022–2023 strawberry season, using a randomized complete block design we assessed the capability of these banker plants to attract thrips predators into the strawberry field. In addition, we examined how the banker plant distance from the strawberry plants influenced the S. dorsalis pest suppression. Our results showed that strawberries located within 3.7 m of ornamental pepper plants had less leaf damage from S. dorsalis compared with those farther away, which may result from the repellent effect of the ornamental peppers. Additionally, Geocoris spp. and Orius spp. were identified as the main thrips predators in the system, although in relatively low numbers. Therefore, these results highlight the potential of incorporating ornamental pepper as a banker plant in strawberry production. Additional applications of this research are explored below. Full article