Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Plant breeders, entomologists and virologists in both the public and private sector have been targeted via email correspondence, various publications, and personal contacts at local and international horticulture conferences. Other vegetable research scientists have been targeted at general agricultural research meetings. Vegetable growers and home gardeners have been targeted via a field day, the sale of improved varieties of tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper and via phone calls and email correspondence. Consumers have been targeted as end-users of the information collected in surveys and willingness-to-pay studies (economic studies). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A total of eight graduate students completed M.S. degrees with full or partial support from this project. All of those students were given professional development opportunities in the form of preparing and presenting oral or poster presentations at professional meetings. Three undergraduate students were provided with opportunities to participate in project research and all of them presented posters during campus undergraduate research forums. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were disseminated to other scientists via presentations given at several professional meetings of scientists both in Puerto Rico (the Puerto Rican Society for Agricultural Sciences), nationally (annual meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Sciences) and internationally (annual meeting of the Latin American Symposium for Food Science, Cucurbitaceae 2016 and Cucurbitaceae 2018). Participants at an April 2017 field day at the Lajas, Puerto Rico experiment station included home gardeners and small agricultural entrepreneurs who benefited from the opportunity to see some of the new products being developed in the project. Also in attendance were a number of university students. The field day presentations promoted interest in careers in agriculture and food science. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. Develop and release improved tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper lines, cultivars and germplasm F2 tropical pumpkin breeding populations were developed from crosses between susceptible tropical pumpkin cultivars (Soler, Taina Dorada and Verde Luz) and resistant genotypes Menina and Nigerian Local. Virus resistance lines have been evaluated and further purified (selfed). Tropical pumpkin germplasm with virus resistance previously developed in this project has been shared with the cucurbit breeding community. Data was collected on the performance of five sweet chili pepper lines that provides adequate documentation to carry out the formal release of these lines as new cultivars. The lines were evaluated in multiple locations in Puerto Rico (Mayaguez, Lajas, Isabela and Juana Diaz) and under multiple management conditions (field production and container production), with and without the use of mycorrhizae. 2. Characterize known resistances in tropical pumpkin germplasm to key viruses of the Potyviridae and use this resistance in cultivar improvement. It was determined that for Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), sampling of the fourth leaf is required to clearly differentiate between resistant versus susceptible genotypes. For Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV),resistant and susceptible genotypes can be differentiated much earlier, beginning with the second true leaf. No differences were found in ELISA readings from plants with single versus double virus inoculation. No differences in fresh and dry weight were found between uninoculated and inoculated plants. Negative ELISA readings were obtained when susceptible genotypes were inoculated with sap of previously inoculated resistant genotypes. Both 'Nigerian Local' and 'Menina' were observed to be useful sources of resistance to the ZYMV and PRSV strains found in tropical pumpkin in Puerto Rico. Studies documented the impact of potyvirus (PRSV and ZYMV) infection at the field level. There were few or no differences between virus-infected and virus-free plants in terms of days to anthesis. Susceptible genotypes infected with PRSV produced about 30% fewer fruits compared to uninoculated controls. Plants infected with ZYMV or PRSV+ZYMV had fewer fruits than the control but the difference was not significant. Total fruit yield was almost 50% less in iPRSV or ZYMV infected plants compared to control plants of susceptible genotypes. Fruit quality traits (flesh color, dry matter) were unaffected by virus infection. This is the first known study to document the effects of these two potyviruses in tropical pumpkin at the field level. Early infection of tropical pumpkin with PRSV or ZYMV can result in significant economic losses for growers, demonstrating the importance of developing cultivars with genetic resistance to these two potyviruses. 3. Carry out organoleptic and nutritional characterization of current and new tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper germplasm Four lines of sweet chili pepper The four varieties were harvested at physiological maturity. Physical, chemical and nutritional characteristics were determined. The luminosity (L*), hue angle and chroma of Pasión were distinctly different from that of the other varieties. Its green fruits had a stronger green color and its red fruits a stronger red color than other varieties. Amanecer had the longest fruit and Bonanza the largest fruit (by weight and diameter). All varieties had a high moisture content (90.57-93.28 %), low protein (0.53-0.86 %), low fat content (0.05-0.12 %), low dietary fiber (4.51-7.09 %) and were an excellent source of vitamin C (92.9-148.86 mg/100g). Pasión had the highest β-carotene content (57 mg/100g) and flavonoid content (338.51 mg QE/100g), values that were positively correlated to red color (r= 0.72 and 0.62 respectively). Red fruit of Amanecer had the highest vitamin C (148.86 mg/100g) and phenolic content (385.79 mg GAE/100g). Pungency, as measured by capsaicinoid concentration and Scoville Heat Units was very low in all varieties. Capsaicin, rather than dihydrocapsaicin, was the primary capsaicinoid present. Sweet chili pepper harvested at the red fruit stage provides higher phytochemical content and therefore might be more beneficial from a nutritional point of view than fruits harvested at the green fruit stage. Results from this study can be used by consumers to determine the potential contribution of these improved varieties to the local diet and can also be used as a basis of comparison between these varieties and new varieties of sweet chili pepper developed in the future. Tests on the tropical pumpkin cultivar 'Soler' indicated that pumpkin pieces average 0.97% protein, 0.13% fat, 0.93% fiber and 4.17% carbohydrates. The chemical composition of pumpkin pieces did not change during 20 days of storage in either vacuum-packed or non-vacuum-packed bags. 4. Develop and test a dried sweet chili pepper value-added product Several methods of developing a dried sweet-chili pepper product were evaluated. Packaging methods were tested. It was determined that improved methods of drying would need to be developed in order to make an economically viable sweet chili pepper dehydrated product. 5. Carry out user surveys on purchasing, use and consumption of vegetables, and surveys on acceptance of new sweet chili pepper and pumpkin varieties and products. Consumer preferences of five new lines of sweet chili pepper (Capsicum chinense) were studied. The five sweet chili pepper cultivars evaluated were: "Amanecer", "Encanto", "Pasión", "Carnaval" and "Bonanza". Willingness to pay (WTP) for sweet chili peppers produced in Puerto Rico was estimated. In addition, economic and demographic characteristics were studied. An instrument was developed to collect data, and 428 consumers in Puerto Rico were interviewed. Results show that the most important quality for consumers was fruit color. Participants preferred the cultivars "Amanecer" and "Bonanza". WTP was estimated using a single bounded contingent valuation method. Results showed that 82% of consumers are willing to pay a higher price for sweet chili pepper produced in Puerto Rico.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Del Río-Ríos, Y., A. Gregory-Crespo, G. González-Martínez and L. Wessel-Beaver. 2016. Gustos y preferencias de los consumidores de ajíes dulces en Puerto Rico: evaluación de cinco variedades y la disponibilidad a pagar por ajíes de Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the 41st meeting of the Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Ciencias Agrícolas, November 18, 2016, Corozal, Puerto Rico. p. 48.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Miranda-Vélez, M, L. Wessel-Beaver, Jose C. Verle-Rodrigues and W. Seda-Martínez. 2016. Effect of leaf position on the assessment of resistance to Papaya ringspot virus and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus in tropical pumpkin. Proceedings of the 41st meeting of the Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Ciencias Agrícolas, November 18, 2016, Corozal, Puerto Rico. p. 57.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Seda-Martinez, W., M. Miranda-Velez, L. Wessel-Beaver and A. Linares-Ramirez. 2017. Approaches to phenotyping PRSV and ZYMV resistance in tropical pumpkin. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Sciences, 19-22 September, 2017, Waikola, Hawaii. HortScience 52(9):S358-359.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Miranda-Vélez, M., L. Wessel-Beaver and J.C.V. Rodrigues. 2018. Disease assessment, inference on virus movement, and seedling development in tropical pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) infected with Papaya ringspot virus and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus. Reunión Científica de Estudiantes Graduados, Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Ciencias Agrícolas. May 18, 2018. College of Agriculture, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Miranda-Vélez, M., L. Wessel-Beaver and J.C.V. Rodrigues. 2018. Disease assessment in seedlings of tropical pumpkin infected with PRSV and ZYMV. Cucurbitaceae 2018 Conference Program. November 12-15, 2018. Davis, California.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Seda-Martínez, W., L. Wessel-Beaver and A. Linares-Ramírez. 2018. Effect of two Potyviruses on development and yield of tropical pumpkin. Cucurbitaceae 2018 Conference Program. November 12-15, 2018. Davis, California.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
González-Berrocales, K. 2018. Evaluación de características hortícolas de cinco líneas avanzadas de ají dulce (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). M.S. Thesis. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. 56 pages.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Miranda-Vélez, M. 2018. Disease assessment, inferences on virus movement, and seedling development in tropical pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) infected with Papaya ringspot virus and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus. M.S. Thesis. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. 54 pages.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Aponte-López, C. M. 2018. Response of Capsicum chinense to mycorrhizae inoculation and local mycorrhizal diversity associated with the crop in Puerto Rico. M.S. Thesis. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. 85 pages.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Altema, R. F. 2018. The effects of soilless substrates on sweet chilli pepper growth and production. M.S. Thesis. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. 61 pages.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Martínez-Alvarez, D.M. 2018. Perfil aromático de cuatro cultivares mejorados de ají dulce (Capsicum chinense) de Puerto Rico. M.S. Thesis. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. 93 pages.
|
Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Plant breeders, entomologists and virologists in both the public and private sector have been targeted via email correspondence, a publication and personal contact at an international cucurbit conference. Other vegetable research scientists have been targeted at a general agricultural research meeting. Vegetable growers and home gardeners have been targeted via a field day, the sale of improved varieties of tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper and via phone calls and email correspondence. Consumers have been targeted as end-users of the information collected in surveys and willingness-to-pay studies (economic studies). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were disseminated to other scientists via presentations given at several professional meetings of scientists both in Puerto Rico (the Puerto Rican Society for Agricultural Sciences), nationally (annual meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Sciences) and internationally (annual meeting of the Latin American Symposium for Food Science). Participants at an April 2017 field day at the Lajas, Puerto Rico experiment station included home gardeners and small agricultural entrepreneurs who benefited from the opportunity to see some of the new products being developed in the project. Also in attendance were a number of university students. The field day presentations promoted interest in careers in agriculture and food science. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. Develop and release improved tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper lines, cultivars and germplasm New F2 breeding populations have continued to be developed. Virus resistance lines continue to be evaluated and further purified (selfed). Tropical pumpkin germplasm with virus resistance previously developed in this project was shared with the cucurbit breeding community. 2. Characterize known resistances in tropical pumpkin germplasm to key viruses of the Potyviridae and use this resistance in cultivar improvement. Studies on the inheritance of resistance to Papaya ringspot virus continue in newly developed F2 populations. 3. Carry out organoleptic and nutritional characterization of current and new tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper germplasm The most common volatile compounds were identified in 5 lines of sweet chili pepper (a local specialty pepper). More volatile compounds were found in samples containing seeds and placental tissue compared to fruit walls. The total number of volatiles identified varied, depending on the line tested. The most common compounds identified in fruit wall tissue were methyl salicylate, indol, alfa-copaene, gama-himachalene and beta-cubebene. These compounds were also found in samples of seed and placenta, but in additionm two other compounds were also common: alfa-gama-lagene and trans-beta-farnesene. 4. Develop and test a dried sweet chili pepper value-added product Several methods of developing a dried sweet-chili pepper product have been evaluated. Packaging methods are being tested. 5. Carry out user surveys on purchasing, use and consumption of vegetables, and surveys on acceptance of new sweet chili pepper and pumpkin varieties and products. User surveys were completed in previous years of this project. Activities during this reporting period consisted of presentation of results in a scientific meeting and the publication of a thesis.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Andon-Sanchez, N., R.N. Chavez-Jauregui and L. Wessel-Beaver. 2016. Quality and microbiological changes in minimally processed tropical pumpkin packed in low-density polyethylene bags. J. Agric. Univ. P.R. 100(2):203-220.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Del R�o-R�os, Y., A. Gregory-Crespo, G. Gonz�lez-Mart�nez and L. Wessel-Beaver. 2016. Gustos y preferencias de los consumidores de aj�es dulces en Puerto Rico: evaluaci�n de cinco variedades y la disponibilidad a pagar por aj�es de Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the 41st meeting of the Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agr�colas, November 18, 2016, Corozal, Puerto Rico. p. 48.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Miranda-V�lez, M, L. Wessel-Beaver, Jose C. Verle-Rodrigues and W. Seda-Mart�nez. 2016. Effect of leaf position on the assessment of resistance to Papaya ringspot virus and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus in tropical pumpkin. Proceedings of the 41st meeting of the Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agr�colas, November 18, 2016, Corozal, Puerto Rico. p. 57.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Del Rio Rios, Y. M. 2016. Disponibilidad a pagar por aji dulce de Puerto Rico y preferencias de los consumidores de cinco nuevos cultivares. M.S. Thesis. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Hernandez-Zerega, Lynette-Carlynne. 2017. Compositional and phytochemical characterization of four improved varieties of Puerto Rico sweet chili pepper (Capsicum chinense). M.S. thesis. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. 83 pages.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Seda-Martinez, W., M. Miranda-Velez, L. Wessel-Beaver and A. Linares-Ramirez. 2017. Approaches to phenotyping PRSV and ZYMV resistance in tropical pumpkin. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Sciences, 19-22 September, 2017, Waikola, Hawaii. HortScience 52(9):S358-359.
|
Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Cucurbit breeders, entomologists and virologists in both the public and private sector have been targeted via email correspondence, a publication and personal contact at an international cucurbit conference. Other vegetable research scientists have been targeted at a general agricultural research meeting. Vegetable growers and home gardeners have been targeted via the sale of improved varieties of tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper and via phone calls and email correspondence. Consumers have been targeted as end-users of the information collected in surveys and willingness-to-pay studies (economic studies). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Four graduate students have conducted thesis research in this project. One of the students have had the opportunity to present her research in a professional meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Preliminary results concerning sampling techniques for testing for virus resistance have been disseminated to plant breeders and plant pathologists in the cucurbit research community via a presentation at an international conference and publication of the results in the conference proceedings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Work during the next reporting period will focus on (1) studying the chemical nature of the aromatic volatiles produced by five improved sweet chili pepper varieties, (2) continuing the characterization of potyvirus resistance in tropical pumpkin lines, (3) developing a dried sweet chili pepper product and (4) completing data analyses and preparing manuscripts.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. Develop and release improved tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper lines, cultivars and germplasm F2 populations that serve as a source of new germplasm with resistance to potyviruses have been developed. Data that will be used in justifying the released of improved sweet chili pepper lines has been collected. 2. Characterize known resistances in tropical pumpkin germplasm to key viruses of the Potyviridae and use this resistance in cultivar improvement. Some of the tropical pumpkin F2 populations developed by the project have been characterized for resistance to Papaya ringspot virus. Advanced lines of tropical pumpkin developed under previous projects have been characterized for resistance to both Papaya ringspot virus and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus. 3. Carry out organoleptic and nutritional characterization of current and new tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper germplasm Antioxidant capacity, beta-carotene content, capsacinoid content, mineral content and content of moisture, ash, fat, protein, dietary fiber (proximal analysis) have been determined for four improved varieties of sweet chili pepper. 4. Develop and test a dried sweet chili pepper value-added product no accomplishments on this goal 5. Carry out user surveys on purchasing, use and consumption of vegetables, and surveys on acceptance of new sweet chili pepper and pumpkin varieties and products. For sweet chili pepper, a total of 428 consumers were surveyed. Fruit color and aroma were determined to be the most important characteristics for consumers when purchasing sweet chili peppers. All five of the improved sweet chili pepper varieties were deemed to be acceptable to most consumers. A total of 82% of the participants indicated a willingness to pay an additional cost for locally produced sweet chili pepper.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Wessel-Beaver, L. and J. C. V. Rodrigues. 2016. Sources of variation in ELISA tests used to quantify ZYMV and PRSV resistance in Cucurbita moschata. In E.U. Kozik and H.S. Paris, Eds: Cucurbitaceae 2016, Proceedings of Cucurbitaceae 2016, the XIth EUCARPIA meeting on Genetics and Breeding of Cucurbitaceae, July 24-28, Warsaw, Poland pp. 170-173. (publication type: full manuscript in edited conference proceedings).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Del R�o Rios, Y., A. Gregory Crespo, G. Gonz�lez-Mart�nez, and L. Wessel-Beaver. 2016. Disposici�n a pagar y preferencia de los consumidores de aj�es dulces para cinco nuevas variedades en Puerto Rico. 62nd annual meeting of the Interamerican Society for Tropical Horticultural. September 6-9, 2016, A�asco, Puerto Rico. (publication type: abstract in a conference).
|
Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:For this reporting period, the project targets public and private sector scientists (plant breeders and plant pathologists) working with cucurbits and peppers, and vegetable growers in Puerto Rico and the mainland US, including both commercial growers and home gardeners. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Project PIs and graduate students have attended two international scientific conferences and one local conference where they have had the opportunity to increase their knowledge and expertise in vegetable breeding and genomics, plant pathology, vegetable production and food science and technology. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A field day was held at the Juana Diaz substation with approximately 40 participants in attendance including extension agents, growers and home gardeners. Descriptions of recently released varieties of sweet chili pepper were provided. Participants visited a tropical pumpkin field trial and were able to dialogue with the vegetable extension agent and vegetable plant breeder about their production problems as well as see what new materials are being developed in the pumpkin breeding program. Seed of both tropical pumpkin (calabaza) and sweet chili pepper (aji dulce) was produced, and both small and large seed packets sold to growers and home gardeners. There is a very high demand for seed (demand is higher than supply). Posters have been placed at the point of sale that describe the varieties and other ongoing research related to vegetable breeding. In collaboration with the extension home economists across the island, visits were made to ten women's groups. Samples of each of the new sweet chili pepper varieties were presented during a brief program explaining how new varieties are developed, and participants were asked for their opinions relating to consumer acceptance in both a formal survey and in open-format dialogue sessions. Seed of five new sweet chili pepper cultivars were sent to the agricultural extension vegetable specialist at the University of Massachusetts where a two field trials were conducted. There is strong interest among growers in US to produce specialty vegetable crops of cultural importance to Hispanic and other ethnic groups and the Northeast has a very large Hispanic population. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. Develop and release improved tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper lines, cultivars and germplasm. Eight advanced lines of tropical pumpkin were tested in the field for horticultural traits and in the greenhouse for potyvirus resistance. Two lines, PR410 and PR443 were found to be resistantto both PRSV and ZYMV. Both of these lines are derived from a cross between Nigerian Local (the source of resistance) and local cultivar Soler which appears to carry some genes for resistance. Six other lines were identified as being resistant to ZYMV (PR408, PR425) or PRSV (PR450, PR465). These lines will be further tested and potentially released as improved germplasm. 2. Characterize known resistances in tropical pumpkin germplasm to key viruses of the Potyviridae and use this resistance in cultivar improvement. Nigerian Local has been previously used as our main source of potyvirus (PRSV and ZYMV) resistance. During this reporting period we conducted experiments to compare how a new source of resistance, Menina, compares to Nigerian Local. In field trials, Menina was found to have more favorable horticultural characteristics, potentially making it a better source of potyvirus resistance than Nigerian Local which is characterized by its very poor horticultural aspects. In greenhouse inoculation experiments, Menina was found to be not significantly different than Nigerian Local in terms of resistance based on ELISA readings and virus symptoms. In preparation for future inheritance studies, F1 populations of crosses between potyvirus resistant genotypes of tropical pumpkin Nigerian Local and Menina and susceptible cultivars Taina Dorada, Verde Luz, Waltham and Soler where produced. The F1 populations were planted and are being selfed to obtain F2 populations for inheritance studies. The F1 population of Menina x Nigerian Local was also produced for a future study to determine if these two sources of resistance are allelic. In separate experiments, Cucurbita moschata genotypes known to vary from resistant to susceptible were inoculated (cotyledons of 7 day old seedlings) with two potyviruses: Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) or Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). The 1st to the 4th leaf (oldest to youngest) was sampled at approximately 21 days post-inoculation (as the 5th leaf was beginning to emerge). Analysis of variance was used to test the relative importance of variation among genotypes, plants within genotypes, leaf position within plants, quadrants within leaves, and ELISA determinations within quadrants (subsamples). Leaves were treated as subplots (fixed) and quadrants (random) were considered to be nested within leaves. For both ZYMV and PRSV, there were significant differences in ELIZA readings among the tested genotypes, and the variation in ELISA readings among the four leaf quadrants was no greater than the variation among the two determinations per quadrant (subsamples of sap from the tissue of the same leaf quadrant). On the other hand, for both potyviruses there were highly significant differences in ELISA readings among the four leaf positions sampled in each plant, but also a highly significant leaf x genotype cross-over-type interaction. In the case of ZYMV, using ELISA readings from either the 3rd or 4th leaf (youngest leaves) produced the same genotype rankings for resistance. For PRSV, ELISA from the 4th leaf ranked the genotypes in the expected manner (with 'Waltham' the most susceptible and 'Nigerian Local' the most resistant). We conclude that a single tissue sample from the 4th leaf of an approximately 4-week-old seedling can be used to compare resistance to ZYMV and PRSV in C. moschata using ELISA. It should also be noted that when a large number of genotypes need to be phenotyped at the same time, factors other than within plant variation may impact ELISA readings, including lack of uniformity in plant-to-plant inoculation technique and plate-to-plate variation. 3. Carry out organoleptic and nutritional characterization of current and new tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper germplasm. Characterization of sweet chili pepper varieties was continued. The range of values of minerals analyzed in sweet chili pepper fruit was: aluminum 12.22 to 19.15ug/g, boron 7.25 to 10.95ug/g, calcium 0.03-0.05 wt%, copper 1.84-2.43ug/g, iron 33.88 to 47.66 ug/g, potassium 1.43 to 1.59 wt%, magnesium 0.12 to 0.22 wt%, manganese 2.6 to 4.35ug/g, molybdenum 0.01 to 4.84 ug/g, nitrogen 1.93 to 2.17wt%, sodium 120.5 to175.84 ug/g, phosphorous 0.17 to 0.24 wt% and zinc 3.78 to 7.87 ug/g. Antioxidant capacity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydracyl (DPPH)) was evaluated and ranged from 105.16 to 185.84 uM/g. Total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method) varied from 249.90 to 302.28 mg GAE/100 g FW. Beta-carotene (ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis)) ranged from 13.79 to 14.43 mg/g of sample. Vitamin C content (2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol method) varied from 79.83 to 103.84 mg/100g. Capsaicinoid content (HPLC) ranged from 0.0018 mg/g to 0.0021 mg/g. Pasión had the highest content of dietary fiber (7.09g/100g±0.75) and protein (0.86g/100g±0.01) and Bonanza had the highest capsaicinoid content (0.0021mg/g). Carnaval had the highest content of total phenolics (302.28±14.19 mg GAE/100g), Vitamin C (103.84±2.84 mg/100g) and Beta-carotene (14.43±0.27 mg/g). This mineral and phytochemical characterization is the first nutritional value report of the four improved cultivars of Capsicum chinense developed in the UPR-AES. 4. Develop and test a dried sweet chili pepper value-added product. There have been no accomplishments to date for this goal. 5. Carry out user surveys on purchasing, use and consumption of vegetables, and surveys on acceptance of new sweet chili pepper and pumpkin varieties and products. A survey instrument for sweet chili pepper was given to about 120 women (participants in women's groups organized by home economists in municipalities across Puerto Rico) and an open-format dialogue was carried out with these same participants in order to better understand consumers impressions of sweet chili pepper varieties being developed by this project. Survey results have not yet been analyzed.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Aponte-L�pez, C.M., M.J. Cafaro, L. Wessel-Beaver. 2015. Growth response of Aj� dulce (Capsicum chinense) to commercial Glomus intraradices. 8th International Conference on Mycorrhiza, Northern Arizona University, Aug. 3-7, 2015, Abstracts p. 10 (PS 3-21).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Hern�ndez-Zerega, L., R.N. Ch�vez-J�uregui, L. Wessel-Beaver and J.A. Dumas. 2015. Compositional and phytochemical characterization of four improved varieties of Puerto Rico sweet chili pepper (Capsicum chinense). Acta de la Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agr�colas, November 2015, Coamo, Puerto Rico. p. 5.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Hern�ndez-Zerega, L., R.N. Ch�vez-J�uregui, L. Wessel-Beaver and J.A. Dumas. 2015. Quality parameters in Puerto Rico sweet chili peppers (Capsicum chinense). Anais do Simp�sio Latino Americano de Ci�ncia de Alimentos 11SLACA. ISSN:2447-2840 vol 2, 2015-35107. November 2015, Campinas, S�o Paulo, Brazil.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: For this reporting period, the project targets scientists working in both the public and private sector in plant breeding and plant pathology of vegetable crops, in particular cucurbit crops and the Capsicums (peppers). Vegetable growers in Puerto Rico and the mainland US are another important target audience, in particular growers of squash/pumpkins and specialty peppers that will be of interest to Hispanic ethnic groups. The project also targets home gardeners in Puerto Rico. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Five masters-level graduate students and two undergraduate students have been participated in this research during this year. Students have been able to improve their skill in the use of various laboratory equipment, field experimental design, development of survey instruments and data analysis. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Small seed samples of the five experimental lines are available to growers and home gardeners at the Isabela Substation. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. Develop and release improved tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper lines, cultivars and germplasm Experimental tropical pumpkin lines were advanced (self-pollinated) another generation (to the F4 or F5). Enough F4 or F5 seed is now available for a replicated field trial. Five experimental lines (G2, G6, G8, G11 and S7) were evaluated in replicated trials at three locations (Mayaguez, Lajas and Isabela). The germplasm was evaluated for plant development over time, fruit yield, fruit size and fruit shape. Fruit from these trials were also used for organoleptic and nutritional characterization as described below. Each line has very distinct phenotypic traits. All five lines appear to merit formal release. The seed of an additional five sweet chili pepper lines introduced from Oregon State University have been increased in order to include this germplasm in future replicated trials. 2. Characterize known resistances in tropical pumpkin germplasm to key viruses of the Potyviridae and use this resistance in cultivar improvement. The primary potyviruses in tropical pumpkin are Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). In order to better understand the dynamic of these virus in the field we analyzed data collected from a field survey of 390 cucurbit samples. We observed a strong relationship between these two potyviruses. A total of 66% of samples were positive for PRSV when ZYMV was positive, but only 32% of the samples were positive for PRSV when ZYMV was negative. There was no relationship between habitat (defined as agricultural, rural non-agricultural, and urban) and the relative frequency of PRSV or ZYMV. The absence of virus-like symptoms in the samples collected was not associated with the absence of PRSV or ZYMV infection. 3. Carry out organoleptic and nutritional characterization of current and new tropical pumpkin and sweet chili pepper germplasm. Five experimental lines of sweet chili pepper has been characterized for percentage dry matter, ash, fiber, fat, carbohydrates, protein,total polyphenols, brix, pH, and total acidity in mature fruit samples. In addition, we characterized both immature (green) and mature (orange or red) fruits of each line for color by determining L, chroma and hue angle. Each line was found to have unique combinations of these attributes. To our knowledge, this is the first time sweet chili pepper (non-pungent types of Capsicum chinense), either from Puerto Rico or other areas of the region, has been characterized for these attributes. This information will enable us to more precisely describe the uniqueness of each line when they are formally released. The information also serves as base-line data for other researchers working on peppers. In the case of tropical pumpkin, the local cultivars Soler and Taina Dorada had previously been characterized for dry matter, Brix and color, but we have now also characterized these varieties for pH, percentage acidity, firmness, protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, and fiber. 4. Develop and test a dried sweet chili pepper value-added product. There have been no accomplishments to date for this goal. 5. Carry out user surveys on purchasing, use and consumption of vegetables, and surveys on acceptance of new sweet chili pepper and pumpkin varieties and products. A survey instrument for sweet chili pepper has been prepared and is being tested and validated. Extension Home Economists in various Puerto Rico municipalities have been contacted and have agreed to make arrangements to recruit participants (primarily housewives) for focal groups. The Puerto Rico Chefs Association has been contacted and we are initiating planning for a "Chefs Field Day" for about 35 chefs from around the island.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Andon-Sanchez, Natasha. 2014. Determinacion de calidad y cambios microbiologicos en calabaza minimalmente procesada y empacada en polietileno de baja densidad ("Determination of quality and microbiological changes in minimally processed pumpkin packed in low density polyethylene bags"). M.S. Thesis. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Linares-Ram�rez, A.M. and L. Wessel-Beaver. 2014. Recurrent selection for melonworm resistance in tropical pumpkin. In: (M. Havey, Y. Weng, B. Day, R. Grumet, Editors) Cucurbitaceae 2014 Proceedings, American Society for Horticultural Science, Alexandria, Virginia. Pp. 69-72.
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