Maturation and Resting of Sweet Pepper Fruits on Physiological Quality and Biochemical Response of Seeds

Abstract The post-harvest resting of the fruits can improve seed physiological quality ,once it allows the seed to complete the maturation process, so it has been a common practice in vegetable seed companies, however, there are a few studies of this technique in sweet pepper. The objective of this research was to evaluate physiological quality, and biochemical response of sweet's peppers in regarding on the stage of maturation and the post-harvest rest of the fruits. The experimental was conducted in a 4x2 factorial, being the first factor comprised four maturation stages (35, 50, 65 and 80 days after anthesis) and, the second the post-harvest management of fruits, with and without a temporary storage of seven days. Seeds were evaluated for water content, weight of thousand seeds, germination, vigor, superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities, lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide content. Fruit harvest time indicated is 80 days after anthesis (fruits 100% yellow) when seeds showed maximum germination and vigor. The post-harvest resting of the fruits was beneficial to seed physiological quality, weight of one thousand seeds and to reduce hydrogen peroxide content. Seeds of higher physiological quality showed lower superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activity, so they can be used as a marker of physiological quality in sweet pepper seeds.

Avaliação in vitro da atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos de Calendula officinalis, Capsicum annuum L e Hamamelis virginiana L. sobre cepas clínicas multirresistentes de Klebsiella pneumoniae e Pseudomonas aeruginosa / In vitro Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of extracts from Calendula officinalis, Capsicum annuum L and Hamamelis virginiana L. on multiresistant clinical straines of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

O conhecimento dos efeitos dos extratos naturais de plantas vem cada vez mais se mostrando um campo promissor. Extratos de Calendula officinalis, Capsicum annuum e Hamamelis virginiana apresentam propriedades analgésicas, anti-inflamatórias, antioxidantes e potencial antimicrobiano que deve ser aprofundado. Assim, o objetivo foi avaliar ação antimicrobiana dos extratos glicólicos em culturas planctônicas e biofilmes de cepas padrão e clínicas de Klebsiella pneumoniae e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Foi realizado o teste de microdiluição em caldo segundo Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, para determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Microbicida Mínima (CMM) dos extratos. Foram realizados biofilmes monotípicos, nos tempos de contato de 5 min e 24 h, utilizando o teste de MTT. A CIM e CMM variaram de 1,56 a 50 mg/mL para todas as cepas avaliadas. C. annuum (50 mg/mL) apresentou redução de 0,25% entre 8,60% para cepa ATCC de P. aeruginosa (5 min) e em 24 h redução de 99,89% entre 99,99%, destacando-se os extratos de C. annuum (100 mg/mL) e os de C. officinalis. C. annuum (200 mg/mL) apresentou redução de 18% de K. pneumoniae (ATCC 4352). Em 24 h houve redução de 8,86%-75,74%, para o extrato de C. annuum (100 mg/mL). Os extratos apresentaram resultados mais satisfatórios quando expostos aos tratamentos de 24 horas. As cepas clínicas K1, K2 e K3 responderam ao tratamento de C. annuum (50 e 100 mg/mL) (p>0,05%). Para cepa clínica K4, os extratos de C. annuum (50 e 100 mg/mL) e C. officinalis (12,5 mg/mL) promoveram redução de viabilidade semelhante a clorexidina 2% (p>0,05%). O extrato de C. annuum (50 e 100 mg/mL), promoveu a redução de viabilidade de P1 e P2, enquanto o extrato de C. officinalis (25 e 50 mg/mL), reduziu P1 (p>0,05%). Para as cepas P3 e P4 o extrato de 50 e 100 mg/mL de C. annuum, apresentaram resultados semelhantes a clorexidina. Conclui-se que todos os extratos apresentaram ação antimicrobiana em cultura planctônica, no entanto, o extrato de C. annuum foi o que apresentou importante ação antibiofilme (24 h) sobre cepas clínicas multirresistentes de K. pneumoniae e P. aeruginosa, podendo ser considerado um potencial agente antimicrobiano.

Empirical knowledge of natural plant extracts is increasingly proving to be a promising field. Extracts of Calendula officinalis, Capsicum annuum and Hamamelis virginiana have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential that should be further developed. This research objective was to evaluate the antimicrobial action of glycolic extracts in planktonic cultures and biofilms of standard and clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The broth microdilution test was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Microbicide Concentration (MMC) of the extracts. Tests were performed on monotypic biofilms, at contact times of 5 min and 24 h, using the MTT test. The MIC and CMM of the extracts ranged from 1.56 to 50 mg/mL for all strains evaluated. C. annuum (50 mg/mL) showed a reduction of 0.25% between 8.60% for the ATCC strain of P. aeruginosa (5 min) and in 24 h a reduction of 99.89% between 99.99%, highlighting extracts from C. annuum (100 mg/mL) and from C. officinalis. C. annuum (200 mg/mL) showed an 18% reduction in K. pneumoniae (ATCC 4352). In 24 h there was a reduction of 8.86% between 75.74% for the extract of C. annuum (100 mg/mL). The extracts showed more satisfactory results when exposed to 24-hour treatments. Clinical strains K1, K2 and K3 responded to the treatment of C. annuum (50 and 100 mg/mL) (p>0.05%). For clinical strain K4, extracts of C. annuum (50 and 100 mg/mL) and C. officinalis (12.5 mg/mL) promoted a reduction in viability similar to chlorhexidine 2% (p>0.05%). The extract of C. annuum (50 and 100 mg/mL), reduced the viability of P1 and P2, while the extract of C. officinalis (25 and 50 mg/mL), reduced P1 (p>0.05% ). For strains P3 and P4, the extract of 50 and 100 mg/mL of C. annuum showed similar results to chlorhexidine. It is concluded that all extracts showed antimicrobial action in planktonic cultures, however, the extract of C. annuum was the one that showed an important antibiofilm action (24 h) on multiresistant clinical strains of K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa and can be considered a potential antimicrobial agent

Advanced lines of Jalapeño pepper with potential for mechanical harvesting / Linhagens avançadas de pimenta Jalapeño com potencial para a colheita mecanizada

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the plant and fruit characteristics in advanced lines of Jalapeño pepper for mechanical harvesting. Thus, two experiments were carried out in the field. Experiment I (2015) was conducted as a randomized block design (three replications and eight plants per plot) and Experiment II (2016) in a completely randomized design (five replications and ten plants per plot). In 2015, lines CNPH 30,112, CNPH 30,118, CNPH 30,147, CNPH 30,159, CNPH 30,183, and CNPH 30,245 were evaluated, together with the control 'BRS Sarakura'. Significant differences were detected for fruit and plant characteristics (P<0.05). Lines CNPH 30,118, CNPH 30,147, CNPH 30,159, and CNPH 30,245 were selected based on plant height and height of the first bifurcation, earliness, and yield. They were evaluated again in 2016, together with 'BRS Sarakura' and 'Jalapeño Plus F1' as controls. In 2016, CNPH 30,159 and CNPH 30,118 were selected due to their potential for mechanical harvesting. They were evaluated for height of the first bifurcation (>10cm), large fruits (11 cm x 4 cm), high pulp firmness (11 N), wall thickness (about 5mm), and content of capsaicinoid substances (>50,000 SHU). Selected lines are undergoing additional field evaluation for mechanical harvesting with the Etgar Moses 1010 pepper harvester.

RESUMO: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as características de planta e fruto em linhagens avançadas de pimenta do tipo Jalapeño visando à colheita mecanizada. Assim, foram feitos dois experimentos em campo. O Experimento I (2015) foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos casualizados (três repetições e oito plantas por parcela) e o Experimento II (2016) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (cinco repetições e dez plantas por parcela). Em 2015, foram avaliadas as linhagens CNPH 30,112, CNPH 30,118, CNPH 30,147, CNPH 30,159, CNPH 30,183 e CNPH 30,245, juntamente com o controle 'BRS Sarakura'. Foram detectadas diferenças significativas para as características de planta e fruto (P<0,05). As linhagens CNPH 30,118, CNPH 30,147, CNPH 30,159 e CNPH 30,245 foram selecionadas com base nas alturas da planta e da primeira bifurcação, precocidade e rendimento. Elas foram novamente avaliadas em 2016, juntamente com os controles 'BRS Sarakura' e 'Jalapeño Plus F1'. Em 2016, as linhagens CNPH 30,159 e CNPH 30,118 foram selecionadas com potencial para a colheita mecanizada. Elas foram avaliadas para altura da primeira bifurcação (>10cm), frutos grandes (11 cm x 4cm), polpa de elevada firmeza (11 N), espessura de parede (5mm) e teor de substâncias capsaicinóides (>50.000 SHU). As linhagens selecionadas estão passando por avaliação adicional em campo para colheita mecânica com a colhedora de pimentas Etgar Moses 1010.

Morphological Characteristics of Some Pepper Genotypes (Capsicum annuum L.) Grown in Conventional and Organic Agricultural Systems: Comparative Analysis

Long-term research in pepper organic production are scarce in Republic of Macedonia. Plant and fruit morphological traits of important pepper varieties organically produced were compared to pepper produced in conventional systems. Conceivably, this is the first morphological traits comparative study of locally important pepper genotypes (Capsicum annuum L.) in Republic of Macedonia in organic and conventional open-field production. The aim of the research is to determine the differences in pepper morphological traits when produced organically in comparison to conventional production. Eight plants and fruits were used for morphological traits determination of plant and fruit in six locally important pepper genotypes (Strumicka Kapija, Strumicka Vezena, Piran, Zupska Rana, Duga Bela and Kurtovska Kapija) grown in an organic and conventional production system. The traits number or branches per plant, fruit width and fruit index were significantly affected by the production manner resulting in less branches per plant, lower fruit width and lower fruit index in organic production. The traits fruit weight, pericarp thickness and fruit flesh percentage, which are the most important for pepper crop yield and utilisation of pepper fruits were not significantly affected by the production practice. Organic production has limited influence on pepper plant and fruit traits, but not in a manner to decrease the production, which generally is the main fear of conversion from conventional to organic production in vegetables. Appropriate selection of pepper varieties with application of suitable cultivation and management practices can contribute to successful organic production resulting in high quality pepper production.

Vitamin C and Total Antioxidant Content in Pepper Fruits (Capsicum annuum L.): Comparative Analysis of Peppers Grown in Conventional and Organic Agricultural Systems

Up-to-date, there is no methodical and long-term research on fruit quality and nutritional characteristics of peppers grown in organic production system in Republic of Macedonia. Still, there are debates in broad sense about the advantage of organic vegetable production compared to conventional one in terms of quality characteristics. Led by this idea, this research was conducted with an aim to study vitamin C content and total antioxidant content in fruits of six pepper genotypes as most important fruit quality characteristics and to determine if there are differences in fruit quality properties between those grown in organic and conventional production system. Fruits of six different pepper genotypes Strumicka Kapija, Strumicka Vezena, Piran, Zupska Rana, Duga Bela and Kurtovska Kapija cultivated in organic and conventional production systems were used for determination of vitamin C and total antioxidant content. The extraction of vitamin C and total antioxidants were performed in a plant tissue extractor with orthophosphoric acid and methanol as extracting reagents, respectively. Vitamin C content was determined by HPLC instrument, while total antioxidant content was measured with potentionstat instrument. The genotype Strumicka Kapija was characterized with the highest content of vitamin C in both cultivation systems. In all genotypes under study, except Zupska Rana, the vitamin C content was higher in fruits from organic production as compared to pepper fruits from the conventional system. Generally, the total antioxidant content in pepper fruits from the conventional system was averagely lower than the total antioxidant content measured in pepper fruits from the organic production system. These findings are a prove that production system is very important for the fruit quality characteristic and the organic production of peppers results with production of fruits with higher content of vitamin C and antioxidants compared to conventional ones, therefore organic peppers give more nutrition and health benefits to consumers.

Inhibitory effects of Capsicum annuum L. water extracts on lipoprotein lipase activity in 3T3-L1 cells

Obesity, an intractable metabolic disease, currently has no medical treatment without side effects, so studies have been actively carried out to find natural compounds that have anti-obesity activity with minimum side effects. In this study, the anti-obesity effects of water extracts of seven Capsicum annuum L. varieties being Putgochu (Pca), Oyee gochu (Oca), Kwari putgochu (Kca), Green pepper (Gca), Yellow paprika (Yca), Red paprika (Rca) and Cheongyang gochu (Cca), were examined through the evaluation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA expression level in 3T3-L1 cells (mouse pre-adipocytes). After capsaicin elimination by chloroform defatting, freeze-dried powder of Cca was treated to 3T3-L1 cells and anti-obesity effects were examined by determining the LPL mRNA level using the RT-PCR method. Of the primary fractions, only proven fractions underwent secondary and tertiary refractionating to determine anti-obesity effects. From seven different Capsicum annuum L., there was a significant decrease of the LPL mRNA expression level of 50.9% in Cca treatment compared to the control group. A significant decrease of the LPL mRNA expression level was shown in primary fractions (Fr) 5 (36.2% decrease) and 6 (30.5% decrease) of the Cca water extracts. Due to the impurities checked by UPLC chromatography, Fr 5 and 6 were refractionated to determine the LPL mRNA expression level. Treatment of Fr 6-6 (35.8% decrease) and Fr 5-6 (35.3% decrease) showed a significant decrease in the LPL mRNA expression level. When analyzed using UPLC, major compounds of Fr 6-6 and Fr 5-6 were very similar. Subsequently, we refractionated Fr 6-6 and Fr 5-6 to isolate the major peak for structure elucidation. Treatment of Fr 5-6-1 (26.6% decrease) and Fr 6-6-1 (29.7% decrease) showed a significant decrease in the LPL mRNA expression level. Consequently, the fractions may have a possibility to ameliorate obesity through the decrease of the LPL mRNA expression level.

Evaluación de la germinación y crecimiento de Plántula de Chiltepín -Capsicum annuum L variedad glabriusculum- en invernadero / Evaluation of germination and seedling Growth of Chiltepín -Capsicum annuum L variedad glabriusculum- greenhouse

The chiltepin is one of the natural resources of the sinaloense saw, which reaches a commercial value of $100.00 mexican pesos for 250 g approximately, due to the fact that its crop implies penetrating in the low caducifolia jungle and crossing kilometeres to be able to obtain it, in addition the persons of the region who collect it obtain the resource of an irrational way extracting the plant in its entirety from the root, which causes a minor production in the following season of crop. Due to the fact that it is a native plant of the highland region and that the conditions of germination of the seed are achieved when the fruit is consumed by birds and passes for its digestive tract, it is a plant difficult to cultivate. By what preliminary studies were realized to evaluate the germinative percentage of the plant of chiltepín. There was placed to the shade for one month a whole of 2 000 seeds distributed in 4 charolas by 500 seeds each one. To stimulate the germination the hormone of growth was used giberelina. The beginning of the germination was observed to 8 days, reaching a month an average height of 6.5 cm. The percentage of germination that was reached under these conditions is 97 % (in other studies it has been achieved to obtain in the laboratory up to 57 % of germination), which indicates that in the laboratory it is feasible to cultivate it in a favorable way. It is necessary to realize researches related to the growth, development and establishment of the culture of chiltepín to generate in the region economic resources that derive from this activity.

El chiltepín es uno de los recursos naturales de la sierra sinaloense, el cual alcanza un valor comercial de $100.00 pesos mexicanos por 250 g aproximadamente, ya que su cosecha implica internarse en la selva baja caducifolia y recorrer kilómetros para poder obtenerlo, además las personas de la región que lo colectan lo obtienen sin ninguna técnica, pues extraen la planta en su totalidad desde la raíz, lo que ocasiona una menor producción en la siguiente temporada de cosecha. El chiltepín es difícil de cultivar, debido a que es una planta nativa de la región serrana y a que las condiciones de germinación de la semilla se logran cuando el fruto es ingerido por aves y pasa por su tracto digestivo. Por ello se realizaron estudios preliminares para evaluar el porcentaje germinativo de esta planta. Se colocaron a la sombra, por un mes, un total de 2 000 semillas, distribuidas en 4 charolas con 500 semillas cada una. Para estimular la germinación se empleó la hormona de crecimiento giberalina. El inicio de la germinación se observó a los 8 días, alcanzando al mes una talla promedio de 6,5 cm de altura. El porcentaje de germinación que se alcanzó bajo estas condiciones fue de 97% (en otros estudios se ha logrado obtener en el laboratorio hasta un 57% de germinación), lo cual indica que en el laboratorio es factible cultivarlo de manera favorable. Es necesario realizar investigaciones relacionadas con el crecimiento, desarrollo y establecimiento del cultivo de chiltepín para generar en la región recursos económicos que deriven de esta actividad.

Tamanho e forma de parcela para pimentão em estufa plástica / Plot size and shape for chili pepper in plastic greenhouse

O interior de uma estufa pode ser considerado um ambiente heterogêneo, o que se reflete numa grande variabilidade na produção, sendo necessário o uso de técnicas experimentais para a melhoria da precisão das inferências estatísticas. Dentre as formas de redução do erro experimental, está a busca do tamanho ótimo de parcela, que apresenta especial importância em experimentos com estufa plástica, visto que usualmente a área experimental é restrita às instalações já existentes. Este trabalho teve como objetivos: estimar o tamanho ótimo para a fitomassa fresca de frutos de pimentão cultivado em estufa plástica e relacionar os parâmetros das equações que determinam o tamanho ótimo de parcela. Conduziram-se quatro experimentos em branco sob cobertura plástica, cada um com oito fileiras de cultivo úteis de 70 plantas. Coletou-se em cada planta a fitomassa fresca dos frutos acumulada nas colheitas, identificando sua posição dentro da estufa pelo número da fileira e a sua posição dentro da fileira. Estimou-se o tamanho ótimo de parcela (X0) e se relacionaram estatísticas descritivas e os parâmetros usados para sua estimativa através do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Recomendou-se o uso de parcelas de 10 plantas na fileira ou fileiras duplas, com tendência a diminuir de tamanho com a permanência do experimento no campo. Não houve consistência na determinação das variáveis mais relacionadas com o tamanho ótimo da parcela.

The interior of a plastic greenhouse can be considered a heterogeneous environment due high variability in the production, being necessary the use of experimental techniques for improvement of the statistical inferences precision. Between the main forms to obtain experimental error reduction is the use of the optimal plot size that has special importance in experiments inside plastic greenhouse, where the experimental area is normally restricted to the preexisting installations. The aim of this work is to estimate the optimal plot size for fruit fresh biomass of chili pepper cultivated in plastic greenhouse and the relation of the equations parameters that determine it. It was conducted four blank experiments under plastic covering, each one with eight lines of 70 plants. The fruit fresh biomass was evaluated in each plant, identifying its position inside the greenhouse, by the line number, and its position in the line in each harvest. The optimal plot size was estimated and related with the parameters used for its estimate by the Pearson correlation coefficient. It was recommended the use of parcels with ten plants in the line or double line, tending to decrease. There wasn't consistency in the relation of the variables with the plot size.

Desempenho agronômico de linhas endogâmicas recombinadas de pimenta em dois sistemas de cultivo / Agronomic performance of recombinant chili pepper inbred lines in two cultivation systems

As diversidades de clima e de manejo interferem no desenvolvimento e na produtividade vegetal, uma vez que essas características estão diretamente correlacionadas ao genótipo e ao ambiente de cultivo. Neste estudo, o objetivo foi estimar os efeitos do tipo de manejo sob o desempenho agronômico de 12 linhas endogâmicas recombinadas (F7) de pimenta (Capsicum annuum L.), originadas do cruzamento entre um acesso de pimentão suscetível à mancha-bacteriana (UENF 1421) e um acesso de pimenta resistente (UENF 1381). Dois experimentos foram conduzidos, sendo um deles em condições de campo, em Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ e o outro em sistema orgânico e cultivo protegido, em Seropédica, RJ. Foram avaliados o número total de frutos (NTF), peso total de frutos (PTF), peso médio dos frutos (PMF), comprimento dos frutos (CF), diâmetro dos frutos (DF), relação comprimento/diâmetro do fruto (CF/DF) e a presença de capsaicina (CAPS). Foram realizadas a análise conjunta e o estudo da decomposição da interação genótipo x ambiente (G x A). Estimaram-se os componentes quadráticos genotípico e da interação G x A, o coeficiente de determinação genotípico e de variação genético e do índice de variação. A interação G x A foi significativa para o número, o peso total e médio de frutos, além do diâmetro do fruto e da relação comprimento/diâmetro. Com exceção do comprimento do fruto, o cultivo protegido e orgânico propiciou melhores médias para todas as características estudadas. Os parâmetros estudados mostraram que as causas de variação foram devidas às diferenças genéticas existentes entre as linhas e que o peso total de frutos foi a característica mais influenciada pelo manejo empregado. Entre as linhas pungentes, no cultivo em campo, a linha 2 mostrou alta capacidade produtiva e, para o cultivo protegido, a linha 8 obteve o maior número de frutos. Entre as não-pungentes, a linha 1 foi superior em ambos os ambientes.

Climate and management diversity play an important role in crop production, since these characteristics are related to genotype and cultivation environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of genotype, environment and genotype-environmental interaction (GE) in 12 recombinant inbred lines of C. annuum. These lines were originated from crosses between the following accessions: a sweet pepper cultivar (susceptible to bacterial spot) and a chili pepper (resistant to bacterial spot). Two tests were conducted, the first in a conventional agriculture system, under field conditions and the second in ecological or organic system, under greenhouse conditions. The field experiment was carried out in Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. The greenhouse experiment was conducted in Seropédica, RJ. Both experiments were performed using a randomized block design with three replications. The measured variables were total fruit number (TFN); total fruit weight (TFW); mean fruit weight (MFW); fruit length (FL); fruit diameter (FD); length/diameter fruit ratio (FL/FD) and capsaicin presence (CAPS). Data obtained for each experimental condition were submitted to variance analysis, joint variance analysis, and partitioning of genotype environment interaction. Genotype and GE quadratic components, genotypic determination coefficient, genetic variation coefficient and variation index were determined. The GE interaction was significant for TFN, TFW, MFN, FD, and FL/FD. Cultivation under greenhouse conditions was responsible for the highest mean performance for every trait studied but FL. Values observed for genetic variation were greater than values obtained for environmental variation. For field conditions, the high yield ability observed for line 2 (pungent) is suggestive of a potential to be used as a commercial genotype. For greenhouse conditions, line 8 (pungent), had higher fruit number yield. Line 1 (non-pungent) also seems promising for commercial...

Plant regeneration from protoplasts of Capsicum annuum L. cv. California Wonder.

Plant regeneration from mesophyll protoplasts of pepper, Capsicum annuum L. cv. California Wonder has been demonstrated via shoot organogenesis. Protoplasts isolated from fully expanded leaves of 3-week-old axenic shoots when cultured in TM medium supplemented with 1 mg l-1 NAA, 1 mg l-12,4-D, 0 5 mg l-1 BAP (CM 1) resulted in divisions with a frequency ranging from 20-25 %. Antioxidant ascorbic acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the medium and incubation in the dark helped overcome browning of protoplasts. Microcalli and macrocalli were formed in TM medium containing 2 mg l-1 NAA and 0·5 mg l-1 BAP (CM Π) and MS gelled medium containing 2 mg 1-1 NAA and 0 5 mg 1-1 BAP (CM III), respectively. Regeneration of plantlets was possible via caulogenesis. Microshoots, 2-5 percallus appeared on MS gelled medium enriched with 0·5 mg l-1 IAA, 2mg l-1 GA and l0mg l-1 BAP (CM IVc). Rooting of microshoots was obtained on half strength gelled medium containing 1 mg l-1 NAA and 0·5mg l-1 BAP. Protoplasts isolated from cotyledons failed to divide and degenerated eventually.

Relação entre os estádios de desenvolvimento dos micrósporos e as características morfológicas do botão floral em pimentão (Capsicum annuum L. ) / Relationship among the development stages of microspores and the morphological characteristics of the floral bud in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L. )

Vários fatores influenciam a cultura de anteras, entre eles, o estádio de desenvolvimento dos micros poros. O presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar a relação entre o estádio de desenvolvimento dos micrósporos com algumas características morfológicas do botão floral do pimentão. Foram utilizados botões florais dos genótipos Agronômico 8, linhagem 004 e o híbrido F1 (PIX22C#31 x linhagem 004), os quais inicialmente foram separados em seis classes de diferentes tamanhos. Foi determinado o comprimento e o diâmetro do botão floral e o comprimento de suas anteras, além de se observar a presença de antocianina e a relação entre o tamanho das sépalas e pétalas. O estádio de desenvolvimento dos micrósporos foi analisado através da coloração dos mesmos com carmim acético. A análise citológica de cada classe mostrou que o micrósporo não vacuolado, com núcleo central e diâmetro de aproximadamente 24,5µm (ideal para utilização em cultura de anteras), ocorreu em todos os genótipos cujos botões florais tinham pétalas de tamanho igual ou pouco maior que as sépalas e, anteras com traços de antocianina em sua extremidade.

A number of factors influence the anther culture, among them, the developmental stage of microspores. The present study had the objective to verify the relationship among the developmental stage of microspores and a few morphological characteristics of the floral bud of the sweet pepper. Floral buds of the genotypes: Agronômico 8, line 004 and the hybrid PIX22C#31 x line 004, were divided into six classes of different sizes. Length and diameter of the floral bud and the length of their anthers were determined, besides observing the presence of the anthocianm and relationship between the size of sepals and petals. The developmental stage of micropores was analysed through the coloration with acetic carmin. Cytological analysis of each class showed that the non-vacuoled microspore, with central nucleus and diameter approximately 24,5 µm (suitable for use in anther culture), ocurred in every genotypes with petals of same size or a little bigger than the sepals and anthers with traces of anthocianin in their end.