Variation in flavonoids in a collection of peppers (Capsicum sp.) under organic and conventional cultivation: effect of the genotype, ripening stage, and growing system

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Ribes-Moya, A.M., Adalid, A.M., Raigón, M.D., Hellín, P., Fita, A. and Rodríguez-Burruezo, A. (2020), Variation in flavonoids in a collection of peppers (Capsicum sp.) under organic and conventional cultivation: effect of the genotype, ripening stage, and growing system. J Sci Food Agric, 100: 2208-2223, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.10245. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.[EN] BACKGROUND In recent years, the acreage used for organic agriculture and the demand for organic fruit and vegetables have increased considerably. Given this scenario, landraces, such as Capsicum landraces, can provide valuable germplasm. Capsicum peppers are very interesting because of their high phenolic content, and particularly their flavonoid content, which provides a high added value. Moreover, the broad genetic diversity in local varieties expands the opportunities for adaptation to organic production and for exploiting genotype x environment interactions to select peppers with the highest phenolic content. RESULTS In this work, the main flavonoids of peppers were exhaustively evaluated over 2 years in a wide collection of heirlooms, both unripe and fully ripe, under organic and conventional cultivation. The genotype and ripening stage contributed to a high degree to the variation in flavonoids. The growing system influenced this variation to a lesser extent. Luteolin and quercetin showed the highest contributions to total phenolic content (70% and > 20%, respectively) at both ripening stages, while myricetin, apigenin, and kaempferol showed lower contributrions. The average flavonoid content was higher in ripe fruits, and organic management significantly increased the accumulation of total flavonoids and luteolin. Positive correlations between flavonoids were found at both ripening stages, especially between main flavonoids luteolin and quercetin and between kaempferol and quercetin (rho > 0.7). CONCLUSION Genotype x environment interaction enabled the identification of accessions with high flavonoid content grown under organic conditions at both ripening stages, particularly total flavonoids and luteolin at the fully ripe stage. Our results reinforce the importance of a wide genetic variation and of considering different ripening stages and growing conditions for breeding high-quality peppers.This work has been funded by the Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA) project RTA2014-00041-C02-02, Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) funds. A.M. Ribes-Moya expresses her gratitude to the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) for her scholarship FPI-UPV-2017 (PAID-01-17). The authors also thank the farmers' association Unio de Llauradors i Ramaders (LA UNI) for the arrangement and management of fields - specifically Manuel Figueroa, Rafael Hurtado, Ricard Ballester, and Antonio Munoz, and seed providers P.W. Bosland, S. Lanteri, Francois Jourdan, Santiago Larregla, and the Regulatory Boards of the PDOs and PGIs included in this work. The authors are also grateful for the support of Professor Jaime Prohens with statistical methods.Ribes Moya, AM.; Adalid-Martinez, AM.; Raigón Jiménez, MD.; Hellín, P.; Fita, A.; Rodríguez Burruezo, A. (2020). Variation in flavonoids in a collection of peppers (Capsicum sp.) under organic and conventional cultivation: effect of the genotype, ripening stage, and growing system. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 100(5):2208-2223. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.10245S220822231005WillerH European organic market grew by double digits and organic area reached 13.5 million hectares in2016 [Online]. 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Phenological growth stages of pepino (Solanum muricatum) according to the BBCH scale

[EN] The pepino (Soianum muricatum) is a solanaceous vegetatively propagated fruit crop of Andean origin. We provide a detailed description of phenological stages because it is of interest for pepino crop management and research. Given the increasing prominence of this crop, and the fact that it morphologically and developmentally variable, and different from other major solanaceous crops, we have developed a pepino specific BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, CHemische Industrie) numerical scale. Nine principal stages are described for germination/rooting, leaf development, formation of side shoots, main shoot elongation, inflorescence emergence, flowering, development of fruit, ripening of fruit and seed, and senescence. Secondary stages (two-digit scale) have been identified for all principal stages. Complementary descriptions using mesostages (three-digit scale) have been developed for leaf development, formation of side shoots, inflorescence emergence, and flowering phenological stages. A description of all phenological stages combined with illustrations is provided. The utility of the BBCH scale has been validated by comparing several traits of agronomic interest at specific developmental stages in a collection of pepino local varieties, modern cultivars and wild relatives. The BBCH scale developed provides uniform criteria for the description, identification and selection of phenological stages of the pepino and will facilitate the management, breeding and conservation of genetic resources of this crop. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Herraiz García, FJ.; Vilanova Navarro, S.; Plazas Ávila, MDLO.; Gramazio, P.; Andújar, I.; Rodríguez Burruezo, A.; Fita, A.... (2015). Phenological growth stages of pepino (Solanum muricatum) according to the BBCH scale. Scientia Horticulturae. 183:1-7. doi:10.1016/j.scienta.2014.12.008S1718

Perspetiva europeia de melhoramento e propagação de macieira em agricultura biológica no âmbito do projeto LIVESEED

A maçã é um dos frutos de maior destaque na fruticultura europeia. No entanto, a sua produção em Agricultura Biológica (AB) é um desafio constante, dada a problemática associada à proteção das culturas, num quadro de forte limitação à aplicação de produtos fitossanitários. Deste modo, torna-se necessária a produção de material vegetal melhor adaptado às condições edafoclimáticas e ao modo de produção biológica. O objetivo do LIVESEED é melhorar o desempenho e a sustentabilidade em AB, impulsionando os esforços de produção de diásporos e de melhoramento de plantas em modo de produção biológica

Fitomejoramoento participativo: Proyecto EU Liveseed

El proyecto europeo LIVESEED (Improve performance of organic agriculture by boosting organic seed and plant breeding efforts across Europe), coordinado por IFOAM EU, representa un consorcio integrado por 35 partners de 18 países UE y Suiza, con diferentes niveles del fitomejoramiento y desarrollo de semilla ecológicos. Incluye la implicación de centros de investigación, asociaciones, productores y distribuidores de semillas y materiales de reproducción ecológicos y productores y comercializadores de frutas y hortalizas ecológicas. Por parte española participan la SEAE y la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV). El proyecto LIVESEED busca fortalecer la competitividad del sector ecológico de materiales de reproducción vegetal (fundamentalmente semilla) en la UE, mejorando la disponibilidad de materiales desarrollados y producidos bajo condiciones de cultivo ecológico. Con este fin, el proyecto plantea un conjunto de actividades con un enfoque participativo y multidisciplinar entre todos los socios implicados, así como diversos colaboradores (stakeholders) y grupos de trabajo presentes desde el inicio además de otros que se van incorporando gradualmente. La principal actividad científica y divulgativa en la que está implicada la UPV como coordinadora, junto a la SEAE, es la mejora participativa de material vegetal adaptado a requerimientos agronómicos y comerciales del sector ecológico. Se presta espacial énfasis al tomate, pero también brásicas, manzanas y altramuces como cultivos representativos. Se están desarrollando grupos de trabajo europeos para analizar la situación específica de cada cultivo y sus principales retos. Asimismo, se desarrollarán actividades de selección y mejora participativa bajo condiciones de cultivo ecológico para los principales caracteres de interés agronómico desde la óptica del mercado ecológico. Centros de investigación, redes de semillas, compañías productoras, cooperativas, asociaciones de consumidores, distribuidores nacionales e internacionales están implicados en esta línea de trabajo

Effect of abiotic stresses on ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content in paprika (Capsicum annuum L.)

This work has been partially financed by INIA through subprojects C1 and C3 of Project RTA2010-00038-C03.Lerma Lerma, MD.; Raigón Jiménez, MD.; Fita, A.; Prohens Tomás, J.; Gisbert Domenech, MC.; Calatayud, A.; Rodríguez Burruezo, A. (2011). Effect of abiotic stresses on ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content in paprika (Capsicum annuum L.). Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca : Horticulture. 68(1):530-531. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/62875S53053168

Evaluación de la resistencia a Phytophthora capsici y Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica de tres portainjertos comerciales de pimiento

Los problemas que se plantean con Phytophthora capsici y Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica (Phytophthora parasitica) para su control, utilizando distintos procedimientos de desinfección del suelo, han motivado la evaluación de vías alternativas utilizando plantas injertadas sobre porta-injertos resistentes. Esta técnica goza de un éxito importante para el control de otros patógenos del suelo y es una técnica compatible con la producción ecológica. Por ejemplo, en el control del virus del cribado (MNSV) en melón y sandía o en el control de P. parasitica en tomate. Siguiendo esas orientaciones existen en el mercado, actualmente, patrones que se preconizan con resistencias a patógenos que, a veces, no están suficientemente evaluados. Este hecho ha motivado el trabajo que se resume en esta comunicación

Successful wide hybridization and introgression breeding in a diverse set of common peppers (Capsicum annuum) using different cultivated ají (C. baccatum) accessions as donor parents

[EN] Capsicum baccatum, commonly known as aji, has been reported as a source of variation for many different traits to improve common pepper (C. annuum), one of the most important vegetables in the world. However, strong interspecific hybridization barriers exist between them. A comparative study of two wide hybridization approaches for introgressing C. baccatum genes into C. annuum was performed: i) genetic bridge (GB) using C. chinense and C. frutescens as bridge species; and, ii) direct cross between C. annuum and C. baccatum combined with in vitro embryo rescue (ER). A diverse and representative collection of 18 accessions from four cultivated species of Capsicum was used, including C. annuum (12), C. baccatum (3), C. chinense (2), and C. frutescens (1). More than 5000 crosses were made and over 1000 embryos were rescued in the present study. C. chinense performed as a good bridge species between C. annuum and C. baccatum, with the best results being obtained with the cross combination [C. baccatum (female) x C. chinense (male)] (female) x C. annuum (male), while C. frutescens gave poor results as bridge species due to strong prezygotic and postzygotic barriers. Virus-like-syndrome or dwarfism was observed in F-1 hybrids when both C. chinense and C. frutescens were used as female parents. Regarding the ER strategy, the best response was found in C. annuum (female) x C. baccatum (male) crosses. First backcrosses to C. annuum (BC(1)s) were obtained according to the crossing scheme [C. annuum (female) x C. baccatum (male)] (female) x C. annuum (male) using ER. Advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are discussed in relation to their application to breeding programmes. These results provide breeders with useful practical information for the regular utilization of the C. baccatum gene pool in C. annuum breeding.Juan P. Manzur thanks Universitat Politecnica de Valencia for a research predoctoral grant (2011-S2-4264, programa para la formacion de personal investigador). Authors are grateful to Centro Inv. Agr. Mabegondo, S. Larregla from NEIKER, P.W. Bosland from NMSU and the Consejos Reguladores of IGP Pimiento Asado del Bierzo, DOP Pimenton de Murcia, and IGP Piquillo de Lodosa for providing us with seeds from Arnoia, Guindilla de Ibarra, Numex, Bierzo, Bola and Piquillo, respectively.Manzur Poblete, JPA.; Fita, A.; Prohens Tomás, J.; Rodríguez Burruezo, A. (2015). Successful wide hybridization and introgression breeding in a diverse set of common peppers (Capsicum annuum) using different cultivated ají (C. baccatum) accessions as donor parents. PLoS ONE. 10(12). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0144142Se0144142101

In vitro germination of immature embryos for accelerating generation advancement in peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

[EN] Capsicum peppers are one of the most important vegetables in the world and continuous breeding efforts are required to improve yield, resistances, or fruit traits. In this sense, breeding programs usually last many years because many generations each with several months are needed. Therefore, the isolation and in vitro germination of immature embryos might be helpful to shorten breeding cycles and accelerate breeding programs. Here, we evaluated the efficiency of this strategy in Capsicum annuum under both Autumn-Winter (AW) and Spring-Summer (SS) growing conditions. Five accessions, representing different varietal types, were included in this experiment and immature advanced embryos (torpedoearly cotyledonary) were used because of their high in vitro germination aptitude. Conventional breeding cycles (control) ranged between 148 and 184 days in AW and between 117 and 154 days in SS, indicating that no more than two generations per year are possible in peppers. By contrast, the in vitro strategy reduced the cycle length by 33-70 days in the AW season and by 13-56 days in the SS season, with California accessions showing the highest shortenings. These findings show that this strategy will allow Capsicum breeders to obtain three generations per year in California peppers, and up to four generations in cayenne peppers. Furthermore, compared to controls, in vitro-germinated plantlets showed the same high pollen fertility, and no deleterious effects were observed in their subsequent development (plant height and biomass). Therefore, these plants can be integrated safely in breeding programs. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Juan P. Manzur thanks Universitat Politecnica de Valencia for a research grant (2011-S2-4264, programa para la formacion de 209 personal investigador, FPI). Authors thank NEIKER and the Consejos Reguladores of D.O.P. Pimenton de Murcia and D.O.P. Pimiento del Piquillo de Lodosa for providing us with seeds of Guindilla de Ibarra, Bola and Piquillo, respectively. This work has been partially financed by INIA projects RTA2010-00038-C03-03 and RF2010-00025-00-00, FEDER funds.Manzur Poblete, JPA.; Oliva Alarcón, M.; Rodríguez Burruezo, A. (2014). In vitro germination of immature embryos for accelerating generation advancement in peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). Scientia Horticulturae. 170:203-210. doi:10.1016/j.scienta.2014.03.015S20321017