Preface

Over the centuries, *Capsicum*s have been cultivated and transformed into various shapes, sizes, and flavors and have become essential ingredients in diverse cuisines, supplements, and functional foods. The economic potential of *Capsicum* makes it a valuable crop in many parts of the world.

Chapter 1, "Genetics and Genomics of Capsicum: Valuable Resources for Capsicum Development" by Nkwiza M. Nankolongo, Orlex Baylen Yllano, Leilani D. Arce, John Neil V. Vegafria, Ephraim A. Evangelista, Ferdinand A. Esplana, Harris Lester R. Catolico, Merbeth Christine L. Pedro, and Edgar E. Tubilag, provides valuable perspectives on *Capsicum's* biology and horticultural characteristics, genetic resources, genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, ploidy levels, chromosome structures, genome organization, important genes, and their applications. The study of *Capsicum* genetics and genomics is critical for this crop's continued improvement and sustainability.

In recent years, Padron peppers have attracted the attention of *Capsicum* enthusiasts worldwide due to their unique texture and flavor. Chapter 2, "Padrón Peppers, Some Are Hot, Some Are Not" by José Díaz, Raquel Núñez-Fernández, and Javier Veloso, highlights capsaicinoids' expression, biosynthesis, metabolic pathways, and homeostasis. These pathways are modulated by different factors, namely, plant hormones, transcription factors, ontogeny, and the environment, including both abiotic and biotic agents.

The discovery and elucidation of bioactive compounds in peppers have paved the way for advancing new therapeutics and functional food. Chapter 3, "Pharmacological Properties and Health Benefits of *Capsicum* Species: A Comprehensive Review" by Kalaiyarasi Dhamodharan, Manobharathi Vengaimaran, and Mirunalini Sankaran, emphasizes *Capsicum's* essential constituents and bioactive compounds. This chapter highlights the pharmacological uses and potential health benefits of *Capsicum* species and their active compounds in diverse aspects.

Like any other plant, *Capsicum* is the target of pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Among the destructive pathogens of *Capsicum* is *Phytophthora capsici*, which can cause significant damage to the crop and reduce productivity. Chapter 4, "*Phytophthora capsici* on *Capsicum* Plants: A Destructive Pathogen in Chili and Pepper Crops" by Anthony A. Moreira-Morrillo, Álvaro Monteros-Altamirano, Ailton Reis, and Felipe R. Garcés-Fiallos, addresses the etiology, symptomatology, occurrence, cycle, and management of disease caused by *P. capsici*.

Pest management in *Capsicum* production is crucial to maintaining high crop yields and quality. Chapter 5, "Major Pests and Updates on Pest Management Strategies in the Sweet Pepper (*Capsicum annuum*)" by Aman Dekebo Aman, dissects the sustainable and alternative pest management strategies to control pests of sweet pepper. These strategies include intercropping sweet pepper with plants against pests, oviposition

deterrents, natural enemy release, use of resistant cultivars, and eliciting plant defenses as environmentally friendly control methods.

With the proliferation of pests that target the different *Capsicum* species and the impact of climate change, efficient and sustainable breeding strategies must be a priority. Chapter 6, "Capsicum: A Breeding Prospects and Perspectives for Higher Productivity" by Dalasanuru Chandregowda Manjunathagowda, Raman Selvakumar, and Praveen Kumar Singh, examines the *Capsicum* breeding programs, which aim to improve yield, biotic, abiotic resistance, and nutritional quality. The chapter elucidates the recent breakthroughs in *Capsicum* breeding and the role of classical selection and hybridization procedures coupled with molecular and genetic technology in establishing a more robust *Capsicum* breeding program.

Postharvest management of peppers is a critical step in ensuring the quality of the produce. Peppers are highly perishable and susceptible to damage during harvesting, handling, and storage, resulting in significant yield, quality, and market losses. To minimize huge postharvest losses, there must be efficient postharvest handling, processing, and preservation methods compatible with the socioeconomic and cultural practices of the producers. Chapter 7, "Postharvest Handling Methods, Processes, and Practices for Pepper" by Oluyinka Adewoyin, discusses postharvest methods to enhance the adequate supply of pepper fruits and stabilize their price for the benefit of both producers and consumers.

The information discussed in this book is indispensable in *Capsicum* frontier research, breeding, development, management, and utilization of this economically important and highly regarded crop worldwide. Join us on a journey through the latest trends and perspectives in *Capsicum* and discover what this history-rich and valuable crop has to offer.

I would like to relay my sincere gratitude to all the authors for sharing their valuable works. I hope this book will inspire readers to explore *Capsicum* as a promising crop that offers many potential benefits.

[Medical Disclaimer: The information in this book should not be used in place of expert medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.]

**Dr. Orlex Baylen Yllano**

**Chapter 1**

**Abstract**

crop worldwide.

**1. Introduction**

Genetics and Genomics of

Capsicum Development

*Neil John V. Vegafria, Ephraim A. Evangelista,* 

*Ferdinand A. Esplana, Lester Harris R. Catolico,* 

*Merbeth Christine L. Pedro and Edgar E. Tubilag*

Capsicum: Valuable Resources for

*Nkwiza M. Nankolongo, Orlex Baylen Yllano, Leilani D. Arce,* 

*Capsicum* is a genetically diverse eudicot, diploid, and self-pollinating plant that grows well in slightly warmer environments. This crop is popular in different areas of the world due to its medicinal properties and economic potential. This chapter evaluated and analyzed the *Capsicum's* biology and horticultural characteristics, genetic resources, genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, ploidy levels, chromosome structures, genome organization, important genes, and their applications. This chapter is indispensable in *Capsicum* frontier research, breeding, development, management, and utilization of this economically important and highly regarded

**Keywords:** *Capsicum*, genetic diversity, genome, chromosomes, ploidy levels

*Capsicum* is an economic crop cultivated worldwide for spice in a wide array of cuisines, ornamental plants, source of vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds, biopesticides, components of cosmetics, and other indigenous, medicinal, and industrial uses. The popularity of *Capsicum* caught the attention of breeders,

researchers, and enthusiasts to propagate and develop this wonder crop. The number of *Capsicum* cultivars and taxonomic varieties is increasing [1, 2]; however, the genus *Capsicum* has five domesticated species and around 25 identified species [3]. These five *Capsicum* taxa (*C. annum, C. baccatum*, *C. chinense*, *C frutescens,* and *C. pubescens*) can be differentiated through their morphological characteristics like bloom and seed color, calyx form, number of flowers per node, and flower orientation [1, 3, 4]. Interestingly, *C. annum* is considered to have been domesticated from *C. annum* populations in the wild, while *Annum glabriusculum* in Mexico was derived from

many geographically distinct wild populations [3].

Professor and Chair, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Adventist University of the Philippines, Puting Kahoy, Silang, Cavite, Philippines
