**Chapter 7 107**

Postharvest Handling Methods, Processes and Practices for Pepper *by Oluyinka Adewoyin, Amos Famaye, Rufus Ipinmoroti, Adebayo Ibidapo and Folasayo Fayose*

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

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

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

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 man-

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

valuable crop in many parts of the world.

and their active compounds in diverse aspects.

agement of disease caused by *P. capsici*.

agents.
