Published 2009-12-01
Abstract
Cultivars and experimental hybrids of bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L) were transplanted in commercial pepper fields over two growing seasons in several locations in southern Florida to evaluate horticultural characteristics and resistance to bacterial spot of peppers caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (formerly Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria and Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria). Cultivars tested included standard commercial varieties with race 1,2,3 bacterial spot resistance as well as newer cultivars and lines that incorporated additional resistance to bacterial spot races 4 and 5. Marketable yield varied widely but little significant difference was detected between cultivars. A number of entries had an overall pepper disease ratings >20% but were statistically similar in marketable yields as the top producing entries. In seasons with high infection rates in the field, resistance to bacterial spot tended to be correlated with yield and quality measurements. The most resistant lines with disease ratings of <3% were ‘7558’, ‘7141’, and ‘8302’ from Seminis and ‘Revolution’ from Harris Moran.