Genetic Improvement for Disease-Resistant Chili Peppers

2023

The World Vegetable Center (W.V.C.) in Taiwan holds the largest public collection of vegetable germplasm, including a remarkable variety of chili peppers. As environmental shifts, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, threaten the world's supply of fruits and vegetables, the preservation of chili pepper varieties becomes crucial.

In the late 1990s, Susan Lin, a plant researcher at the W.V.C., attempted to cross-pollinate chili peppers to create a strain resistant to anthracnose, a devastating fungal infection. After years of experimentation, they managed to breed a cayenne-like pepper with resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew. However, the experiment also revealed that the resilience of crops can be a moving target, as pathogens can mutate and overcome previously resistant traits.

Chili peppers are a significant part of global cuisine, and the majority of the peppers we consume today were bred from just five species. As climate change intensifies, diseases like anthracnose are expected to spread, putting the world's pepper production at risk. The W.V.C.'s efforts to breed resilient varieties are essential for combating these challenges.

The W.V.C. serves as a global hub for research and breeding of vegetables, particularly peppers, that are resistant to climate change, pests, and diseases. With its strategic location in Asia, the center is well-positioned to cater to its primary clientele in India, where over half a million farmers grow peppers and tomatoes developed by the center.

Taiwan's lack of chili pepper culture has the unexpected benefit of protecting the experimental crops from pathogens endemic in other regions. This isolated environment allows researchers to study peppers without facing the same intense disease pressure.

The quest for resilient chili peppers, however, is an ongoing challenge, as new diseases and environmental shifts require continuous adaptation. The importance of genetic improvement in breeding disease-resistant varieties becomes evident, as it is the most economical and sustainable intervention for farmers. The center has been working on developing chili peppers resistant to anthracnose, which has already shown promise in several Asian countries.

Despite the challenges, nature also surprises researchers. In 1999, Susan Lin stumbled upon a unique and resilient chili pepper in the fields. Known as "Susan's Joy," this pepper has since been grown worldwide for its tall growth, abundant fruit production, and disease resistance.

As chili peppers face increasing threats from environmental changes and diseases, the work of the W.V.C. is essential in preserving and breeding resilient varieties that can ensure the continued supply of this important food source for global populations.