New Crop Opportunities Center Bell and Specialty Pepper Evaluations for Bacterial Spot Resistance , Yield , and Quality

After completing a three-year (1995-97) evaluation of bell pepper cultivars under induced bacterial spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria or Xcv) and bacterial spot-free environments, we began a new series of trials in 2000 to compare new cultivars with previously recommended cultivars that were either highly resistant (‘Boynton Bell’) and/or that had very attractive fruits (‘X3R Wizard’). While spot resistant pepper cultivars with the Bs2 gene (resistance to Xcv races 1, 2, and 3) gained widespread acceptance in the state, a number of new resistant cultivars had been released since 1997. In addition to bells, we also wanted to screen a large number of hot and specialty peppers, some of which also carry the Bs2 gene. Out-of-state buyers have expressed a strong interest in sourcing hot and specialty peppers from Kentucky. Bell varieties were tested again in replicated trials at two locations again in 2001 while hot and specialty peppers were observed for a second year in non-replicated ‘RACE’ trials at the same locations.