Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 2
Written by Ovidia Loredana AGAPIE, Elena BARCANU TUDOR, Ion GHERASE, Eliza TEODORESCU
This study, conducted in 2023 and 2024, explored the phenotypic diversity of five Romanian pepper cultivars from VRDS Buzău (Roial, Decebal, Cantemir, Regal, L-50), focusing on fruit quality traits and yield. Fruit quality was assessed by analyzing dry matter content, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene, and β-carotene at different ripening stages. Results showed a significant increase in bioactive compounds at full ripeness. L-50 exhibited the highest total soluble solids (9.53°Brix) and β-carotene (8.71 mg·100 g-1 F.W.) levels, making it nutritionally valuable. Roial stood out for its high vitamin C content (232.8 mg·100 g-1 F.W.), while Cantemir demonstrated superior firmness (11.42 N), enhancing post-harvest durability. All genotypes exhibited antioxidant properties, suggesting their potential contribution to functional foods These findings highlight the diversity and nutritional attributes of the studied Romanian pepper cultivars, though further research is needed to confirm their broader applicability.
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