Changes in Germination Rate and Growth of CMV-Resistant GM Pepper and Non-GM Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) as Influenced by Overwintering Condition and Fruit Drying Method

Abstract

The effects of wintering conditions and drying methods on the germination rate of CMV-resistant peppers 'H-15', non-GM parental line 'P-2377' and commercial varieties were investigated. In the first year (2012), 'H-15' and 'P-2377' were overwintered for 4 months on the ground (1m height) and underground (10, 20, 30cm depth). Overwintered pepper fruits sown with black PE mulching in early April, both varieties germinated regardless of wintering treatment method. 'H-15' was grown and fruited in all treatments, but 'P-2377' was only fruited in overwintering treatments 20 to 30 cm underground. In the second year (2013) three varieties 'H-15', 'P-2377' and 'Buja' were treated in the overwintering as in 2012, and then sown without mulching. Germinated was achieved, but the weed density (152.6 plants/m 2 , Beckmacia syzigachne 94.6%) was high, so the seedling growth was very poor and no fruiting. The effect of drying methods (2 weeks of sun drying; dry-heat treatments at 50, 60, 70°C during 48 hours) on the germination rate of 4 varieties ('H-15', 'P-2377', 'Shingang' and 'Manita') was investigated in 2013. In the case of seeding immediately after drying treatment, all four varieties germinated in 50°C drying treatment, 'H-15' and 'Shingang' did not germinated at 60°C, and all varieties did not germinated in 70°C treatment. After drying treatment, it was stored at room temperature for 1 year, and a germination test (2014) was conducted. As a result, germination rated was low, but the trend was similar to that in 2013. Even if the color of dried peppers gets worse, it is believed that drying at 70°C before distribution can completely eliminate the germination rate of GM seeds and prevent environmental pollution.