PREHARVEST ABIOTIC CONDITIONS ON THE ACCUMULATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITIES OF SWEET BELL PEPPER (Capsicum annum L) CULTIVARS IN THE LOW AND HIGH VELD REGIONS OF ZIMBABWE

Abstract

Abiotic factors coupled with varietal differences have a special bearing on the synthesis of bioactive compounds and enhancement of antioxidant capacities of sweet bell pepper. The aim of the present study was to characterize the content of bioactive compounds (lycopene, vitamin C, β-carotenes, total phenols, and the antioxidant activity of sweet bell pepper (Capsicum annum L) grown under different Agro climatic regions with different environmental conditions, the Eastern Highlands (High veld region) and the Save Valley (low veld region). The results from the study showed statistical differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the different growing locations with regard to the bioactive compounds which were identified and quantified. Capsicum annum var. Lafayette presented the highest concentration of vitamin C content, lycopene content and total phenols as well as the greatest antioxidant activity in the high veld region. In addition, the results indicated that low temperatures favour in vivo biosynthesis of bioactive compounds and enhances antioxidant capacities of sweet bell pepper.