Symptoms of and variety reaction to green pitting, a non-pathological disorder of red bell peppers in Queensland

Abstract

Symptoms of this disorder of Capsicum annuum var. grossum and their association with high Ca levels are described. When 11 cvs. were planted in the field in the Granite Belt, southern Qd., pits/fruit varied from nil in several cvs. to 22 in Yolo Wonder. Among fruits of the major commercial cvs. Green Giant and Yolo Wonder, 16% and 26%, respectively, were graded unmarketable, with > 6-8 pits/fruit. No major correlation existed between incidence of pitting and measured fruit traits. The number of pits/fruit decreased markedly on the 3rd or 4th weekly harvest. Some implications for breeding are discussed.