History

The Capsicum research was initiated at UENF in 1998, with the beginning of a gene bank collection from fruits and seeds gathered in local fairs and markets in the Rio de Janeiro state. Since then, the accessions are being characterized and evaluated using different descriptors and data analysis techniques.

Some genes for resistance to plant diseases caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses have been identified and these genes are being used in breeding programs conducted at the Plant Breeding Department.

Active principles isolated from plants of the collection have been tested against fungi and bacteria of medical and veterinary interest and presented remarkable potential in controlling the growth of these microorganisms.

In 2010, with support from FAPERJ through the Biota-FAPERJ grant, it was established a research network in Capsicum, which includes professors from three centers and five laboratories of UENF.

The network has been developing research in breeding, botany, biochemistry and chemistry, among others fields.

Several undergraduate and graduate students, and also pos-doc researchers have received training and participated in the activities of the Capsicum research network. In particular, the following Postgraduate Programmes are involved with the research network through dissertations and theses supervised under the Program:

Genetics and Plant Breeding

Bioscience and Biotechnology

Crop Science

Animal Science

In 2011, the network has expanded, with the support of FAPERJ and now 10 professors from two Universities, UENF and UFRRJ, are involved in this research network.