Elizabeth Fernandez-Huaytalla

Given their ability to attack and eliminate insects that impact various ecosystems, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are considered effective biological pest control agents. However, there are few studies focused on their identification or their association with forest species such as the carob tree. The objective of the present study was to isolate and molecularly identify entomopathogenic nematodes from carob tree (Neltuma spp.) forests in Tumbes, Peru. One-kilogram soil samples were collected from ten localities located across four districts in the Tumbes region. In each soil sample, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus 1758 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae were exposed as bait for the detection and isolation of EPNs. Exposure times were controlled at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 84-96 hours. The isolated nematodes were morphologically characterized, and their genomic DNA was extracted. The 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene was amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Six of the ten evaluated soils showed G. mellonella infection, with a positive correlation between exposure time and infection rate. However, due to marked infectivity divergences (where samples 02 and 06 exhibited the highest percentages), three representative strains were selectively isolated from soil samples 02, 05, and 06. Subsequent morphological characterization and molecular identification determined their taxonomic identity as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Heterorhabditis indica. This finding represents the first report of EPNs associated with carob tree plantations in northern Peru and highlights their pathogenic potential against insect larvae. It is recommended that the nematodes identified at the species level be considered in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

This study characterized 58 Phaseolus spp. accessions conserved in the INIA–Amazonas Germplasm Bank (Peru) using an integrated agromorphological, physicochemical, and microstructural approach. Significant variability was observed among vegetative, reproductive, and seed-related traits, reflecting the broad phenotypic diversity of Andean germplasm. Cluster analysis identified groups with contrasting agronomic characteristics, particularly regarding plant height, number of pods per plant, and seed weight. Physicochemical analyses revealed significant differences in colorimetric parameters, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity among accessions. Darker-seeded accessions generally exhibited higher phenolic contents and greater antioxidant capacity. In addition, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, rheological analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed differences in molecular composition, starch functionality, and granule morphology among accessions. Overall, the evaluated germplasm exhibited substantial phenotypic and biochemical diversity, underscoring its potential value for breeding programs and food-related applications. These findings contribute to the conservation, sustainable utilization, and valorization of native bean genetic resources.

This study characterized 58 Phaseolus spp. accessions conserved in the INIA–Amazonas Germplasm Bank (Peru) through agromorphological, physicochemical, and microstructural analyses. Significant variability was observed among vegetative, reproductive, and seed-related traits, reflecting the broad phenotypic diversity present in Andean germplasm. Cluster analysis identified groups with contrasting agronomic characteristics, particularly in plant height, number of pods per plant, and seed weight. Physicochemical analyses revealed significant differences in colorimetric parameters, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. Darker seed accessions generally exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. FTIR, rheological, and SEM analyses also suggested differences in molecular composition, starch functionality, and granule morphology among accessions. Overall, the evaluated germplasm showed substantial phenotypic and biochemical diversity, highlighting its potential usefulness for breeding and food-related applications. These findings contribute to the conservation and sustainable utilization of native bean genetic resources.

Capsicum pubescens (rocoto) is an Andean domesticate with notable agronomic and nutraceutical potential, yet it remains underrepresented in chili pepper breeding programs. In this study, 78 accessions from the Peruvian Andes were evaluated in a single field environment during the 2024 growing season for 28 variables spanning plant architecture, phenology and yield, color (CIELAB), weight, fruit morphology, physicochemical variables, and functional phytochemicals, including total phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, capsaicinoids, and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS). Descriptive analyses revealed broad phenotypic diversity in key variables such as yield and bioactive compounds. Spearman correlations uncovered a clear modular structure, with strong within-domain associations across morphological, chromatic, and biochemical variables, and statistically significant but low-magnitude cross-domain associations (e.g., fruit length with pungency, redness with total phenolics). Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering resolved three differentiated phenotypic profiles: (i) low-pungency accessions with high soluble solids and varied fruit colors; (ii) highly pungent materials with elevated antioxidant capacity; and (iii) large, red-fruited accessions with considerable carotenoid content and high moisture. This multivariate architecture revealed weak cross-block correlations among agronomic, color, and functional traits, enabling selection of promising accessions combining desirable agronomic attributes and favorable bioactive profiles in specific accessions. These results provide a quantitative foundation for future breeding strategies in C. pubescens, opening concrete opportunities to develop improved cultivars that simultaneously meet productivity and functional quality criteria.

Bacterial wilt, caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC), severely affects many important crops and significantly limits potato production worldwide. RSSC bacteria can regulate the expression of their virulence factors, including extracellular polysaccharides and endoglucanases, through quorum sensing, which enables bacteria to sense their population density through signaling molecules and collectively switch on virulence factors when a threshold density is reached. 3-hydroxy palmitic acid methyl ester is the main quorum-sensing molecule in RSSC that can be hydrolyzed by β-hydroxypalmytate methyl ester hydrolase (βHPMEH). In this study, we evaluated the ability of β hpmeh transgenic potato (Desiree) plants to reduce bacterial wilt symptoms after artificial inoculation with two virulent RSSC strains under controlled conditions and related this to the expression of the β hpmeh gene. For each transgenic event, we analyzed the phenotypic response (wilt incidence, latent infection, and area under the disease progress curve). Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to determine the relative expression levels of β hpmeh in transgenic events. Several transgenic events were identified with reduced susceptibility to bacterial wilt compared to Desiree and a resistance level similar to or higher than that of potato variety Cruza 148, the most resistant variety available, which was positively correlated with β hpmeh expression.

Mineral composition modulates plant health, agro-morphological attributes, and functional quality in coffee, yet large-scale evaluations remain limited. In 150 Coffea arabica L. accessions, we quantified grain minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn); resistance to coffee leaf miner (CLM), coffee berry borer (CBB), and coffee leaf rust (CLR); agro-morphological traits; bioactive compounds (phenolics, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, trigonelline, caffeine); and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP). Mn and Zn were associated with greater resistance to CBB and CLM, whereas P and Ca related with lower susceptibility to CLR; a P–Zn antagonism emerged as a critical nutritional axis. Phosphorus was linked to larger size and higher 100-bean mass; Ca and Mg to greater fruit number and fruit mass per plant; and Fe to improved filling and higher 100-bean mass in parchment coffee. For bioactive compounds, P and K were positively associated with total phenolics, total flavonoids, caffeine, and ABTS/FRAP antioxidant activity, while trigonelline and chlorogenic acid correlated positively with the micronutrients Zn, Cu, and Fe. Cluster analysis resolved groups associated with resistance, Zn/Fe biofortification, productivity, and functional quality. PER1002287, PER1002216, PER1002207, and PER1002197 emerged as promising accessions balancing plant health, yield, and phytochemical quality. Overall, grain mineral composition is linked to plant health, productivity, and functional quality in coffee, providing a foundation for precision nutrient management and breeding programs aimed at resilient and high–value-added coffee.

Grapevines face the dual challenge of sustaining yield and fruit quality under arid and increasingly variable environmental conditions. This study characterized the phenotypic variability and multi-year stability of 49 grapevine (Vitis spp.) accessions conserved in the Chincha germplasm bank over three consecutive growing seasons, with the aim of identifying promising material for table grape, pisco (a traditional grape-based distilled spirit from Peru), and wine production. Morphological traits (cluster weight, berry weight and dimensions), colorimetric parameters (CIELAB), and physicochemical attributes (moisture, dry matter, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, maturity index, and reducing sugars) were evaluated. Multivariate analyses (PCA, hierarchical clustering), genotype × environment interaction models (AMMI and GGE), stability indices (ASV and WAASBY), and assessments of interannual stability were applied, together with a multi-criteria selection index tailored to the intended end use. The results revealed two contrasting phenotypic profiles: one characterized by high berry volume/weight and elevated water content and another with smaller berries but higher dry matter, sugars, balanced acidity, and superior maturity indices. Genotypic effects were predominant for size-related traits such as berry weight, whereas titratable acidity and reducing sugars exhibited a more pronounced genotype × year interaction, supporting the use of AMMI models and the WAASBY index to select genotypes that are both productive and stable. The ranking identified accessions PER1002061, PER1002062, and PER1002168 as outstanding candidates for table grape production; PER1002076, PER1002097, and PER1002156 for pisco; and PER1002122, PER1002131, PER1002135, and PER1002098 as accessions with high oenological potential. Overall, these findings highlight the value and diversity of Peruvian grapevine germplasm and provide a foundation for breeding programs targeting varieties adapted to specific market niches, including table grape, wine, and pisco.

Coffee quality arises from the interaction among genotype, environment, and postharvest management, yet few large-scale studies jointly integrate agronomic, phytochemical, and processing traits. We characterized 150 Coffea arabica L. accessions from six Peruvian regions, evaluated in the INIA coffee germplasm collection, quantifying agro-morphological traits, colorimetric parameters in cherries and beans, fermentation indicators, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity. Correlation analyses showed that total phenolics (TPCs) and total flavonoids (TFCs) were strongly associated with antioxidant activity, whereas caffeine content (CAF) varied, largely independently. Several chromatic parameters in parchment and green coffee (a*, b*, C*) showed positive correlations with phenolic content and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), while final fermentation pH (FPH) was negatively associated with these compounds, supporting both color metrics and pH as operational indicators of chemical quality. Principal component analysis disentangled a morphometric gradient from a functional (phenolic–antioxidant) gradient, indicating that bean size and antioxidant potential can be improved in a semi-independent manner. Hierarchical clustering identified complementary ideotypes, and a multi-trait selection index highlighted promising accessions—PER1002197 (Cajamarca), PER1002222 (Cajamarca), PER1002288 (Pasco), and PER1002184 (Cajamarca)—that combine high phenolic/antioxidant levels, favorable chlorogenic acid (CGA)/trigonelline (TGN) profiles, contrasting (high/low) caffeine, and competitive yield (YPP)/bean size. These accessions represent promising candidates for breeding climate-smart and nutraceutical-oriented coffee.

Cacao is a strategic crop in Peru due to its significant socioeconomic impact, driving extensive efforts to collect, characterize, and conserve its genetic diversity. This study aimed to establish phenotypic criteria to differentiate and structure the Cacao Amazonas Perú (CAP) germplasm, thereby providing a foundation for selection and breeding programs. A total of 113 accessions from the INIA Germplasm Bank were evaluated over two consecutive growing seasons using 33 quantitative and 18 qualitative agromorphological descriptors. Data were analyzed through univariate and multivariate approaches. The results revealed substantial phenotypic variability, with coefficients of variation reaching up to 37.5% for fruit-related quantitative traits, all exhibiting high heritability values (>60%). Principal component analysis indicated that the first two components explained 29.3% of the total variance, primarily influenced by fruit and seed descriptors. Hierarchical clustering analysis identified eight phenotypic groups; one cluster exhibited high seed mass and a favorable pod index (17.63), while another showed the highest seed index (1.55 g) and the greatest intragroup distance (7.54). This comprehensive characterization highlights accessions with superior agronomic and bioactive potential, providing a robust framework for parental selection, core collection development, and targeted breeding strategies to enhance cacao competitiveness and resilience under changing climatic conditions.

Cacao represents a crop of strategic importance for Peru due to its socioeconomic value, which has driven initiatives for the collection, characterization, and conservation of its genetic diversity, with a view to the future development of elite plants. As part of these efforts, a collection of 113 accessions was established, with agromorphological data were recorded over two consecutive growing seasons, comprising 33 quantitative and 18 qualitative descriptors. These data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical approaches, as well as Bayesian inference models. The results revealed broad phenotypic diversity, with significant variation in quantitative fruit and seed descriptors (CV = 37.51%), which was accompanied by high heritability values (> 60%) and considerable genetic advance (> 20%). Furthermore, eight phenotypic groups were identified, with Cluster II distinguished by its oblong fruits and higher pod index, and Cluster III by superior seed traits, including a greater number of fully developed seeds per fruit and an outstanding seed index (> 1.3 g). This comprehensive characterization enables the identification of accessions with promising agronomic traits and high bioactive potential, supported by phytochemical analyses using HPLC and FTIR. These findings provide a robust scientific foundation for breeding programs focused on developing more competitive and sustainable cacao production.