Combining Transcriptomics and Metabolomics to Uncover the Effects of High-Energy Lithium-Ion Beam Irradiation on Capsicum annuum L.

Hot pepper(Capsicum annuum L.)is consumed as one of the oldest domesticated crops all over the world.Although mutation breeding using radiation has been performed in hot peppers,little is known about the comparative analysis of mutagenic effects at the molecular level by ion beam irradiation.To comprehend the response mechanism of hot pepper to the ion beam,we used a mutant with favorable economic characteristics induced by lithium-ion beam irradiation to investigate the biological effects.The results indicated that the lithium-ion beam had a positive effect on important agronomic traits,particularly yield unit,but had a negligible effect on the photosynthetic rate of hot pepper,with a specific influence on chlorophyll b rather than chlorophyll a.By RNA-Seq analysis,671 up-regulated and 376 down-regulated genes were identified as differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between irradiated and unirradiated hot pepper.Based on GO and KEGG network analysis,the auxin metabolic process was the common pathway in these two networks.A total of 118 potential reactive oxygen species(ROS)scavenging genes and 262 signal transduction genes were identified,suggesting a balance between antioxidant enzymes and enhanced ROS transduction.The amounts of 15 metabolite,involved in GABA pathways,secondary metabolism,carbohydrate metabolism,shikimate pathways,TCA cycles,nitrogen metabolism,glycerol metabolism and acetate pathways,were significantly changed in the ion beam irradiated sample.These results highlighted that the enriched pathways could play important roles in response to ion beam irradiation in hot pepper plants.In summary,these data provide valuable information for future research on ion beam irradiation and genomic studies in hot pepper.

五彩椒(Capsicum annuum L.)的组织培养研究

以抗寒性较强的五彩樱桃椒为试验材料,对观赏椒的组织培养进行了研究。试验表明,最佳外植体为茎尖,茎尖的最佳消毒时间为3min;最佳诱导培养基为MS+6-BA5mg·L-1+NAA1mg·L-1;最佳分化培养基为MS+6-BA5mg·L-1+NAA0.1mg·L-1,最佳生根培养基为1/2MS+IBA0.25mg·L-1。

Construction of Mutant Population and Analysis of Dwarf Mutants in "6421"(Capsicum annuum L.)through EMS Mutagenesis

[Objective] The aim was to improve the genetic property of peppers, the mutant population of Capsicum annuum L cultivar ＂6421＂ was constructed. [Method] The seeds of ＂6421＂ were treated with 0.2% to 1.2% ethyl methane sulfonate to identified LD50, and then 10 000 LD^o of treated seeds were sowed to construct mutant population. The agronomic characters and genetic regularity of dwarf mutants in M4 generation were analyzed. [Result] Our results showed that GR and SSR were 45.2% and 40.2% respectively at 1.0% EMS, close to LD50, with GI （17.6） and seed Ⅵ （19.7） being half of that of control; 562 M4 mutants were identified in 2015, and the mutation could be characterized according 11 major categories and 32 subcategories; Simultaneously, we found that plant height, plant width, diameter of mainstem, length of main-stem, the number of main-stem nodes and branch of lines E29, E58, E142 and E312 were all significantly different from that of the control. The mutation of lines E29, E58 and E312 was all controlled by a single recessive gene. [Conclusionl The study first created a pepper mutant population, which provides not only the germplasm resources for further breeding but also direct and effective materials for genomic study of the pepper.

Effect of Different Culture Conditions on Sporulation Quantity of Phytophthora capsici in Capsicum annuum L. var. dactylus M. in Xunhua

[Objective] The paper was to explore the effect of different culture conditions on sporulation quantity of Phytophthora capsici in Capsicum annuum L.var.dactylus M.in Xunhua.[Method] The effects of light hours,pH,medium and temperature on sporulation quantity during isolation and culture process of P.capsici were studied.[Result] The sporulation quantity of P.capsici under the conditions of 24 h/day light,pH 7.0,potato medium（PSA） and 30 ℃ was the largest,and pH,basal medium and temperature had greater impact on sporulation quantity.[Conclusion]The study laid foundation for the study on natural incidence condition of C.annuum in Xunhua.

几丁质和flg22诱导的辣椒幼苗先天免疫生理响应特征

【目的】为明确几丁质和鞭毛蛋白衍生肽flg22诱导的辣椒幼苗先天免疫生理响应特征,探讨辣椒先天免疫生理响应与辣椒抗多种病害的关系。【方法】以5个四川本地辣椒品种幼苗为试材,鉴定它们对青枯病和疫病病情指数和抗性水平,采用水培法培育幼苗并进行外源几丁质和flg22处理,检测各品种不同诱导时间下幼苗根系生长、气孔孔径、胼胝质沉积、活性氧(ROS)积累和SOD、CAT活性,以及先天免疫相关基因表达量的变化,综合评价其生理响应及其与抗病性关系。【结果】(1)各品种幼苗青枯病和疫病病情指数以‘川腾10号’最低,抗病性最强,以‘本地条椒’最高,抗病性最弱。(2)外源几丁质和flg22抑制了各品种幼苗根系生长速率,诱导离体叶片气孔闭合,促进叶片细胞壁胼胝质沉积加厚,ROS含量持续增加,SOD和CAT活性不断提高。各品种幼苗先天免疫生理响应指标的平均隶属函数值以‘川腾10号’最高,‘本地条椒’最低,并且平均隶属函数值与疫病、青枯病病情指数均具有显著负相关性。(3)外源flg22和几丁质诱导‘川腾10号’幼苗先天免疫相关基因CaWRKY22、CaMAPK7和ChiIV3显著上调表达。【结论】外源flg22和几丁质可诱导辣椒幼苗先天免疫生理响应,且响应程度强弱在品种间存在差异,依据生理响应指标通过隶属函数可综合评价辣椒品种的抗病水平;‘川腾10号’的平均隶属函数值最高,多抗性水平最好,这与其先天免疫相关基因CaWRKY22、CaMAPK7和ChiIV3的显著上调表达有关。

辣椒EIL基因家族的鉴定及其在盐碱胁迫下的表达分析

EIL(Ethylene-insensitive 3-like)基因在参与植物乙烯信号通路的转导和生长发育过程中发挥着重要作用。为了解辣椒EIL基因家族成员信息,利用生物信息学手段对辣椒EIL基因家族成员的理化性质、蛋白质结构、系统进化、基因结构、保守域、启动子顺式作用元件及CaEILs基因在不同组织部位和不同非生物胁迫条件下的表达模式进行分析。同时使用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)对辣椒叶片中CaEILs在盐碱胁迫下的表达模式进行研究。结果表明,辣椒9个CaEILs分布在6条染色体上,氨基酸数目、蛋白质理论分子质量和脂肪系数分别介于209~677、23.77~76.07 ku和63.10~87.75,且主要为酸性、亲水的不稳定性核蛋白。系统进化分析显示,CaEILs被分成了4个亚家组,9个CaEILs在根、茎、叶、花蕾、花中具有不同程度的表达,而低温、高温、高盐、干旱胁迫下均能诱导CaEILs的表达,其对以上非生物胁迫均具有不同程度的响应。此外,利用qRT-PCR对盐碱胁迫下辣椒叶片中CaEILs进行了检测,结果发现,随着处理时间的延长,CaEIL1、CaEIL2、CaEIL4、CaEIL5、CaEIL8的表达量整体呈上升趋势,而CaEIL3、CaEIL6、CaEIL7、CaEIL9的表达量整体呈下降趋势。

Residue Dynamics of Mancozeb in Capsicum annuum Linn and Soil

[ Objective ] The paper was to study the residue dynamics of mancozeb in Capsicum annuum Linn and soil. [ Method ] Field spraying test and indoor analysis were carried out in three places of Changsha, Guangzhou and Beijing City during 2008 -2009 to study the digestion dynamics and the final residue of man- cozeb in C. annuum and soil, and gas chromatography was used for quantitative analysis. [ Result]The average recovery rates of mancozeb in C. annuum and soil were 86.59%-93.03% and 92.57%-95.14%, respectively. Mancozeb had rapid digestion in C. annuum and soft with the half-life of 2.29 -4.65 and 4.01 - 4.65 d, respectively. When metalaxyl-M,mancozeb water dispersible granule was sprayed in C. annuum according to the recommend dose （ spraying for no more than three times with the spraying interval of 5 d）, the final residue of maneozeb in C. annuum collected in the third day after the last spraying was less than 2 mg/kg.

气孔在辣椒(Capsicum annuum L.)子叶和下胚轴上的动态变化

以辣椒幼苗(Capsicum annuum L.)为材料,研究了辣椒生长发育过程中子叶的上、下表皮和下胚轴上、下端1 cm处的气孔密度及表皮细胞密度的动态变化。结果表明:(1)辣椒的气孔由肾形保卫细胞组成,无副卫细胞;子叶的表皮细胞呈无规则形,下胚轴的表皮细胞呈长方形或椭圆形;(2)辣椒子叶上、下表皮的气孔密度和表皮细胞密度分别在辣椒种子出芽后第6天和第3天达到最大,之后随子叶的生长逐渐减小,下表皮的气孔密度和表皮细胞密度明显大于上表皮的;(3)辣椒下胚轴上、下端1 cm处的气孔密度随下胚轴的生长变化不明显,但是表皮细胞密度随下胚轴的生长逐渐减小,下胚轴上端的气孔密度和表皮细胞密度明显的大于下胚轴下端的。

基于加权关联网络分析的辣椒(Capsicum annuum L.)果实颜色转变相关基因的鉴定

辣椒属于茄科(Solanaceae)辣椒属(Capsicum L.)一年生或多年生植物,其播种面积和产值在中国均居蔬菜首位。果色是辣椒众多经济性状中最直观的性状之一,直接影响人们的购买选择。辣椒果色受多种因素调控,相关色素生物合成的分子调控还需进一步解析。本研究以果实发育过程中呈现5种颜色的辣椒种质HNCA0076为实验材料,进行了生理检测、转录组测序以及WGCNA分析。在果实5个不同颜色时期,叶绿素含量变化较大,类胡萝卜素含量整体呈现递增趋势,类黄酮含量无明显变化,花色苷含量在紫色果期后逐渐降低,橙色果期后又逐渐升高。RNA测序数据质量满足进一步分析要求。4个转色期的上调(下调)表达基因数分别为826(276)、390(588)、1248(1800)和1528(2485),随着果实的逐步发育,相邻比较组合中的差异基因的数量逐渐增加。差异表达基因经GO富集分析,主要集中在分子功能中的四吡咯结合、血红素结合、转移酶活性、氧化还原酶活性、铁离子结合和水解酶活性等过程;KEGG富集分析主要富集在类胡萝卜素生物合成、类黄酮生物合成和淀粉、蔗糖代谢等信号通路,其中类胡萝卜素代谢途径的3个基因在紫色时期向黄色时期的转变过程中表达上调,类黄酮代谢途径的11个基因在黄色时期向红色时期的转变过程中表达下调。4个对比组合差异基因分别注释到8877、8736、8689、8573个转录因子,共同注释到8049个转录因子,包括AP2、F-box、MYB和UDPGT等类型。利用非冗余的差异表达基因进行了加权关联网络分析,关联到4个与叶绿素、类胡萝卜素、花色苷、类黄酮含量相关的模块,进一步分析表明p450(LOC107859314)、Pkinase(LOC107839192、LOC107875415)、F-box(LOC107863894)和zf-MYND(LOC107852593)等29个转录因子可能参与辣椒果实转色的调控。本研究为进一步探索辣椒果实色素形成过程中的关键调控因子以及分析相关色素生物合成的调控提供了重要数据。

Responses of the Anthocyanin and Osmolyte Contents of the Capsicum annuum Cultivars Planted in Wenshan Prefecture of Yunnan Province to the Drought Stress Simulated by PEG-6000

[Objective] The aim of this study was to compare the drought resistance difference of the main Capsicum annuum cultivars planted in Wenshan Prefecture of Yunnan Province. [Method] The total anthocyanin, soluble sugar, soluble protein and free proline contents of the leaves of the five main C. annuum cultivars planted in Wenshan Prefecture, i.e., ZSZ75-1, ZSZ49-1-1, 12WS-18-1, 12ZH01 and ZS130, under the drought stress simulated by PEG-6000 were studied by using spectrophotometry, and the total osmoregulation abilities of the leaves were evaluated by using subordinate function. [Result] Under the drought stress simulated by PEG-6000, the total anthocyanin contents of the veins, mesophylls and whole leaves of the five cultivars were all as： ZSZ75-1〉ZSZ49-1-1〉12WS-18-1〉12ZH01〉ZS130, the soluble sugar contents as： 12ZH01 〉12WS-18-1 〉ZS130〉ZSZ49-1-1 〉ZSZ75-1, the soluble protein contents as： ZSZ75-1〉12ZH01〉ZSZ49-1-1〉12WS-18-1〉ZS130, and the free proline contents as： ZS130〉ZSZ75-1 〉12WS-18-1 〉ZSZ49-1-1 〉12ZH01. Furthermore, the differences among the total anthocyanin contents of the veins, mesophylls and whole leaves of the five cultivars all reached the extremely significant levels, whereas the differences among the contents of the soluble sugar, soluble protein and free proline did not reach the significant levels, the correlation degrees among the contents of the total anthocyanin, soluble sugar, soluble protein and free proline of different cultivars were also inconsistent, and the total osmoregulation abilities of the five cultivar leaves were as： ZSZ75-1 〉7SZ49-1-1 〉12WS-18-1 〉ZS130〉12ZH01. [Conclusion] The anthocyanin accumulation in the specific organs of the five C. annuum cultivars in Wenshan Prefecture is beneficial to the strengthening of the leaf osmoregulation abilities under drought stress, favoring the drought tolerance of the cultivars.

Cloning and characterization of CaGID1s and CaGAI in Capsicum annuum L.

Fruit set and development are affected by many phytohormones, including gibberellin. Little is known regarding molecular mechanism underlying gibberellin mediated fruit set and development especially in Capsicum. Three gibberellin recep- tors, CaGIDlb.1, CaGIDlb.2 and CaGIDlc, and a DELLA protein, CaGAI, have been identified in Capsicum annuum L. During the fruit development, the expression level of CaGIDlc was low, and the expression fold change is mild. However, CaGIDlb. 1 and CaGIDlb.2 were relatively higher and more acute, which indicates that CaGIDlb. 1 and CaGID1b.2 may play an important role in fruit pericarp, placenta and seed. Ectopic expressions of CaGIDlb. 1, CaGIDlb.2 and CaGIDlc in Arabidopsis double mutant gidla gidlc increased plant height, among which CaGIDlb.2 had the most significant effect; CaGAI reduced plant height in double mutant rga-24/gai-t6, having a similar function to AtGID1 and AtGAI in stem elon- gation. Yeast two-hybrid （Y2H） and bimolecular fluorescence complementation （BiFC） assays indicated that CaGIDlb.1 and CaGID1 b.2 interact with CaGAI in a GA-dependent manner, while CaGIDlc interacts with CaGAI in a GA-independent manner. Our study reveals the key elements during gibberellin signaling in Capsicum and supports the critical importance of gibberellin for Capsicum fruit set and development.

Combining Ability Analyses of Net Photosynthesis Rate in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

In perspective of breeding high-yield hybrid pepper varieties, combining ability analysis of net photosynthesis rate at different phases of flowering and fruit setting in pepper was made with 15 cross combinations from 6 parents by （1/2） n （n- 1） diallel crosses. There are relatively large differences not only in general combining ability （GCA） effect among different parents and at different phases of flowering and fruit setting, but also in specific combining ability （SCA） effect among different hybrids. There are relatively large GCA effects in late parents but relatively less GCA effects in early parents. No obvious laws have been found in the relationship between SCA effects and maturity of hybrids. Variances of SCA are larger than those of GCA. Heritability is less but influence of environment is larger. Correlation analysis of combining ability between net photosynthesis rate and agronomic character or resistances to main diseases has showed that correlation coefficients of GCA are relatively large at the medium phase and the late phase of flowering and fruit setting. Net photosynthesis rate is more relative to leaf characters and fruit characters. Correlation coefficients of SCA are relatively large at the early phase and the late phase of flowering and fruit setting. Net photosynthesis rate is more relative to leaf characters and plant characters at the early phase but to plant characters and fruit characters at the late phase. Correlation coefficients of SCA between net photosynthesis rate and resistances to main diseases are larger than those of GCA. The combining abilities of net photosynthesis rate at different phases of flowering and fruit setting are positively correlated with those of yield per plant. The combining ability is an important parameter of breeding of high photosynthesis hybrid pepper varieties.

Effect of continuous negative pressure water supply on the growth, development and physiological mechanism of Capsicum annuum L.

Effects of continuous negative pressure water supply on water consumption, growth and development, as well as physiological mechanism and quality of Capsicum annuum L. were investigated in this paper. Meanwhile, the optimal negative pressure water supply conditions for growth of C. annuum L. were screened out to achieve the goals of water conservation, high yield and high quality, thus providing theoretical foundation for its field production. The pot experiment within the greenhouse was utilized; the continuous negative pressure water supply was adopted; the four treatments, artificial watering（CK）, –5 k Pa（T1）, –10 k Pa（T2）, and –15 k Pa（T3） were set; and the daily water consumption, yield, as well as the biomass, nitrate reductase, root activity, vitamin C, capsaicin, and nutrient uptakes of nitrogen（N）, phosphorus（P） and potassium（K） during various stages of its growth were determined. Compared with CK, when the water supply pressure was controlled at –5 to –15 k Pa in the experiment, the total water consumption of C. annuum L. reduced by 53.42 to 67.75%, the total water consumption intensity reduced by 54.29 to 67.14%, and the water use efficiency increased by 12.66 to 124.67%. The N accumulation in a single strain of C. annuum L. from the color turning stage to the red ripe stage increased by 15.99 to 100.55%, respectively, compared with that of CK; the P accumulation increased by 20.47 to 154.00% relative to that of CK, and the K accumulation increased by 64.92 to 144.9% compared with that of CK. Compared with CK, C. annuum L. yield was remarkably improved by 13.79% at T1, and contents of vitamin C, capsaicin as well as carotenoids at all growth stages were enhanced by 13.42–147.01%, 11.54–71.01%, and 41.1–568.06%, respectively. Nitrate reductase activity, root activity and chlorophyll（a＋b） were markedly increased by 335.78–500%, 79.6–140.68% and 114.95–676.19%, respectively, from immature stage to full ripe stage. Adopting the continuous negative pressure water supply for C. annuum L. has a significant water-saving effect, and the water supply pressure being stable at –5 k Pa contributes to its growth and development, improves yield, enhances root activity, promotes nutrient uptake, and improves its quality, thus achieving the effects of water conservation, high yield, high quality and high efficiency.

Identification and Characterization of a LEA-like Gene, CaMF5,Specifically Expressed in the Anthers of Male-fertile Capsicum annuum

To improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms of anther and/or pollen development in Chili pepper, in the present study, fulllength cDNA and DNA sequences of the pollen development-related gene CaMF5 were obtained from the anthers of a Capsicum annuum nuclear male-fertile line. Sequence analysis indicated that the full length of CaMF5 was 747 bp, containing a maximum opening reading frame of 447 bp.Amino acid sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that CaMF5 shared approximately 37%–77% homology with a series of uncharacterized or hypothetical proteins and late embryogenesis abundant(LEA) proteins from other plants. However, no LEA structural domain was detected in CaMF5, which indicated that it might be a new type of LEA gene. CaMF5 was only expressed in flower buds at stages 7 and 8 and in open flowers of the male-fertile line, whereas it exhibited no expression in any examined organs of the male-sterile line. In addition, CaMF5 showed the highest transcript abundance in the anthers of the male-fertile line, with no expression being detected in any other examined organs, such as the sepals, petals, pistils, roots, stems, or leaves. Taken together, our results suggest that CaMF5 is an anther-specific gene that might encode a new type of LEA protein related to anther and/or pollen development in C. annuum.

Diallel Crossing Analyses of Resistance to Main Diseases in Pepper(Capsicum annuum L.)

Fifteen capsicum combinations were made with 6 parents by （1/2）n（n-1） diallel crossing. Genetic parameters in the resistance to TMV, CMV, phytophthora blight, bacterial spot of these combinations were studied by Hayman. The results indicated that the resistance to TMV, CMV and bacterial spot conformed genetically to the “additive-dominant” model but the resistance to phytophthora blight did not and significant epistatic dominance effect existed in it. F1 hybrid＇s resistance to CMV was controlled by homozygous dominant gene （s）, but resistance to bacterial spot by heterozygous one （s）. There were little, or no sum of dominant effect and genomes controlling the dominant expression of F1 hybrids in its phytophthora blight resistance.

辣椒（Capsicum annuum L．）下胚轴离体培养的研究

将辣椒无菌苗下胚轴切段接种在ＭＳ培养基（附加不同的植物激素）上，诱导产生愈伤组织．最适的诱导培养基为ＭＳ＋２ｍｇ／ＬＢＡ，０．５ｍｇ／ＬＩＡＡ，在此培养基上产生的愈伤组织具有较强的分化能力，将愈伤组织转移到分化培养基，光照培养，芽分化率可达２５．０％·不定芽在含、１ｍｇ／ＬＧＡ３和２ｍｇ／ＬＢＡ的ＭＳ培养基上伸长成苗，再移入生根培养基上诱导生根，长成完整植株．

Organ Abscission in Plants: With Special Emphasis on Bell Pepper

Bell pepper(Capsicum annuum L.),along with potato and tomato,is one of the three most cultivated vegetables in the world.Bell pepper is worldwide accepted due to its characteristics of color,smell,flavor,and texture.Bell pepper is also considered a nutritious food due to its vitamin and antioxidant contents.In Mexico,bell pepper production has a high value because it is grown for the international markets,particularly the United States of America.Nevertheless,the abscission offlowers and fruits is a factor that limits the yield,hinders the planning of activities,and causes a variation in the prices of peppers.Due to the importance of this process,in this work we did a bibliometric analysis and literature review of scientific advances for the understanding of the abscission pro-cess in plants,and in particular for the bell pepper.Finally,we introduce new perspectives that would help direct future research about organ abscission in plants.Likewise,the lack of research that would further clarify abscis-sion process in the bell pepper plant is discussed.

AFLP Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA from a Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Line and its Maintainer in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a maternally inherited trait characterized by the inability of a plant to produce functional pollen, which is widespread among higher plants. CMS system is a valuable tool for plant

Genetic Variability in Germplasm Accessions of <i>Capsicum annuum</i>L

Capsicum annuum is the most widely cultivated species of peppers (chilies) in the world. For culinary purposes, its fruits are used for pungency (capsaicin) and also color (capsanthin). Capsaicin is also used for medicinal purposes particularly in anti-inflammatory formulations. Genetic divergence among 38 accessions collected from diverse locations in India (28 from Uttar Pradesh, 5 from Assam, 3 from Maharashtra and 2 from Uttaranchal), was estimated from the data pooled over 3 consecutive years for 15 morphological, growth and chemotypic characters that included days to first and second flowering, fruit onset, plant height, primary, secondary and tertiary branches, leaf surface area, fruit length and diameter, fruit surface area, fresh and dry fruit weight, capsaicin and capsanthin content. Based on this characterization the plants could be grouped into 7 clusters wherein substantial diversity among accessions was indicated by the wide range of D2 values (752.901 - 1918683.00). Accessions with distinct identity were marked, which are likely to be quite suitable for breeding through hybridization combining desirable traits. The accessions labeled number 38, 27, 26, 14 and 24 to high capsaicin content (%);35, 23, 3, 16, 29 and 11 for high capsanthin content (%) and 26 and 27 for dual purpose had characteristics desirable. Above accessions could be utilized in hybridization programme for C. annuum crop improvement.

Investigation of the Effects of Radio Frequency Water Treatment on Some Characteristics of Growth in Pepper (<i>Capsicum annuum</i>) Plants

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of electromagnetic radio frequency treatment of water on the growth of pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants. For this experiment, one hundred one-week old plants were divided into two groups. The first group of plants was watered with water subjected to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation from an internet router for one hour a day, while the other group was watered with tap water (control). The overall results showed changes of growth characters of plant watered with electromagnetic water. The length of pepper plants is significantly affected by the treated water, where the length of shoot was lower in plants grown under the effect of treated water (22.43 ± 7.17 cm) than those grown without treated water (28.11 ± 8.57 cm). The results revealed that the stem diameter of control plants (1.74 ± 0.39 cm) was significantly higher than that of the treated plants (1.66 ± 0.35 cm). In addition, the root length was lower in plants grown under the effect of treated water than those grown without treated water. Pepper plants watered with electromagnetic treated water exhibited marked decreases in health index, fresh and dry weight, relative water content, number of flowers and fruits/plant as well as number of seeds/fruit. In addition, the current experiment showed a significant decrease in the number of leaves, branch and flower per plant when watered with electromagnetic treated water. The results revealed that the first flowering time for plants in treated group was remarkably decelerated when compared to other plants in control group.