Striped pepper!

[Darren Abbey]

Originally Posted by Labradors2

Does it mean that the more seeds that are grown, the better likelihood of actually finding a striped pepper (albeit with other mutations)?

Its more that the more seeds that are grown, the better the likelihood of finding some other unexpected mutations. I don't think the striped trait is going to turn out to be heritable, except in an extremely rare case.

[Starlight]

Originally Posted by Darren Abbey

Its more that the more seeds that are grown, the better the likelihood of finding some other unexpected mutations. I don't think the striped trait is going to turn out to be heritable, except in an extremely rare case.

First thanks for the explanations. Now my question is, with the Enjoya being a mutant, what might seed saved from the fruits being collected now bring and also if plants folks have now, are able to overwinter them and cross them with now harvested seed, would that possibly bring out more of the mutation and possible stripes?

[Darren Abbey]

Originally Posted by Starlight

First thanks for the explanations. Now my question is, with the Enjoya being a mutant, what might seed saved from the fruits being collected now bring and also if plants folks have now, are able to overwinter them and cross them with now harvested seed, would that possibly bring out more of the mutation and possible stripes?

One can never be certain! Subsequent generations (M2, M3, etc.) can help to make visible recessive mutations generated at the start, but there's no way to predict if any of those recessives will be what you'd consider interesting. Growing out a bunch of M2s is similar to growing out a bunch of F2s, except you don't have the grandparent types as hints about what may turn up.
----

I can also recommend the Enjoya seeds as a way to grow hefty yellow bell peppers. The ripe fruit I've picked has tasted very good in each dish I've prepared with them.

[dmforcier]

Certain chemicals (et al.?) "encourage" genetic mutations. A grower can apply these mutagens to plants to make mutations in the DNA of their seeds.

Some mutations - such as stripes - will be obvious and/or desirable. Others won't be obvious in the first generation, but will come out in later generations.

[Darren Abbey]

Though I am leaning heavily towards the variegation model to explain the stripes... It doesn't explain why only yellow fruit are turning up in the progeny. We should also be seeing red-fruited plants, as well as the potentially very rare plant with striped fruit.

There remains some unknown biology going on here. More numbers of plants grown might help clarify things. Since I've found the fruit so far produced to be worthwhile, I expect to keep growing out my seeds for a few years. Maybe something will turn up. Who knows?

[Labradors2]

Thanks DMF and Darren.

If they are tasty yellows, it would be worth growing a few just to see.

Linda

[Darren Abbey]

Originally Posted by Labradors2

If they are tasty yellows, it would be worth growing a few just to see.

So far, my plants have produced sizable yellow bells, with relatively dense sweet flesh. I had one start to go off before it was fully ripe, but I'm not sure what that might indicate. I definitely think they're worthwhile.

[Barb_FL]

After 3 days/4 nights I removed the yellow pepper and banana from the bag. No stripes - just very overripe fruit. Not a surprise or disappointment.

BTW - I picked a couple of peppers from the other plant and they are the size of my hand. I will try to post a picture.

For those of you who received seeds, I think the Enjoya's are worthy to grow if you are looking for a big blocky yellow sweet pepper on a very short plant.

[PhilaGardener]

Originally Posted by Barb_FL

After 3 days/4 nights I removed the yellow pepper and banana from the bag. No stripes - just very overripe fruit. Not a surprise or disappointment.

Thanks for the try! I guess the mystery continues . . .

[efisakov]

Barb, Abbey,
how productive this plans?
thanks

[Labradors2]

Good to know that it's a worthwhile pepper to grow.

Would it be better to get seeds directly from a striped Enjoya or from some seeds that have been grown out?

Maybe someone needs to splash a little Roundup on them. I've heard that can do some interesting things to Daylilies (if it doesn't kill them first)

Linda

[Merridiel]

Originally Posted by Labradors2

Would it be better to get seeds directly from a striped Enjoya or from some seeds that have been grown out?

I'm wondering this, also. Would it be better for me to find an Enjoya to start the seeds from, or for me to get M1/M2/whatever seeds from someone?

[dmforcier]

What does the "Mn" designation represent compared to the "Fn" designation? A mutant line?

[Darren Abbey]

Mutated (or something or other) vs. Filial. I think it is more carrying on the metaphor, rather than having a specific word that it harkens to.

[PhilaGardener]

Some mutations are dominant and show in the M1 generation but many are recessive and require selfing the M1 and screening of the M2 (analogous to the F2 of a normal cross) to recover individuals with two copies of the affected gene to express the trait.

Most mutageneses generate multiple hits per genome to increase the chances of getting something interesting. Only a few generate visible phenotypes, but many can have a negative effect on the health of the plant, so carrying things out a few generations can let things segregate and help reduce negative genetic effects. A breeder might also back-cross to the original line since that is identical, except for the induced mutations, as a way to restore vigor but that is more labor intensive (particularly in the case of recessive traits).