Correlation analysis of capsaicin concentration and catalase activity as a marker of stress processes in Capsicum annuum plants of the Carolina Reaper F1 Peach variety

The research of catalase activity, pigments and capsaicin content was carried out on plants of the Carolina Reaper F1 Peach variety cultivated in phytochambers. The plants were provided with optimal conditions to minimize the occurrence of additional stress factors. Samples were studied on the 15th, 35th and 55th days after the start of cultivation, green phytomass and ripened fruit were examined. Based on the obtained data, it should be noted that during the growth and development of the plants, photosynthesis processes intensify and the concentration of chlorophyll in the leaves increases (from 3.8 to 5.4 mg/g on average). Stress mechanisms are also activated and catalase activity also increases during the growing season (up to 2.6 mmol/mg). The formation of ovaries and fruits and their maturation is a stressful period for plants, which is expressed in the highest value of catalase activity during this period, despite an increase in the concentration of capsaicin, which is also used by the plant to reduce stress and is an antioxidant. The maximum capsaicin content in fruits was 124.6 mg/g and correlated with an increase in catalase activity to 2.55 mmol/mg.