Scientific trends and discoveries on heat tolerance in pepper plants (Capsicum spp.): a bibliometric analysis

Climate change poses a significant threat to human life, food security, and biodiversity, with direct effects on agricultural systems. In the present study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of research on the tolerance of Capsicum pepper plants to high temperatures using the Bibliometrix package in R. A total of 85 documents published between 1989 and 2024 were analyzed. We found that the topic has gained relevance in recent years, particularly in 2013, when it received the highest number of citations. Notably, China and the United States have conducted the most research on the thermal stress in pepper plants. The most cited studies have addressed the biochemical, physiological, and molecular mechanisms of thermal stress tolerance and resistance to pathogens. Despite the relevance of the topic, only three of the 81 documents focused on the tolerance of ornamental pepper plants, and these included no Brazilian studies. These findings highlight the lack of studies in Brazil, emphasizing the need for studies to develop cultivars that are more resilient to climate change. Our findings can guide future investigations, including the selection of thermotolerant materials, and promote more sustainable agriculture adapted to climate challenges.