PEPPER VARIETIES NUN 70041 PPH, NUN 70042 PPH AND NUN 70039 PPH

Abstract

The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of pepper, NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH.

Claims

1. A plant, plant part or seed of pepper variety NUN 70039 PPH, NUN 70041 PPH, or NUN 70042 PPH, wherein a representative sample of said seed has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______, NCIMB ______ or NCIMB ______, respectively.

2. The plant part of claim 1, further defined as a leaf, pollen, an ovule, a fruit, a scion, a rootstock, cutting, flower or a part of any of these or a cell.

3. A seed grown on the plant of claim 1.

4. A Capsicum plant, or a part thereof which does not significantly differ from the plant of claim 2 in any of the distinguishing characteristics selected from the group consisting of: 1) average fruit flesh thickness; 2) average fruit calyx diameter; 3) average pedicel length; 4) presence of fruits with 2 locules; 5) average plant width; 6) average fruit placenta length; 7) average number of seeds per fruit; 8) average leaf petiole length; and 9) average number of calyx lobes, or the group of 1) average fruit length; 2) average fruit flesh thickness at mid-point; 3) average number of seeds per fruit; 4) average pedicel length; 5) average flower diameter; 6) average leaf length; 7) average leaf petiole length; 8) typical leaf blistering; 9) average petiole diameter; and 10) absence of fruit with five or more locules, or the group of 1) average fruit length; 2) average fruit width; 3) typical fruit apex shape; 4) average pedicel thickness; 5) average fruit seed cavity length; 6) average fruit seed cavity diameter; 7) typical leaf blistering; 8) typical style length; 9) average leaf length; and 10) average plant width when grown under the same conditions.

5. A pepper plant, or a part thereof which does not significantly differ from the plant of claim 1 when grown under the same conditions.

6. A tissue or cell culture of regenerable cells of the plant of claim 1.

7. The tissue or cell culture according to claim 6, comprising cells or protoplasts from a plant part selected from the group consisting of embryos, meristems, cotyledons, hypocotyl, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, pistil, petiole, flower, fruit, seed, stem and stalks.

8. A pepper plant regenerated from the tissue or cell culture of claim 6, wherein the plant has all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the plant of NUN 70039 PPH, NUN 70041 PPH, or NUN 70042 PPH, wherein a representative sample of seed of said variety has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______, NCIMB ______ or NCIMB ______, respectively, as listed in Table 1 and/or 2 when determined at the 5% significance level for plants grown under the same conditions.

9. A method of producing the plant of claim 1, or a part thereof, comprising vegetative propagation of the plant of claim 1.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said vegetative propagation comprises regenerating a whole plant from a part of the plant of claim 1.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein said part is a cutting, a cell culture or a tissue culture.

12. A vegetative propagated plant of claim 1, or a part thereof, wherein the plant has all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the plant of claim 1 determined at the 5% significance level for plants grown under the same conditions.

13. A method of producing a pepper plant, comprising crossing the plant of claim 1 with a second pepper plant one or more times, and selecting progeny from said crossing and optionally allowing the progeny to form seed.

14. A progeny plant of the plant of claim 1 obtained by further breeding with said variety.

15. A pepper plant having one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of the plant of claim 1 and which otherwise has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the plant of claim 1 as listed in Table 1 and/or 2, determined at the 5% significance level for plants grown under the same conditions.

16. A food or feed product comprising the plant part of claim 2 wherein the plant part can be identified as a part of the plant of the invention.

17. A pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of the plant of claim 1.

18. The plant of claim 1 further comprising a single locus conversion, wherein said plant has all or all but one, two or three of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the plant of any of the varieties of claim 1 when grown under the same conditions, optionally wherein the single locus conversion confers a trait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism and modified protein metabolism.

19. A plant comprising the scion or rootstock of claim 2.

20. A method of producing a combination of parental lines of the plant of claim 1 comprising the step of making double haploid cells from haploid cells of the plant of claim 1 or a seed from the plant of claim 1.

21. A combination of two inbred plants which when crossed produces a seed or plant of variety NUN 70039 PPH, NUN 70041 PPH, or NUN 70042 PPH, wherein a representative sample of seed of said variety has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______, NCIMB ______ or NCIMB ______, respectively.

22. A container comprising a plant, plant part or seed of the plant of claim 1.

23. A plant or a cell thereof produced in a method of producing a plant having a desired trait, wherein the method comprises mutating a watermelon plant of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH and selecting a plant with the desired trait, wherein the mutated plant retains all or all but one of the phenotypic and morphological characteristics of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH as described in Table 1 and contains the desired trait and wherein a representative sample of seed of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______, NCIMB ______ or NCIMB ______, respectively.

24. The plant or cell of claim 23, wherein the desired trait is selected from the group consisting of fruit quality, male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, virus resistance, TSWV resistance, Ve427.sup.RB resistance, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism, modified protein metabolism and ripening.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] The present invention relates to a Capsicum annuum variety, referred to as NUN 70039 PPH, which—when compared to its REFERENCE VARIETY Piton—has a: 1) higher average fruit flesh thickness; 2) lower average fruit calyx diameter; 3) higher average pedicel length; 4) presence of fruits with 2 locules; 5) higher average plant width; 6) lower average fruit placenta length; 7) lower average number of seeds per fruit; 8) higher average leaf petiole length; and 9) higher average number of calyx lobes. Also encompassed by the present invention are progeny plants having all but 1, 2, or 3 of the morphological and/physiological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH and methods of producing plants in accordance with the present invention.

[0094] The present invention also relates to a Capsicum annuum variety, referred to as NUN 70041 PPH, which—when compared to its check variety REFERENCE VARIETY Piton—has a 1) lower average fruit length; 2) higher average fruit flesh thickness at mid-point; 3) average number of seeds per fruit; 4) higher average pedicel length; 5) higher average flower diameter; 6) lower average leaf length; 7) higher average leaf petiole length; 8) typically absent leaf blistering; 9) lower average petiole diameter; and 10) absence of fruit with five or more locules. Also encompassed by the present invention are progeny plants having all but 1, 2, or 3 of the morphological and/physiological characteristics of NUN 70041 PPH and methods of producing plants in accordance with the present invention.

[0095] The present invention further relates to a Capsicum annuum variety, referred to as NUN 70042 PPH, which—when compared to check variety its REFERENCE VARIETY Forajido—has a 1) average fruit length; 2) average fruit width; 3) typical fruit apex shape; 4) average pedicel thickness; 5) average fruit seed cavity length; 6) average fruit seed cavity diameter; 7) typically very weak leaf blistering; 8) typical style length; 9) lower average leaf length; and 10) lower average plant width. Also encompassed by the present invention are progeny plants having all but 1, 2, or 3 of the morphological and/physiological characteristics of NUN 70042 PPH and methods of producing plants in accordance with the present invention.

[0096] Thus, in one aspect, the invention provides a seed of the pepper variety designated NUN 70039 PPH wherein a representative sample of seeds of said variety was deposited under the Budapest Treaty, with Accession number NCIMB ______.

[0097] Thus, in one more aspect, the invention provides a seed of the pepper variety designated NUN 70041 PPH wherein a representative sample of seeds of said variety was deposited under the Budapest Treaty, with Accession number NCIMB ______.

[0098] Thus, in another aspect, the invention provides a seed of the pepper variety designated NUN 70042 PPH wherein a representative sample of seeds of said variety was deposited under the Budapest Treaty, with Accession number NCIMB ______.

[0099] In another aspect, the invention provides for a pepper plant of variety NUN 70039 PPH, a representative sample of seed from said variety has been deposited under the Budapest Treaty, with Accession number NCIMB ______.

[0100] In one more aspect, the invention provides for a pepper plant of variety NUN 70041 PPH, a representative sample of seed from said variety has been deposited under the Budapest Treaty, with Accession number NCIMB ______.

[0101] In also an aspect, the invention provides for a pepper plant of variety NUN 70042 PPH, a representative sample of seed from said variety has been deposited under the Budapest Treaty, with Accession number NCIMB ______.

[0102] A seed of NUN 70039 PPH is obtainable by crossing the male parent of NUN 70039 PPH with the female parent of NUN 70039 PPH and harvesting the seeds produced on the female parent. The resultant NUN 70039 PPH seeds can be grown to produce NUN 70039 PPH plants. In one embodiment a seed or a plurality of seeds of NUN 70039 PPH is packaged into a container of any size or type (e.g., bags, cartons, cans, etc.). The seed may be disinfected, primed and/or treated with various compounds, such as seed coatings or crop protection compounds.

[0103] Also, a seed of NUN 70041 PPH is obtainable by crossing the male parent of NUN 70041 PPH with the female parent of NUN 70041 PPH and harvesting the seeds produced on the female parent. The resultant NUN 70041 PPH seeds can be grown to produce NUN 70041 PPH plants. In one embodiment a seed or a plurality of seeds of NUN 70041 PPH is packaged into a container of any size or type (e.g., bags, cartons, cans, etc.). The seed may be disinfected, primed and/or treated with various compounds, such as seed coatings or crop protection compounds.

[0104] Further, a seed of NUN 70042 PPH is obtainable by crossing the male parent of NUN 70042 PPH with the female parent of NUN 70042 PPH and harvesting the seeds produced on the female parent. The resultant NUN 70042 PPH seeds can be grown to produce NUN 70042 PPH plants. In one embodiment a seed or a plurality of seeds of NUN 70042 PPH is packaged into a container of any size or type (e.g., bags, cartons, cans, etc.). The seed may be disinfected, primed and/or treated with various compounds, such as seed coatings or crop protection compounds.

[0105] Also provided is a plant of pepper variety NUN 70039 PPH, or a fruit or other plant part thereof, produced from a seed, wherein a representative sample of said seeds has been deposited under the Budapest Treaty, with Accession Number NCIMB ______. Also included is a cell culture or tissue culture produced from such a plant.

[0106] Also provided is a plant of pepper variety NUN 70041 PPH, or a fruit or other plant part thereof, produced from a seed, wherein a representative sample of said seeds has been deposited under the Budapest Treaty, with Accession Number NCIMB ______. Also included is a cell culture or tissue culture produced from such a plant.

[0107] Also provided is a plant of pepper variety NUN 70042 PPH, or a fruit or other plant part thereof, produced from a seed, wherein a representative sample of said seeds has been deposited under the Budapest Treaty, with Accession Number NCIMB ______. Also included is a cell culture or tissue culture produced from such a plant.

[0108] In one embodiment the invention provides a pepper plant regenerated from the tissue or cell culture of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, wherein the plant has all or all but one, two or three of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the new variety as listed in Table 1 and/or 2. In another embodiment, the invention provides a pepper plant regenerated from the tissue or cell culture of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH PPH, wherein the plant has all or all but one, two or three of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the new variety. In these cases, similarity of a characteristic is determined by measuring a representative number of plants grown under the same conditions, where type characteristics are the same and numerical characteristics are substantially equivalent (determined at the 5% significance level or evaluated at p≦0.05 using ANOVA).

[0109] A plant of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH can be produced by seeding directly in the soil (e.g., field) or by germinating the seeds in controlled environment conditions (e.g., greenhouses) and then transplanting the seedlings into the field. For example, the seed can be sown into prepared seed beds where they will remain for the entire production of the crop. Alternatively, the pepper seed may be planted through a black plastic mulch. The dark plastic will absorb heat from the sun, warming the soil early. It will also help to conserve moisture during the growing season, controls weeds and makes harvesting easier and cleaner. Pepper can also be grown entirely in greenhouses. See for example J. Burt, Farmnote 64/99 for cultivation, harvesting, handling and postharvest methods commonly used.

[0110] In other aspects, the invention provides for a fruit or a part thereof of pepper variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or a plant part, such as pollen, flowers, shoots or cuttings of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH or parts thereof.

[0111] In one embodiment any plant of NUN 70039 PPH comprises at least 3, 4, 5 or more, e.g. 6, 7, 8, 9 or all of the following morphological and/or physiological characteristics (i.e. distinguishing as indicated on the USDA Objective description of variety—Pepper listed in Table 1 and/or 2, when grown under the same environmental conditions): 1) average fruit flesh thickness; 2) average fruit calyx diameter; 3) average pedicel length; 4) presence of fruits with 2 locules; 5) average plant width; 6) average fruit placenta length; 7) average number of seeds per fruit; 8) average leaf petiole length; and 9) average number of calyx lobes

[0112] In one embodiment any plant of NUN 70041 PPH comprises at least 3, 4, 5 or more, e.g. 6, 7, 8, 9 or all of the following morphological and/or physiological characteristics (i.e. distinguishing as indicated on the USDA Objective description of variety—Pepper listed in Table 1 and/or 2, when grown under the same environmental conditions): 1) average fruit length; 2) average fruit flesh thickness at mid-point; 3) average number of seeds per fruit; 4) average pedicel length; 5) average flower diameter; 6) average leaf length; 7) average leaf petiole length; 8) typical leaf blistering; 9) average petiole diameter; and 10) absence of fruit with five or more locules.

[0113] In one embodiment any plant of NUN 70042 PPH comprises at least 3, 4, 5 or more, e.g. 6, 7, 8, 9 or all of the following morphological and/or physiological characteristics (i.e. distinguishing as indicated on the USDA Objective description of variety—Pepper listed in Table 1 and/or 2, when grown under the same environmental conditions): 1) average fruit length; 2) average fruit width; 3) typical fruit apex shape; 4) average pedicel thickness; 5) average fruit seed cavity length; 6) average fruit seed cavity diameter; 7) typical leaf blistering; 8) typical style length; 9) average leaf length; and 10) average plant width.

[0114] In still another aspect the invention provides a method of producing a pepper plant, comprising crossing a plant of pepper variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH with a second pepper plant one or more times, and selecting progeny from said crossing. In one embodiment of the invention, the first step in “crossing” comprises planting seeds of a first and a second parent pepper plant, often in proximity so that pollination will occur for example, mediated by insect vectors. Alternatively, pollen can be transferred manually. Where the plant is self-pollinated, pollination may occur without the need for direct human intervention other than plant cultivation.

[0115] In yet another aspect the invention provides a method of producing a pepper plant, comprising selfing a plant of pepper variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH one or more times, and selecting progeny from said selfing.

[0116] In other aspects, the invention provides for a progeny of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH such as progeny obtained by further breeding that variety of the invention. Further breeding any one of the pepper varieties of the invention includes selfing that variety of the invention one or more times and/or cross-pollinating that variety of the invention with another pepper plant or variety one or more times. In particular, the invention provides for progeny that retain all the essential morphological and physiological characteristics of that variety of the invention or that retain one or more of the distinguishing characteristics of a variety of the invention described further above and when grown under the same environmental conditions. In another aspect, the invention provides for a vegetative reproduction of the variety and a plant having all but 1, 2, or 3 of the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (e.g. as listed in Table 1 and/or 2).

[0117] The morphological and/or physiological differences between a plant of one of the varieties of the invention, i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH or progeny of any of these varieties, or plants having all but 1, 2, or 3 of the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (as listed in Table 1 and/or 2); and other known varieties can easily be established by growing any one of the varieties of the invention, i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, next to the other variety or varieties (in the same field, under the same environmental conditions), preferably in several locations suitable for pepper cultivation, and measuring morphological and/or physiological characteristics of a number of plants (e.g., to calculate an average value and to determine the variation range/uniformity within the variety). For example, trials can be carried out in Acampo Calif., USA (N 38 degrees 07′261″/W 121 degrees 18′ 807″, USA, whereby, maturity, days from seeding to harvest, plant habit, plant attitude, leaf shape, leaf color, blistering, numbers of flowers per leaf axil, number of calyx lobes, number of petals, fruit group, immature fruit color, mature fruit color, pungency, flavor, fruit glossiness, fruit size, fruit shape, average number of fruits per plant, seed size, seed weight, anthocyanin level, disease resistance, insect resistance, can be measured and directly compared for species of Capsicum.

[0118] The morphological and physiological characteristics (and the distinguishing characteristics) of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH are provided in the Examples, in Table 1 and/or 2. Encompassed herein is also a plant derivable from NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (e.g. by selfings and/or crossing and/or backcrossing with NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH and/or progeny of said varieties) comprising all or all but one, two or three of the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH listed in Table 1 and/or 2 are similar (as defined in this application) and/or comprising one or more (or all; or all except one, two or three) of the distinguishing characteristics as determined at the 5% significance level when grown under the same environmental conditions.

[0119] Also at-harvest and/or post-harvest characteristics of fruits can be compared, such as cold storage holding quality, post-harvest flesh firmness, heat (for example in Scoville units) and Brix can be measured using known methods. Flesh firmness can for example be measured using a penetrometer, e.g. by inserting a probe into the fruit flesh and determining the insertion force, or by other methods.

[0120] The morphological and/or physiological characteristics may vary somewhat with variation in the environment (such as temperature, light intensity, day length, humidity, soil, fertilizer use), which is why a comparison under the same environmental conditions is preferred. Colors can best be measured against The Munsell Book of Color (Munsell Color Macbeth Division of Kollmorgan Instruments Corporation) or using the Royal Horticultural Society Chart (World Wide Web at rhs.org.uk/Plants/RHS-Publications/RHS-colour-charts).

[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides for a pepper fruit of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or a part of a fruit of said varieties. In another embodiment, the invention provides for a container comprising or consisting of a plurality of harvested pepper fruits or parts of fruits of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or fruits of progeny of said varieties, or fruits of a derived variety.

[0122] In yet a further embodiment, the invention provides for a method of producing a new pepper plant. The method comprises crossing a plant of the invention i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or a plant comprising all but 1, 2, or 3 of the morphological and physiological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (as listed in Table 1 and/or 2), or a progeny plant thereof, either as male or as female parent, with a second pepper plant (or a wild relative of pepper) one or more times, and/or selfing a pepper plant according to the invention i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or a progeny plant thereof, one or more times, and selecting progeny from said crossing and/or selfing. The second pepper plant may for example be a line or variety of the species Capsicum annuum, C. frutecens, C. baccatum, C. chinense, or other Capsicum species.

[0123] Progeny are either the generation (seeds) produced from the first cross (F1) or selfing (S1), or any further generation produced by crossing and/or selfing (F2, F3, etc.) and/or backcrossing (BC1, BC2, etc.) one or more selected plants of the F1 and/or S1 and/or BC1 generation (or plants of any further generation, e.g. the F2) with another pepper plant (and/or with a wild relative of pepper). Progeny may have all the physiological and morphological characteristics of pepper variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH when grown under the same environmental conditions and/or progeny may have (be selected for having) one or more of the distinguishing characteristics of pepper of the invention. Using common breeding methods such as backcrossing or recurrent selection, one or more specific characteristics may be introduced into NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, to provide or a plant comprising all but 1, 2, or 3 or more of the morphological and physiological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (as listed in Table 1 and/or 2).

[0124] The invention provides for methods of producing plants which retain all the morphological and physiological characteristics of a plant of the invention i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH. The invention provides also for methods of producing a plant comprising all but 1, 2, or 3 or more of the morphological and physiological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (e.g. as listed in Table 1 and/or 2), but which are still genetically closely related to NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH. The relatedness can, for example, be determined by fingerprinting techniques (e.g., making use of isozyme markers and/or molecular markers such as SNP markers, AFLP markers, microsatellites, minisatellites, RAPD markers, RFLP markers and others). A plant is “closely related” to NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH if its DNA fingerprint is at least 80%, 90%, 95% or 98% identical to the fingerprint of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH. In a preferred embodiment AFLP markers are used for DNA fingerprinting (Vos et al. 1995, Nucleic Acid Research 23: 4407-4414). A closely related plant may have a Jaccard's Similarity index of at least about 0.8, preferably at least about 0.9, 0.95, 0.98 or more (Ince et al., (2010) Biochem. Genet. 48:83-95). The invention also provides plants and varieties obtained or selected by applying these methods on NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH. Plants may be produced by crossing and/or selfing, or alternatively, a plant may simply be identified and selected amongst NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH plants, or progeny of said varieties, e.g. by identifying a variant within NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH or progeny of said varieties (e.g. produced by selfing) which variant differs from NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH in one, two or three of the morphological and/or physiological characteristics (e.g. in one, two or three distinguishing characteristics), e.g. those listed in Table 1 and/or 2 or others. In one embodiment the invention provides a pepper plant having a Jaccard's Similarity index with NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH of at least 0.8, e.g. at least 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 0.98 or even at least 0.99.

[0125] The present invention also provides a pepper seed and a plant produced by a process that comprises crossing a first parent pepper plant with a second parent pepper plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent pepper plants is a plant provided herein, such as from variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH. In another embodiment of the invention, pepper seed and plants produced by the process are first filial generation (F1) pepper seed and plants produced by crossing a plant in accordance with the invention with another, distinct plant.

[0126] The present invention further contemplates plant parts of such an F1 pepper plant, and methods of use thereof. Therefore, certain exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an F1 pepper plant and seed thereof.

[0127] WO2013182646 which is incorporated by reference, relates to a non-destructive method for analyzing maternal DNA of a seed. In this method the DNA is dislodged from the seed coat surface and can be used to collect information on the genome of the maternal parent of the seed. This method for analyzing maternal DNA of a seed, comprises the steps of contacting a seed with a fluid to dislodge DNA from the seed coat surface, and analyzing the DNA thus dislodged from the seed coat surface using methods known in the art. The skilled person is thus able to determine whether a seed has grown on a plant of a plant of the invention i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (i.e. is progeny of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH), because the seed coat is genetically identical to NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a seed coat comprising maternal tissue of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH. In another embodiment the invention relates to a pepper seed comprising a seed coat that comprises maternal tissue from NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH.

[0128] By crossing and/or selfing also (one or more) single traits may be introduced into the variety of the invention i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (e.g., using backcrossing breeding schemes), while retaining the remaining morphological and physiological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH and/or while retaining one or more distinguishing characteristics. A single trait converted plant may thereby be produced. For example, disease resistance genes may be introduced, genes responsible for one or more quality traits, yield, etc.

[0129] Both single genes (dominant or recessive) and one or more QTLs (quantitative trait loci) may be transferred into NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH by breeding with NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH.

[0130] Alternatively, a single trait converted plant or single locus converted plant of the invention i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH may be produced by the following steps [0131] a. obtaining a cell or tissue culture of cells of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH; [0132] b. genetically transforming or mutating said cells; [0133] c. growing the cells into a plant; and [0134] d. optionally selecting a plant that contains the desired single locus conversion
The skilled person is familiar with various techniques for genetically transforming a single locus in a plant cell, or mutating said cells.

[0135] Any pest or disease resistance genes may be introduced into a plant according to the invention, i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, progeny of said varieties or into a plant comprising all but 1, 2, or 3 or more of the morphological and physiological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (e.g. as listed in Table 1 and/or 2). Resistance to one or more of the following diseases is preferably introduced into plants of the invention: Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Curly Top Virus, Pepper Mottle Virus, Potato Y Virus, Tobacco Etch Virus, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Anthracnose (Gloeosporium piperatum), Bacterial Spot (Xanthomonas vesicatoria), Cercospora Leaf Spot (Cercospora capsici), Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita acrita), Phytophthora Root Rot (Phytophthora capsici), Ripe Rot (Vermicularia capsici), Southern Blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) and/or Verticillium Wilt (Verticillium dahliae). Other resistance genes, against pathogenic viruses, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, insects or other pests may also be introduced. In an embodiment, the resistance is TSWV resistance.

[0136] Thus, invention also provides a method for developing a pepper plant in a pepper breeding program, using a pepper plant of the invention, or its parts as a source of plant breeding material. Suitable plant breeding techniques are recurrent selection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, mass selection, mutation breeding and/or genetic marker enhanced selection. For example, in one aspect, the method comprises crossing into a plant according to the invention, i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or progeny of said varieties, or a plant comprising all but 1, 2, or 3 or more of the morphological and physiological characteristics of 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (e.g. as listed in Table 1 and/or 2), with a different pepper plant, and wherein one or more offspring of the crossing are subject to one or more plant breeding techniques selected from the group consisting of recurrent selection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, mass selection, mutation breeding and genetic marker enhanced selection (see e.g. see e.g. Thabuis et al., (2004) Theor Appl Genet 109:342-351). For breeding methods in general see Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding, 2007, George Acquaah, Blackwell Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-3646-4.

[0137] The invention also provides a pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper variety NUN 70039 PPH, a sample of seed of said variety having been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______; optionally further comprising a single locus conversion or a mutation, wherein said plant has essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper NUN 70039 PPH. In another embodiment, this single locus conversion confers a trait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism and modified protein metabolism.

[0138] The invention also provides a pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper variety NUN 70041 PPH, a sample of seed of said variety having been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______; optionally further comprising a single locus conversion or a mutation, wherein said plant has essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper NUN 70041 PPH. In another embodiment, this single locus conversion confers a trait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism and modified protein metabolism.

[0139] The invention also provides a pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper variety NUN 70042 PPH, a sample of seed of said variety having been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______; optionally further comprising a single locus conversion or a mutation, wherein said plant has essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper NUN 70042 PPH. In another embodiment, this single locus conversion confers a trait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism and modified protein metabolism.

[0140] In one embodiment, a plant according to the invention, i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, may also be mutated (by e.g. irradiation, chemical mutagenesis, heat treatment, etc.) and mutated seeds or plants may be selected in order to change one or more characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH. Methods such as TILLING may be applied to pepper populations in order to identify mutants. Similarly, NUN 70041 PPH may be transformed and regenerated, whereby one or more chimeric genes are introduced into the variety or into a plant comprising all but 1, 2, 3, or more of the morphological and physiological characteristics (e.g. as listed in Table 1 and/or 2). Transformation can be carried out using standard methods, such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation or biolistics, followed by selection of the transformed cells and regeneration into plants. A desired trait (e.g. genes conferring pest or disease resistance, herbicide, fungicide or insecticide tolerance, etc.) can be introduced into NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or progeny of said varieties, by transforming NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH or progeny of said varieties with a transgene that confers the desired trait, wherein the transformed plant retains all the phenotypic and/or morphological and/or physiological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH or the progeny of said varieties and contains the desired trait.

[0141] The invention also provides a plant or a cell of a pepper plant comprising a desired trait produced by mutating a plant of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH or a cell thereof and selecting a plant the desired trait, wherein the mutated plant retains all or all but one of the phenotypic and morphological characteristics of said variety, optionally as described for each variety in Table 1 and/or 2, and contains the desired trait and wherein a representative sample of seed of variety NUN 70039 PPH has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______, seed of variety NUN 70041 PPH has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______ and seed of variety NUN 70042 PPH has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______. In a further embodiment, the desired trait is selected from the group consisting of fruit quality, male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, virus resistance, TSWV resistance, Ve427.sup.RB resistance, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism, modified protein metabolism and ripening or the mutation occurs in any of the following genes or genetic elements: genetic element which genetic element comprises a Ve427.sup.RB-resistance conferring QTL.

[0142] The invention also provides a plant having one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70039 PPH and which otherwise has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH, wherein a representative sample of seed of variety NUN 70039 PPH has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______. In particular variants which differ from NUN 70039 PPH in none, one, two or three of the characteristics mentioned in Table 1 and/or 2 are encompassed.

[0143] The invention also provides a plant having one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70041 PPH and which otherwise has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70041 PPH, wherein a representative sample of seed of variety NUN 70041 PPH has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______. In particular variants which differ from NUN 70041 PPH in none, one, two or three of the characteristics mentioned in Table 1 and/or 2 are encompassed.

[0144] The invention also provides a plant having one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70042 PPH and which otherwise has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70042 PPH, wherein a representative sample of seed of variety NUN 70042 PPH has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB ______. In particular variants which differ from NUN 70042 PPH in none, one, two or three of the characteristics mentioned in Table 1 and/or 2 are encompassed.

[0145] In one aspect, the plant having one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70039 PPH and which otherwise has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH differs from NUN 70039 PPH in one, two or three of the distinguishing morphological and/or physiological characteristics selected from 1) average fruit flesh thickness; 2) average fruit calyx diameter; 3) average pedicel length; 4) presence of fruits with 2 locules; 5) average plant width; 6) average fruit placenta length; 7) average number of seeds per fruit; 8) average leaf petiole length; and 9) average number of calyx lobes.

[0146] In one aspect, the plant having one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70041 PPH and which otherwise has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70041 PPH differs from NUN 70041 PPH in one, two or three of the distinguishing morphological and/or physiological characteristics selected from 1) average fruit length; 2) average fruit flesh thickness at mid-point; 3) average number of seeds per fruit; 4) average pedicel length; 5) average flower diameter; 6) average leaf length; 7) average leaf petiole length; 8) typical leaf blistering; 9) average petiole diameter; and 10) absence of fruit with five or more locules.

[0147] In one aspect, the plant having one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70042 PPH and which otherwise has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70042 PPH differs from NUN 70042 PPH in one, two or three of the distinguishing morphological and/or physiological characteristics selected from 1) average fruit length; 2) average fruit width; 3) typical fruit apex shape; 4) average pedicel thickness; 5) average fruit seed cavity length; 6) average fruit seed cavity diameter; 7) typical leaf blistering; 8) typical style length; 9) average leaf length; and 10) average plant width.

[0148] In another embodiment the plant having one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70039 PPH and which otherwise has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH may differ from NUN 70039 PPH in one, two or three morphological or physiological characteristic other than the “distinguishing morphological and/or physiological characteristics” (or essential physiological and/or morphological characteristics) of NUN 70039 PPH selected from: 1) average fruit flesh thickness; 2) average fruit calyx diameter; 3) average pedicel length; 4) presence of fruits with 2 locules; 5) average plant width; 6) average fruit placenta length; 7) average number of seeds per fruit; 8) average leaf petiole length; and 9) average number of calyx lobes.

[0149] In another embodiment the plant having one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70041 PPH and which otherwise has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70041 PPH may differ from NUN 70041 PPH in one, two or three morphological or physiological characteristic other than the “distinguishing morphological and/or physiological characteristics” (or essential physiological and/or morphological characteristics) of NUN 70041 PPH selected from: 1) average fruit length; 2) average fruit flesh thickness at mid-point; 3) average number of seeds per fruit; 4) average pedicel length; 5) average flower diameter; 6) average leaf length; 7) average leaf petiole length; 8) typical leaf blistering; 9) average petiole diameter; and 10) absence of fruit with five or more locules.

[0150] In another embodiment the plant having one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70042 PPH and which otherwise has all the physiological and morphological characteristics of NUN 70042 PPH may differ from NUN 70042 PPH in one, two or three morphological or physiological characteristic other than the “distinguishing morphological and/or physiological characteristics” (or essential physiological and/or morphological characteristics) of NUN 70042 PPH selected from: 1) average fruit length; 2) average fruit width; 3) typical fruit apex shape; 4) average pedicel thickness; 5) average fruit seed cavity length; 6) average fruit seed cavity diameter; 7) typical leaf blistering; 8) typical style length; 9) average leaf length; and 10) average plant width.

[0151] Peppers according to the invention, such as the varieties NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or its progeny, or a plant having all physiological and/or morphological characteristics but one, two or three which are different from those of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, can also be reproduced using vegetative reproduction methods. Therefore, the invention provides for a method of producing a plant, or a part thereof, of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, comprising vegetative propagation of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH. Vegetative propagation comprises regenerating a whole plant from a plant part of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (or from a progeny of any of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH or from or a plant having all physiological and/or morphological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH but one, two or three different characteristics), such as a cutting, a cell culture or a tissue culture.

[0152] The invention also concerns methods of vegetatively propagating a plant of the invention. In certain embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: (a) collecting tissue or cells capable of being propagated from a plant of the invention; (b) cultivating said tissue or cells to obtain proliferated shoots; and (c) rooting said proliferated shoots, to obtain rooted plantlets. Steps (b) and (c) may also be reversed, i.e. first cultivating said tissue to obtain roots and then cultivating the tissue to obtain shoots, thereby obtaining rooted plantlets. The rooted plantlets may then be further grown, to obtain plants. In one embodiment, the method further comprises step (d) growing plants from said rooted plantlets

[0153] The invention also provides for a vegetatively propagated plant of variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (or from progeny of said varieties or from or a plant having all but one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or a part thereof, having one or more distinguishing characteristics and/or all or all but one, two or three of the morphological and physiological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, when grown under the same environmental conditions.

[0154] A part of a variety of the invention, i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (or of progeny of said varieties or of a plant having all physiological and/or morphological characteristics but one, two or three which are different from those of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH) encompasses any cells, tissues, organs obtainable from the seedlings or plants, such as but not limited to: a pepper fruit or a part thereof, a cutting, hypocotyl, cotyledon, seedcoat, pollen and the like. Such parts can be stored and/or processed further. Encompassed are therefore also food or feed products comprising one or more of such parts, such as canned, chopped, cooked, roasted, in a sauce, in a sandwich, pasted, puréed or concentrated, juiced, frozen, dried, pickled, or powdered pepper fruit from NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH or from progeny of said varieties, or from a derived variety, such as a plant having all but one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH.

[0155] In one aspect a haploid plant and/or a double haploid plant of a variety of the invention, i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or a plant having all but one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or progeny of any of these, are encompassed herein. Haploid and double haploid (DH) plants can, for example, be produced by cell or tissue culture and chromosome doubling agents and regeneration into a whole plant. For DH production chromosome doubling may be induced using known methods, such as colchicine treatment or the like.

[0156] In yet another aspect haploid plants and/or double haploid plants derived from NUN 70039 PPH that, when combined, make a set of parents of NUN 70039 PPH, or haploid plants and/or double haploid plants derived from NUN 70041 PPH that, when combined, make a set of parents of NUN 70041 PPH, or haploid plants and/or double haploid plants derived from NUN 70042 PPH that, when combined, make a set of parents of NUN 70042 PPH are encompassed herein.

[0157] Using methods known in the art like “reverse breeding”, it is possible to produce parental lines for a hybrid plant such as NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH; where normally the hybrid is produced from the parental lines. Such methods are based on the segregation of individual alleles in the spores produced by a desired plant and/or in the progeny derived from the self-pollination of that desired plant, and on the subsequent identification of suitable progeny plants in one generation, or in a limited number of inbred cycles. Such a method is known from WO2014076249 or from Nature Protocols Volume: 9, Pages: 761-772 (2014) DOI: doi:10.1038/nprot.2014.049, which are enclosed by reference. Such method for producing parental lines for a hybrid organism, comprises the steps of: a) defining a set of genetic markers that are present in a heterozygous form (H) in a partially heterozygous starting organism; b) producing doubled haploid lines from spores of the starting organism: c) genetically characterizing the doubled haploid lines thus obtained for the said set of genetic markers to determine whether they are present in a first homozygous form (A) or in a second homozygous form (B); d) selecting at least one pair of doubled haploid lines that have complementary alleles for at least a subset of the genetic markers, wherein each member of the pair is suitable as a parental line for a hybrid organism.

[0158] Thus in one aspect, the invention relates to a method of producing a combination of parental lines of a plant of the invention (NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH) comprising the step of making double haploid cells from haploid cells from the plant of the invention or a seed of that plant; and optionally crossing these parental lines to produce and collect seeds. In another aspect, the invention relates to a combination of parental lines produced by this method. In still another aspect said combination of parental lines can be used to produce a seed or plant of the invention, i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, when these parental lines are crossed. In still another aspect, the invention relates to a combination of parental lines from which a seed or plant having all physiological and/or morphological characteristics (when grown under the same environmental conditions) of a plant of the invention (NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH) but one, two or three which are different can be produced. In still another aspect, the invention relates to a combination of parental lines from which a seed or plant having all the characteristics of or plant of the invention, i.e. NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, as defined in Table 1 and/or 2 when grown under the same conditions can be produced.

[0159] In another alternative aspect, the invention provides a method of introducing a single locus conversion or single trait conversion or a desired trait into NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH comprising: [0160] a. obtain a combination of a male and a female parental line of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, [0161] b. introduce a single locus conversion in at least one of the parents of step a; [0162] c. crossing the converted parent with the other parent of step a to obtain seed of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH A combination of a male and a female parental line of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH can be generated by methods described herein, for example through reverse breeding.

[0163] In an embodiment of the invention, step b) of the above method—introduce a single locus conversion in at least one of the parents of step a—may be done through the following method: [0164] i. obtaining a cell or tissue culture of cells of the parental line of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH; [0165] ii. genetically transforming or mutating said cells; [0166] iii. growing the cells into a plant; and [0167] iv. optionally selecting plants that contain the single locus conversion, the single trait conversion or the desired trait.

[0168] In another embodiment of the invention, step b) of the above method—introduce a single locus conversion in at least one of the parents of step a—may be done through the following method: [0169] i. crossing the parental line of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH with a second pepper plant comprising the single locus conversion, the single trait conversion or the desired trait; [0170] ii. selecting F1 progeny plants that contain the single locus conversion, the single trait conversion or the desired trait; [0171] iii. crossing said selected progeny plants of step ii with the parental line of step i, to produce a backcross progeny plant; [0172] iv. selecting backcross progeny plants comprising the single locus conversion, the single trait conversion or the desired trait and otherwise all or all but one, two or three of the morphological and physiological characteristics the parental line of step i to produce selected backcross progeny plants; and [0173] v. optionally repeating steps iii and iv one or more times in succession to produce selected second, third or fourth or higher backcross progeny plants comprising the single locus conversion, the single trait conversion or the desired trait and otherwise all or all but one, two or three of the morphological and physiological characteristics the parental line of step i to produce selected backcross progeny plants, when grown in the same environmental conditions.
The invention further relates to plants obtained by this method.

[0174] The above method is provided, wherein the single locus conversion concerns a trait, wherein the trait is pest resistance or disease resistance. In one embodiment the trait is disease resistance and the resistance is conferred to Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Curly Top Virus, Pepper Mottle Virus, Potato Y Virus, Tobacco Etch Virus, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Anthracnose (Gloeosporium piperatum), Bacterial Spot (Xanthomonas vesicatoria), Cercospora Leaf Spot (Cercospora capsici), Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita acrita), Phytophthora Root Rot (Phytophthora capsici), Ripe Rot (Vermicularia capsici), Southern Blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) and/or Verticillium Wilt (Verticillium dahliae). Other resistance genes, against pathogenic viruses, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, insects or other pests may also be introduced. In an embodiment, the resistance is TSWV resistance or Ve427.sup.RB resistance.

[0175] Also provided are plant parts derived from variety NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (or from progeny of said varieties or from a plant having all but one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, or from a vegetatively propagated plant of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH (or from its progeny or from a plant having all but one, two or three physiological and/or morphological characteristics which are different from those of NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, being selected from the group consisting of a fruit, a harvested fruit, a part of a fruit, a leaf, a part of a leaf, pollen, an ovule, a cell, a petiole, a shoot or a part thereof, a stem or a part thereof, a root or a part thereof, a root tip, a cutting, a seed, a part of a seed, seedcoat or another maternal tissue which is part of a seed grown on NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH, hypocotyl, cotyledon, a scion, a stock, a rootstock, a pistil, an anther, and a flower or a part thereof.

[0176] In one embodiment, the invention provides for extracts of a plant described herein and compositions comprising or consisting of such extracts. In a preferred embodiment, the extract consists of or comprises tissue of a plant described herein or is obtained from such tissue.

[0177] In still yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of determining the genotype of a plant of the invention comprising the step of detecting in the genome (e.g., a sample of nucleic acids) of the plant at least a first polymorphism or an allele. The skilled person is familiar with many suitable methods of genotyping, detecting a polymorphism or detecting an allele including restriction fragment length polymorphism identification (RFLPI) of genomic DNA, random amplified polymorphic detection (RAPD) of genomic DNA, amplified fragment length polymorphism detection (AFLPD), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, allele specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probes, and hybridization to DNA microarrays or beads. Alternatively, the entire genome could be sequenced. The method may, in certain embodiments, comprise detecting a plurality of polymorphisms in the genome of the plant, for example by obtaining a sample of nucleic acid from a plant and detecting in said nucleic acids a plurality of polymorphisms. The method may further comprise storing the results of the step of detecting the plurality of polymorphisms on a computer readable medium

[0178] The invention also provides for a food or feed product comprising or consisting of a plant part described herein wherein the plant part can be identified as a part of the plant of the invention. Preferably, the plant part is a pepper fruit or part thereof and/or an extract from a fruit or another plant part described herein. The food or feed product may be fresh or processed, e.g., dried, grinded, powdered, pickled, chopped, cooked, roasted, in a sauce, in a sandwich, pasted, purded or concentrated, juiced, pickled, canned, steamed, boiled, fried, blanched and/or frozen, etc.

[0179] For example, containers such as cans, boxes, crates, bags, cartons, Modified Atmosphere Packagings, films (e.g. biodegradable films), etc. comprising a plant or a parts of a plant (fresh and/or processed) described herein or a seed of NUN 70041 PPH are also provided herein. Marketable pepper fruits are generally sorted by size and quality after harvest. Alternatively the pepper fruits can be sorted by pungency.

[0180] Pepper may also be grown for use in grafting or inosculation as rootstocks (stocks) or scions (cions). Typically, different types of pepper are grafted to enhance disease resistance, which is usually conferred by the rootstock, while retaining the horticultural qualities usually conferred by the scion. It is not uncommon for grafting to occur between cultivated pepper varieties and related Solanacea species. Methods of grafting and vegetative propagation are well-known in the art.

[0181] So in one aspect the invention relates to a plant comprising a rootstock or scion of NUN 70041 PPH.

[0182] All documents (e.g., patent publications) are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

CITED REFERENCES

[0183] Tiwari et al., BMC Plant Biology 201111:143 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2229-11-143 [0184] WO 2013078319 [0185] US patent application no. 20060037100, Feb. 16, 2006 [0186] Sang-Gu et al. (1988), Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 12: 67-74 [0187] Kothari et al., (2010) Biotechnology Advances 28: 35-48 [0188] “Guidelines for the Conduct of Tests for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability, TG/76/8 (Geneva, 2006—updated 2015), as published by UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties and Plants: upov.int/under edocs/tgdocs/en/tg076.pdf [0189] US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Plant Variety Protection Office, Beltsville, Md.: ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/56-Pepper.pdf. [0190] Vos et al. 1995, Nucleic Acid Research 23: 4407-4414) [0191] Ince et al., (2010) Biochem. Genet. 48:83-95) [0192] WO2013182646 [0193] Thabuis et al., (2004) Theor Appl Genet 109:342-351) [0194] Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding, 2007, George Acquaah, Blackwell Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-3646-4 [0195] WO2014076249 [0196] Nature Protocols Volume: 9, Pages: 761-772 (2014) DOI: doi:10.1038/nprot.2014.049

Examples

Development of NUN 70039 PPH

[0197] The hybrid NUN 70039 PPH was developed from a male and female proprietary inbred line of Nunhems. The female and male parents were crossed to produce hybrid (F1) seeds of NUN 70039 PPH The seeds of NUN 70039 PPH can be grown to produce hybrid plants and parts thereof (e.g. pepper fruit). The hybrid NUN 70039 PPH can be propagated by seeds or vegetative.

[0198] The hybrid variety is uniform and genetically stable. This has been established through evaluation of horticultural characteristics. Several hybrid seed production events resulted in no observable deviation in genetic stability. Coupled with the confirmation of genetic stability of the female and male parents the Applicant concluded that NUN 70039 PPH is uniform and stable.

Development of NUN 70041 PPH

[0199] The hybrid NUN 70041 PPH was developed from a male and female proprietary inbred line of Nunhems. The female and male parents were crossed to produce hybrid (F1) seeds of NUN 70041 PPH The seeds of NUN 70041 PPH can be grown to produce hybrid plants and parts thereof (e.g. pepper fruit). The hybrid NUN 70041 PPH can be propagated by seeds or vegetative.

[0200] The hybrid variety is uniform and genetically stable. This has been established through evaluation of horticultural characteristics. Several hybrid seed production events resulted in no observable deviation in genetic stability. Coupled with the confirmation of genetic stability of the female and male parents the Applicant concluded that NUN 70041 PPH is uniform and stable.

Development of NUN 70042 PPH

[0201] The hybrid NUN 70042 PPH was developed from a male and female proprietary inbred line of Nunhems. The female and male parents were crossed to produce hybrid (F1) seeds of NUN 70042 PPH The seeds of NUN 70042 PPH can be grown to produce hybrid plants and parts thereof (e.g. pepper fruit). The hybrid NUN 70042 PPH can be propagated by seeds or vegetative.

[0202] The hybrid variety is uniform and genetically stable. This has been established through evaluation of horticultural characteristics. Several hybrid seed production events resulted in no observable deviation in genetic stability. Coupled with the confirmation of genetic stability of the female and male parents the Applicant concluded that NUN 70042 PPH is uniform and stable.

Deposit Information

[0203] A total of 2500 seeds of the hybrid variety NUN 70039 PPH are deposited according to the Budapest Treaty by Nunhems B.V. on ______, at or at the NCIMB Ltd., Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, United Kingdom (NCIMB). The deposit has NCIMB number ______. A deposit of NUN 70039 PPH and of the male and female parent line is also maintained at Nunhems B.V.

[0204] A total of 2500 seeds of the hybrid variety NUN 70041 PPH are deposited according to the Budapest Treaty by Nunhems B.V. on ______, at or at the NCIMB Ltd., Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, United Kingdom (NCIMB). The deposit has NCIMB number ______. A deposit of NUN 70041 PPH and of the male and female parent line is also maintained at Nunhems B.V.

[0205] A total of 2500 seeds of the hybrid variety NUN 70042 PPH are deposited according to the Budapest Treaty by Nunhems B.V. on ______, at or at the NCIMB Ltd., Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, United Kingdom (NCIMB). The deposit has NCIMB number ______. A deposit of NUN 70042 PPH and of the male and female parent line is also maintained at Nunhems B.V.

[0206] Access to the deposits will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Director of the U.S. Patent Office to be entitled thereto upon request. Subject to 37 C.F.R. §1.808(b), all restrictions imposed by the depositor on the availability to the public of the deposited material will be irrevocably removed upon the granting of the patent. The deposit will be maintained for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the most recent request, or for the enforceable life of the patent whichever is longer, and will be replaced if it ever becomes nonviable during that period. Applicant does not waive any rights granted under this patent on this application or under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 USC 2321 et seq.).

[0207] The most similar variety to NUN 70039 PPH is Piton, a variety from US Agriseeds. In Table 1 a comparison between NUN 70039 PPH and Piton is shown based on a trial in the USA. The most similar variety to NUN 70041 PPH is Piton, a variety from US Agriseeds. Table 1 also shows a comparison between NUN 70041 PPH and Piton is shown based on a trial in the USA. The most similar variety to NUN 70042 PPH is Forajido, a variety from ENZA. In Table 1 a comparison between NUN 70042 PPH and Forajudo is shown based on a trial in the USA. Trial location Acampo, Calif. 38192873 N, 121.232637W. transplanting date for NUN 70041 PPH: 19 Sep. 2016.

[0208] Two replications of 50 plants each, from which 15 plants or plant parts were randomly selected, were used to measure characteristics. In Table 1 the USDA descriptors of NUN 70039 PPH and NUN 70041 PPH (this application) and REFERENCE VARIETY Piton are listed, as well as the USDA descriptors of NUN 70042 PPH (this application) and REFERENCE VARIETY Forajido.

[0209] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant having the physiological and morphological characteristics of pepper varieties NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH as presented in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 USDA descriptors of varieties NUN 70039 PPH and NUN 70041 PPH, which both have REFERENCE VARIETY Piton, as well as NUN 70042 PPH and its REFERENCE VARIETY Forajido Application Application Reference Application Reference variety variety variety variety NUN variety USDA descriptor NUN 70039 PPH NUN 70041 PPH Piton 70042 PPH Forajido 1. SPECIES: 1 = C. annuum 2 = C. frutescens 3 = C. 1 1 1 1 1 baccatum 4 = C. chinense 5 = Other (specify) 2. MATURITY (In Region of Best Adaptability): Days from transplanting until mature green stage 80 80 80 n.r. n.r. Days from transplanting until mature red or yellow stage n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. Days from direct seeding until mature green stage n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. Days from direct seeding until mature red or yellow n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. stage 3. PLANT Plant Habit: 1 = Compact 2 = Semi-spreading 2 2 2 2 2 3 = Spreading 4 = Other Plant Attitude: 1 = Erect 2 = Semi-erect 3 = Prostrate 1 1 1 1 1 4 = Other Plant Height (cm) 55.4 55.4 58.9 60.0 55.2 Plant Width (cm) 64.4 60.0 58.9 49.8 64.5 Length of Stem from Cotyledons to First Flower (cm) 22.3 19.3 20.5 17.5 17.3 Length of Third Internode (from soil surface) (mm) 32.8 39.7 38.0 32.8 28.9 Basal Branches: 1 = None 2 = Few (2-3) 3 = Many (more 1 1 1 1 1 than 3) Branch Flexibility: 1 = Willowy (Cayenne Long Red) 2 2 2 2 2 2 = Rigid (Yolo Wonder L) Stem Strength (Breakage Resistance): 3 3 3 3 3 1 = Weak 2 = Intermediate 3 = Strong 4. LEAVES: Leaf Width (mm) 65.0 64.0 65.6 46.7 67.1 Leaf Length (mm) 126.1 101.5 126.0 109.4 155.8 Petiole Length (mm) 72.7 70.8 54.4 54.4 83.4 Mature Leaf Shape: 1 = Lanceolate 2 = Elliptic 2 2 2 2 2 Leaf Color: 1 = Light Green 2 = Medium Green 3 = Dark 2 2 2 2 2 Green 4 = Purple 5 = Other (specify) Color Chart Name Code: RHS Green N137A Green N137A Green N137B Green N137B Green N137A Leaf and Stem Pubescence: 1 = Absent (Yolo Wonder L) 1 1 1 1 1 2 = Light 3 = Moderate (Serrano) 4 = Heayy (Chili Piquin) Margin Undulation: 1 = Absent 2 = V. Weak 3 = Weak 2 2 2 2 2 4 = Medium 5 = Strong 6 = V. Strong Blistering: 1 = Absent 2 = Very Weak 3 = Weak 4 = Medium 3 1 3 2 3 5 = Strong 6 = Very Strong 5. FLOWERS: Number of Flowers per Leaf Axil 1.0 1.1 1.1 1 1.1 Number of Calyx Lobes 6.9 6.6 6.4 6.3 6.9 Number of Petals 6.5 6.0 6.2 6.4 6.1 Flower Diameter (mm) 25.2 27.7 25.1 22.7 24.6 Corolla Color: 1 = White 2 = Purple 3 = Other (Specify) 1 1 1 1 1 Corolla Throat Markings: 1 = Yellow (Tan) 2 = Purple 1 1 1 1 1 3 = Other (Specify) Anther Color: 1 = Yellow 2 = Purple 3 = Other (Specify) 2 2 2 2 2 Style Length: 1 = Less Than Stamen 2 = Same as Stamen 2 2 2 3 2 3 = Exceeds Stamen Self-Incompatibility: 1 = Absent 2 = Present n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. 6. FRUIT: Group: 1 = Bell (Yolo Wonder L) 2 = Pimiento (Pimiento 7 7 7 7 7 Perfection) 3 = Ancho (Mexican Chili) 4 = Anaheim Chili (Sandia) 5 = Cayenne (Cayenne Long Red) 6 = Cuban (Cubanelle) 7 = Jalapeno (Jalapeno) 8 = Small Hot (Serrano) 9 = Cherry (Sweet Cherry) 10 = Short Wax (Floral Gem) 11 = Long Wax (Sweet Banana) 12 = Tabasco (Tabasco) 13 = Habanero (Scotch Bonnet) 14 = Other Immature Fruit Color: 1 = Light Green (Cubanelle) 3 3 3 3 2 2 = Medium Green (Long Thin Cayenne) 3 = Dark Green (Yolo Wonder L) 4 = Very Dark Green (Ancho Chili) 5 = Yellow (Yellow Belle) 6 = Purple (Violetta) 7 = Ivory (Twiggy) 8 = Other Immature Fruit Color: Color Chart Name Code: RHS Green 139A Green 137A Green 137A Green 139A Green 137A Mature Fruit Color: 1 = Red (Yolo Wonder L) 2 = Orange 1 1 1 1 1 3 = Orange-Yellow (Golden Calwonder) 4 = Brown (Mulatto) 5 = Ivory 6 = Green (Permagreen) 7 = Salmon 8 = Lemon Yellow 9 = Other. Mature Fruit Color: Color Chart Name Code: RHS n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. Pungency: 1 = Sweet (Yolo Wonder L) 2 = Hot (Jalapeno) 2 2 2 2 2 mg Capsaicin per gram dry fruit n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. Scoville Units (dry fruit) n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. Flavor: 1 = Mild Pepper Flavor 2 = Moderate Pepper 2 2 2 2 2 Flavor 3 = Strong Pepper Flavor 4 = Other. Fruit Glossiness: 1 = Dull 2 = Moderate 3 = Shiny 3 3 3 3 3 Surface Smoothness: 1 = Smooth (Yolo Wonder L) 1 1 1 1 1 2 = Rough (Long Thin Cayenne) Fruit Position: 1 = Upright (Santaka) 2 = Horizontal 3 3 3 3 3 3 = Pendent (Jalapeno) Calyx Shape: 1 = Cup-shaped (Enveloping Fruit Base) 2 2 2 2 2 2 = Saucer-shaped (Flat, Non-Enveloping) Calyx Diameter (mm) 19.0 20.5 21.5 18.1 19.4 Fruit Length (mm) 114.2 107.9 116.4 99.5 83.0 Fruit Diameter at Calyx Attachment (mm) 31.4 32 31.2 27.2 24.6 Fruit Diameter at Mid-point (mm) 32.6 33.5 35.5 29.1 29.0 Flesh Thickness at Mid-point (mm) 4.8 5.0 4.3 4.1 4.1 Average Number of Fruits per Plant n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. % Large fruits n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. % Medium fruits n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. % small fruits n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. Average Fruit Weight (gm) 53.3 53.9 52.8 36.5 33.5 Fruit Base Shape: 1 = Cupped (Yolo Wond L), 2 2 2 2 2 2 = Rounded (Jalapeno) Fruit Apex Shape: 1 = Pointed (Long Thin Cayenne) 1 1 1 1 2 2 = Blunt (Yolo Wonder L) Fruit Shape: 1 = Bell (Yolo Wonder L) 2 = Conical 4 4 4 4 4 (Pimiento) 3 = Elongate (Long Thin Cayenne) 4 = Oblong (Jalapeno) 5 = Oblate (Sunnybrook) 6 = Globe (Red Cherry) 7 = Other Fruit Shape (Longitudinal Section, see attached 6 6 6 6 6 pictures): 1 = Flattened 2 = Round 3 = Heart-shaped 4 = Square 5 = Rectangular 6 = Trapezoid 7 = Narrow Triangular 8 = Triangular 9 = Horn-shaped Fruit Shape (Cross Section, at Level of Placenta): 4 4 4 4 4 1 = Elliptic 2 = Triangular 3 = Quadrangular 4 = Circular Fruit Set: 1 = Scattered 2 = Concentrated 2 2 2 2 2 Interloculary Grooves: 1 = Absent 2 = Very Shallow 1 1 1 1 1 3 = Shallow 4 = Medium 5 = Deep 6 = Very Deep % Fruits with one locule 0 0 0 0 0 % Fruits with two locules 26.67 6.67 0 6.67 0 % Fruits with three locules 53.3 60.0 53.3 60.0 73.3 % Fruits with four locules 13.33 33.33 40.0 40.0 26.7 % Fruits with five or more locules 6.67 0 6.67 0 0 Average Number of Locules 3.0 3.3 3.53 3.3 3.3 Pedicel Length (mm) 32.2 30.0 23.6 30.4 31.7 Pedicel Thickness (mm) 4.9 5.12 5.0 4.2 5.2 Pedicel Shape: 1 = Straight 2 = Curved 2 2 2 2 2 Pedicel Cavity: 1 = Absent 2 = Present 1 1 1 1 1 7 SEED: Seed Cavity Length (mm) 102.6 97.9 104 92.2 Seed Cavity Diameter (mm) 29.9 30.71 29.2 25.9 Placenta Length (mm) 47.5 53.5 54.0 51.6 Number of Seeds per Fruit 156 146.7 169 164.7 Gm per 1000 seeds n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. n.r. Seed Color 1 = Yellow; 2 = Purple 1 1 1 1 1 8. ANTHOCYANIN (1 = Absent; 2 = Weak; 3 = Moderate; 4 = Strong): Seedling Hypocotyl 1 1 1 n.r. n.r. Stem 2 2 2 n.r. n.r. Node 3 3 3 n.r. n.r. Leaf 1 1 1 n.r. n.r. Pedicel 1 1 1 n.r. n.r. Calyx 1 1 1 n.r. n.r. Fruit 1 1 1 n.r. n.r.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Non-USDA descriptors of varieties NUN 70039 PPH and NUN 70041 PPH, which both have REFERENCE VARIETY Piton, as well as NUN 70042 PPH and its REFERENCE VARIETY Forajido Application Application Reference Application Reference variety variety variety variety variety Non-USDA descriptor NUN 70039 PPH NUN 70041 PPH Piton NUN 70042 PPH Forajido Petiole Length (mm) 3.1 2.7 3.3 2.8 3.6

[0210] Table 1 and 2 contain typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. N.A.=not applicable; n.r.=not recorded.