The pungency of chili peppers and arid climates

Abstract

Plants in the Capsicum genus are thought to have evolved to be pungent in order to protect their fruits from mold (Fusarium) or to be selectively eaten by birds, and this is the result of the survival competition in their respective natural habitats, including arid regions. On the other hand, we have clarified that the pungency of Capsicum fruits fluctuates due to stress such as drying.