Parasite-resistant Peppers Green Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides

Root-knot nematodes are extreme **parasites**. These microscopic, omnipresent worms cause major damage to **horticultural** and **field crops** in sub-tropical regions, resulting in significant financial losses to growers and gardeners. To combat parasites like root-knot nematodes without the use of chemical pesticides, scientists are focusing more research on developing new, **parasite-resistant** varieties of **vegetables**. Dr. Judy Thies, a research plant pathologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, was part of a team of scientists who developed the Charleston Belle variety of bell pepper, the first **nematode-resistant bell pepper**. "American Society for Horticultural Science":[ http://ashs.org/pressrelease/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=928:parasite-resistant-peppers-green-alternatives-to-chemical-pesticides&catid=1:hortscience&Itemid=3]

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