Katherine Lisbeth Bernal-Canales

Ms. Katherine Lisbeth Bernal-Canales

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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17 January 2026 in Plants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ESErick Leao Salas-Zeta
Erick Leao Salas-Zeta
KBKatherine Lisbeth Bernal-Canales
Katherine Lisbeth Bernal-Canales
ADAndrea Delgado-Lazo
Andrea Delgado-Lazo
GLGonzalo Antonio Pacheco Lizarraga
Gonzalo Antonio Pacheco Lizarraga
MHMarián Hermoza-Gutierrez
Marián Hermoza-Gutierrez
KRKarina Beatriz Ccapa Ramirez
Karina Beatriz Ccapa Ramirez
Capsicum pubescens (rocoto) is an Andean domesticate with notable agronomic and nutraceutical potential, yet it remains underrepresented in chili pepper breeding programs. In this study, 78 accessions from the Peruvian Andes were evaluated in a single field environment during the 2024 growing season for 28 variables spanning plant architecture, phenology and yield, color (CIELAB), weight, fruit morphology, physicochemical variables, and functional phytochemicals, including total phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, capsaicinoids, and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS). Descriptive analyses revealed broad phenotypic diversity in key variables such as yield and bioactive compounds. Spearman correlations uncovered a clear modular structure, with strong within-domain associations across morphological, chromatic, and biochemical variables, and statistically significant but low-magnitude cross-domain associations (e.g., fruit length with pungency, redness with total phenolics). Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering resolved three differentiated phenotypic profiles: (i) low-pungency accessions with high soluble solids and varied fruit colors; (ii) highly pungent materials with elevated antioxidant capacity; and (iii) large, red-fruited accessions with considerable carotenoid content and high moisture. This multivariate architecture revealed weak cross-block correlations among agronomic, color, and functional traits, enabling selection of promising accessions combining desirable agronomic attributes and favorable bioactive profiles in specific accessions. These results provide a quantitative foundation for future breeding strategies in C. pubescens, opening concrete opportunities to develop improved cultivars that simultaneously meet productivity and functional quality criteria.