New Mexico State University

Chile (capsicum Annuum) Is a Nutrient-rich, Flavorful Vegetable Prized for Its Culinary Versatility. Over the Past 40 Years, the Demand for Chile Has Surged Across the Nation. New MEXICO'S Iconic Crop, NM Type Chile (widely Known as 'HATCH CHILE') Faces Growing Challenges From Disease, Labor Shortages, and Competition From Imported Product. This Project Seeks to Strengthen Domestic Chile Production by Tackling Two Major Challenges, Farm Labor Shortages and Disease Pressure. to Achieve This, New Mexico State and Cornell Universities Will Combine Resources From Their Chile Breeding Programs to Incorporate Resistance to Phytophthora Capsici, a Major Disease Impacting Chile Production, Resistant Peppers Developed at Cornell With Mechanical Harvest Efficient NM Type Chile Developed at Nmsu. Additionally, a Cross-institutional Exchange Program for Graduate Students Will Be Established to Enhance the STUDENTS' Knowledge and Skills.efforts Will Lead to the Development of Mechanical Harvest Efficient, NM Type Green Chile Cultivars That Are Resistant to Phytophthora Root Rot. the Outcomes of This Work Will Include Improved Chile Germplasm, Advanced Genomic Tools, Multiskilled Graduates, Lower Production Costs, Reduced Disease, and a More Resilient U.s. Chile Industry.