November 14-16, 2004
Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club
Naples, FL, USA

Dear Colleague,

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the
17th International Pepper Conference scheduled November 14-16, 2004 in Naples, Florida, USA.

We ask everyone with Internet access to use the symposium web page whenever possible. You will soon be able to submit your abstract online, register for the conference online and even find out about airline, hotel and other travel arrangements. And, you will be able to conveniently pay for your registration fee with a Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express credit card. Please take a moment to add our web site address to your bookmark list.

This international conference will provide numerous opportunities for participants to share up-to-date information and research, and to discuss common concerns with colleagues from around the world. This exchange of information is vital to the continued improvement and international advancement of peppers and we invite you to join us.

See you in Naples!

Gene McAvoy
Symposium Organizer

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In recent years, interest and demand for peppers has increased dramatically worldwide and peppers are no longer considered a minor crop in the global market.  For the past 25 years, the International Pepper Conference has attracted prominent scientists, researchers, breeders, horticulturists, pathologists, entomologists, geneticists, physiologists, virologists, extension agents, seed and chemical company representatives, major processors, growers, and chile aficionados from around the world and is now recognized as the premier venue for the dissemination and exchange of information on Capsicum. All pepper types including bell, long green/red chile, high color paprika, ancho, pimiento, cayenne, tabasco, jalapeno, yellow pickling, serrano, and cherry peppers will be a focus of the conference.

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The aim of the conference is to bring together those with an interest in the current status of pepper research, extension and technology.  Topics of interest will include: 

• Breeding and Genetics (germplasm evaluation and utilization, crop physiology and technology
• Horticultural Management and Production (production methods, cultural systems and sustainable approaches;)
• Integrated Pest Management (insect and disease management, biological control)
• Post Harvest Issues (post harvest physiology and technology, economics, marketing and trade)

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All individuals involved in research or research, extension and technology of Capsicum are strongly encouraged to submit an abstract for consideration as an oral or poster presentation. Abstracts must be submitted electronically via the online submission form following the detailed submission instructions posted on the conference web site.

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This conference will give growers, industry, processors, brokers, and scientists a place to make new business relationships, meet specialists in the different fields, and have access to the latest technology, products and services to perform their respective jobs better. If you have an interest in peppers you cannot afford to miss this conference. 
It will provide an unsurpassed opportunity for networking and the multi-disciplinary sharing and exchange of the latest scientific and practical information related to pepper breeding, production and processing.  All day field tours will provide an opportunity to visit state-of-the-art commercial production fields, packing facilities and breeding stations around Southwest Florida.  In addition to the camaraderie and educational opportunities, the conference will provide a great chance to explore Naples, Southwest Florida and surrounding natural wonders such as the Everglades, Ten Thousand Islands and the Big Cypress National Preserve.

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Dr. Jean Andrews,  "The Pepper Lady"

While there are many, many reasons why hot peppers have come into their own and have blossomed into objects of public interest and enjoyment, one of those reasons can be directly attributed to Dr. Jean Andrews, aka "The Pepper Lady," a title she has, in fact, trademarked. A diminutive, outspoken, and endlessly energetic octogenarian, Andrews leads a life of travel, writing, research, painting, and philanthropy.

Dr. Paul Bosland, Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University

Dr. Paul Bosland is currently a Regents Professor in horticulture at New Mexico State University and Director of the Chile Pepper Institute. He is popularly known as the "Chileman." He leads the chile breeding and genetics research program at NMSU. Dr. Bosland is recognized nationally/internationally as one of the foremost experts on Capsicum. He has published more than 100 scientific papers dealing with chile pepper and is co-author of 6 books. He serves as the chairman of the annual New Mexico Chile Conference. He has served as chairman of the USDA Capsicum Crop Advisory Committee.

Dr. Allan K. Stoner, USDA, Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Maryland

Allan Stoner attended Purdue University, where he received a B.S. degree in horticulture and a M.S. degree in plant breeding and genetics. He received a Ph. D. degree in horticulture from the University of Illinois.
Dr. Stoner has been employed by the USDA, Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Maryland since 1965. Initially, he conducted research on insect resistant tomatoes and later his responsibilities included the breeding of widely adapted, high quality, multiple disease and pest resistant tomatoes. This work resulted in the release of nine cultivars adapted to the Eastern U.S. and numerous multiple disease and insect resistant breeding lines.
 

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There will be one day of plenary oral sessions and poster presentations followed by a one-day commercial field trip to local sites. Several networking functions are planned to facilitate interaction and to further the exchange of information amongst colleagues.

Sunday, November 14, 2004

Monday, November 15, 2004

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

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Chile Pepper Research Information Dissemination – Danise Coon, New Mexico State University, Agronomy & Horticulture/Chile Pepper Institute, Las Cruces, NM, USA

Root-knot Nematode Resistance in Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.): Development of Resistant Habanero-type Cultivars for U.S. Growers – Richard Fery, USDA-ARS, U.S. Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA

Chile Breeding & Genetics Research Program for Underrepresented Students – Wendy Hamilton, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service, Chile Pepper Institute, Las Cruces, NM, USA

Flowering and Fruit Production Dynamics of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum  chinense Jacq) under Different Shade Conditions in a Humid Tropical Region – Ramon Jaimez, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (IIAP), Facultad de Cicncias Forestales Y Ambientales, La Hechicera, Merida, Venezuela     

Determination of Capsaicinoids in Shelf-Stable Salsa by Enzyme Immunoassay – Robert Jarret, USDA/ARS, Plant Genetic Resources, Griffin, GA, USA

Determination of Capsaicinoids in Oleoresins and Dried Hot Peppers by Enzyme Immunoassay – Robert Jarret, USDA/ARS, Plant Genetic Resources, Griffin, GA, USA

Heat Stress Tolerance in Closely Related Genotypes of Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) – John Jifon, Texas A&M University, Texas Agr. Experiment Station, Weslaco, TX, USA

 “Spanish” Pepper Trellis System and High Plant Density Can Increase Fruit Yield, Fruit Quality, and Reduce Labor in a Hydroponic, Passively Ventilated Greenhouse-grown Crop – Elio Jovicich, University of Florida, Horticultural Sciences, Gainesville, FL, US

Searching for Low Use of Water and Fertilizers in Soilless-greenhouse-grown Peppers in Florida – Elio Jovicich, University of Florida, Horticultural Sciences, Gainesville, FL, US

Managing Greenhouse-grown Peppers in a Saline Environment – Elio Jovicich, University of Florida, Horticultural Sciences, Gainesville, FL, US

The Effect of Temperature on the Development of Fusarium Stem Rot in Greenhouse Peppers in South Florida – Elizabeth Lamb, University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, Fort Pierce, FL, USA

Three Recessive Genes Controlling Bacterial Spot Resistance in Pepper – Rosana Rodrigues, UENF, CCTA/LMGV, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil

Hypersensitive Response to Xanthomonas Campestris pv. vesicatoria Race 6 in Capsicum chinense and C. baccatum – Rosana Rodrigues, UENF, CCTA/LMGV, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil

Genetic Divergence and Screening for Bacterial Spot Resistance in Capsicum spp. – Rosana Rodrigues, UENF, CCTA/LMGV, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil

Dynamics and Sugar Composition of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum, L.) nectar – Ana Roldán, Agrobío,S.L., I+D+I, Almería, Andalucía, Spain

Screening of Biorationals for Control of Phytophthora capsici. – Erin Rosskopf, USDA, Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL, USA

Harvest Date for Machine Harvest of New Mexican Red Chile (Capsicum annuum) Affects Quality and Yield – Stephanie Walker, New Mexico State University, Extension Plant Sciences, Las Cruces, NM, USA

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An all-day tour of local industry research facilities and commercial production will be a highlight of the conference on Tuesday, November 16. Because of the distances involved, participants will be divided into two separate tour groups. One group will visit Syngenta Vegetable Seeds and Harris Moran Seed Co. The other group will visit Sakata Seed America and Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Traditional cultivars as well as advanced breeding material will be available at all sites. Both tours will visit commercial production and packing operations. Lunch will be provided at Syngenta and Seminis.

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What Does the Registration Fee Include? The conference registration fee allows each registrant to receive one copy of the printed abstract book to be distributed at the conference, registration materials including a canvas briefcase and portfolio to facilitate note taking, participation in the Tuesday commercial field tour and attendance at the Sunday Welcome Networking Social, the Monday Cookout, and the Tuesday evening Closing Dinner. Lunch will be provided on Monday and during the Tuesday commercial field trip. Daily morning, mid-day and afternoon refreshments will also be provided. A reduced fee is available for students. A photocopy of a valid student ID must accompany student registration forms. Two pre-conference educational field trips are being offered on an optional basis for an additional charge.

Guest and Child Registration - The guest and child registration fee includes full attendance at the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evening functions only. (Guests do not receive meeting materials.) Family members may also sign up to participate in the commercial field trip on Tuesday for an additional fee.
 

*A photocopy of a valid student ID must accompany student registration forms. If you register online, please FAX the student ID form and indicate your registration was submitted online.

PLEASE NOTE: Payment must accompany registration and be received by the dates indicated to qualify for the applicable fee.
 

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT TOURS: Due to transportation and potential space restrictions at various stops on each tour, the organizers reserve the right to limit attendance, so early registration is recommended, and tour registrations must be received by November 1, 2004. If an insufficient number of registrants sign up, tours are subject to cancellation. If your tour is canceled or full, we will contact you to obtain another choice, if available.

CLICK HERE to see field trip details and what the TOUR fees include.

Guest and Child Registration The guest and child registration fee includes full attendance at the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evening functions only. (Guests do not receive meeting materials.) Family members may also sign up to participate in the commercial field trip on Tuesday for an additional fee.

Additional Field Trip registrations received after October 15 will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Registration Confirmation: An email notice acknowledging we received your online registration submission will be sent within three business days. Please do not contact us to verify we received your online registration before this three-day period has elapsed. Formal written confirmation and a hard copy of your receipt will be mailed to you within three weeks of receiving your completed registration form and appropriate payment.

Refund Policy: Requests for registration refunds will be honored if a written notification of cancellation is received by the Office of Conferences & Institutes on or before October 15, 2004. A $75.00 processing fee will be deducted from all registration refunds. Sorry, no refunds will be honored for cancellations after October 15, 2004.

Special Needs: Participants with special needs can be reasonably accommodated by contacting the Office of Conferences & Institutes at least 10 working days prior to the conference. We can be reached by phone at 1-352-392-5930, by fax at 1-352-392-9734, or by calling 1-800-955-8771 (TDD). The TDD number can only be accessed from within the State of Florida.

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Sunday, November 14, 2004 - TOUR REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Everglades Tour: The Everglades Through Different Lenses — $95.00  - TOUR REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

The portals are the eyes of the Miccosukee Indians and the lenses of Clyde Butcher, heir apparent to the late nature photographer, Ansel Adams. Together, they recall one of the world's most important ecosystems before engineers and water management structures altered it. Today, and for the next 20-30 years they are monitoring the largest public works project -- at a cost of $8-10 billion -- in the history of our planet, its reclamation.

FEATURED IN THIS TOUR:

• The "River of Grass" by airboat

• Private hammock in the Everglades

• Pumpkin fry bread

• Internationally recognized photography

• 23-year Miccosukee chairman

• Learn a few words of Elaponke

ITINERARY: Off to the Everglades...

Travel Florida's first Scenic Highway to the Miccosukee Indian Tribe of Florida's Tamiami Trail Reservation. When post-restoration water quality goals were announced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the tribe said, "Not good enough." The tribe sued and won higher standards. Talk with 23-year tribal chairman, Buffalo Tiger, and travel on his airboats to private Tear Island, a grassy hammock with a grand chickee. From those who live in the Everglades, learn how water management schemes forever changed an ecosystem and their way of life. Lunch at the Miccosukee Restaurant includes pumpkin fry bread. Then, deep in the Everglades, visit Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. An architecture student in California, he got involved in photography because he couldn't draw. He first saw the black and white photography of Ansel Adams and thought, "Why would you photograph a tree?" After his son was killed by a drunken driver, and a visit to Tom Gaskin's Cypress Knee Museum, Clyde dedicated his life to photographing natural Florida in black and white. His powerful images -- some five feet wide -- invite immersion, not just viewing. He wants his art not only to record but also to preserve. Elected to Florida's Artist Hall of Fame in 1998, his haunting vistas of the Everglades and conservationist activism are well known in the halls of Washington. Recent projects include work for Florida's "Save Our Rivers" program, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves, The Wilderness Society and The Nature Conservancy. Clyde's work was used to honor the late Marjory Stoneman Douglas' 100th - 103rd birthdays.

ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU: Bring binoculars, hat, sunscreen & insect repellant.

PRE-TOUR SUGGESTED READING:

The Book of the Everglades, edited by Susan Cerulean, Milkweed Editions

Buffalo Tiger: A Life in the Everglades, Buffalo Tiger & Harry Kersey Jr, University of Nebraska Press

Clyde Butcher: Portfolio I, Florida Landscapes, Random House

The Everglades: River of Grass, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Pineapple Press

Florida Landscape, Clyde Butcher, Kam Graphics

Forever Island, Patrick Smith, Pineapple Press

Seeing the Light: Wilderness and Salvation, a Photographer's Tale:, A biography of Clyde Butcher, Tom Shroder & John Barry, Random House

Southwest Florida's Wetland Wilderness: Big Cypress Swamp and the Ten Thousand Islands, Jeff Ripple & Clyde Butcher, University Press of Florida

Totch: A Life in the Everglades, Loren G "Totch" Brown, University Press of Florida
Tourist Season, Carl Hiaasen, Ballantine

The Wild Heart of Florida: Florida Writers on Florida's Wildlands, Susan Cerulean & Jeff Ripple, University Press of Florida

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• Motorcoach transportation

• Lunch

• All tours & experiences as described

• Tour director throughout

• Bottled water

• Donation to: Save Our Rivers

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Tour - $65.00 - TOUR REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

1904, Napoleon Bonaparte Broward was elected Florida Governor on the promise to create an "Empire of the Everglades" by wringing every last drop of water out of that "pestilence-ridden swamp." The state and private developers were so efficient in their drainage schemes, a trillion gallons of fresh water is drained into the Atlantic, Gulf and Florida Bay every year. Now an estimated $7.8 billion, 20+ year plan is in place to restore something of the original water flow and historic wetlands habitats. Visit a special place that wasn't drained and has been in the protective custody of the National Audubon Society since 1954. Learn how it co-exists with surrounding agricultural lands.

FEATURED IN THIS TOUR:

• World-class watchable wildlife

• Subtropical sensory immersion

• "Crown jewel" of National Audu