Hot peppers may be more than a spicy treatMolds on berries and grapes cost growers millions of dollars. Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture believe that a component in cayenne peppers may be the next fungicide. Currently, the Agency's Small Fruit Research arm in Poplarville, Miss, is testing CAY-1's efficacy on fun gus-afflicted strawberries.
The compound in cayenne peppers that makes it an effective fungicide is saponin. Saponin is detergent-like and foaming when water is added. The compound destroys fungal cells by forming holes along their cell membranes. Scientists believe that the fungicide may have uses far beyond crop protection, including eliminating bathroom mildew. (Agricultural Research Service)
Source: Nutrition Today
