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Article History

Received: 8 August 2025

Accepted: 17 March 2026

First Online: 7 April 2026

Declarations

:

: The collection of cultivated plant material (hot pepper) and soil samples in the East Dembia and Takusa districts did not require formal approval from local authorities. This study was conducted in accordance with national guidelines for environmental and agricultural sampling. Furthermore, as the research did not involve human clinical interventions or animal subjects, it was not classified as a clinical trial and did not necessitate specific ethical licenses or permissions. he study was conducted with the full knowledge and verbal consent of the individual landowners involved. Researchers ensured that all property rights were respected throughout the collection process in the East Dembia and Takusa districts. Participants were informed of the nature of the collection, and sampling was carried out only upon receiving their explicit verbal agreement.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.