Inheritance of closed flower in pepper

Summary Progenies of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) crosses between the closed flower pepper line UFBG 8209-1 and cultivars Permagreen and Early Calwonder representing the normal, open flower type, were evaluated in a field experiment. The F₁ generation was open flowered. Backcrosses and F₂ generations indicated that the closed flower trait was controlled by a single recessive gene.Florida Agricultural Experiment Stations Journal Series No. 4918.     

Some notes on the association between fruit dimensions and fruit weight in Capsicum annuum L.

Summary Previous reports on the inheritance of fruit dimensions in Capsicum suggested two contradictory views: independent inheritance of individual dimensions vs inheritance of a shape index, i.e., length/width ratio.The F₂ of a cross between parent lines that differed in fruit size and weight but had similar shape indices exhibited intermediate dominance in fruit weight and in fruit width for small size. The correlation between fruit shape (as measured by the length to width ratio) and fruit weight in the F₂ was small and not significantly different from zero. The two variables, fruit width and fruit length, accounted for 90% of the variation in fruit weight. Apparently one can select for fruit weight in the F₂ independently of fruit shape.     

Digenic nature of male sterility in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Summary A cross was made between two nearly isogenic lines differing for male sterility genes, viz. ms₁ms₁Ms₂Ms₂ s Ms₁Ms₁Ms₂ms₂. F₁ plants yielded F₂ populations which segregated either in 3:1 or 9:7 ratios of fertile vs male sterile individuals. Test crosses between male sterile and male fertile sibs in the 9:7 segregating populations provided a few lines in which most of the progenies were male sterile. A 3:1 ratio model of male steriles vs fertiles is suggested and the value of the system is discussed.Contribution A.R.O. Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50 250, Israel No. 3703-E, 1992 series.     

Inheritance studies with nine characters in Capsicum annuum L.

Summary Information obtained from breeding work with relatively small F₂ populations suggests independent segregation in 12 pairs of characters. Anthocyanin pigmentation in the cotyledon is either recessive or dominant, showing either single gene or polygenic inheritance, depending on parental genotypes. When single gene inheritance was observed, pigmentation was independent of resistance to potato virus-y, of the male sterile-1 (ms1) gene and of male sterile-2 (ms2) gene. However, additional observation suggests that one of the genes involved in pigmentation is linked with the male sterile-1 gene.     

Inheritance and transfer of multiple-flower character from Capsicum chinense into Capsicum annuum

Summary Capsicum annuum L. produces a single flower and thus a single fruit per branching node. In contrast, Capsicum chinense Jacq. yields two or more flowers per node. If genes for multiple-flowers per node could be transferred from C. chinese to C. annuum, it might be possible to breed C. annuum varieties with a more concentrated fruit set and potentially higher yield. Using progeny from an interspecific cross between C. annuum cv. NM 6-4 and C. chinense CA4, it has been determined that a minimum of five independently segregating chromosomal regions control the difference in flowering behavior between these two accessions. One of the segments is located on a translocated chromosome. Epistatic interactions among independent chromosomal regions appear to play a major role in the determination of this trait.Although it is unlikely that the multiple-flower character can be transferred to C. annuum in its full intensity while maintaining a horticulturally-acceptable phenotype, it may be possible to breed varieties which produce an average of more than 1.5 flowers per node, a value 50% higher than existing C. annuum varieties.     

Gene action in the resistance of peppers (Capsicum annuum) to Phytophthora stem blight (Phytophthora capsici L.)

Summary The variation among single and three-way crosses derived from seven lines of pepper (Capsicum annuum) selected for resistance to Phytophthora capsici was analyzed into statistical-genetic components due to general and specific combining abilities and additive-by-additive epistasis. Indirect evidence of higher order epistasis was also estimated. Epistasis was a principal source of variation. It was correlated with the level of aggressiveness of the pathogen. A breeding method such as recurrent selection seems to be the most appropriate to improve resistance to the fungus.     

Inheritance of adult-plant resistance to Phytophthora capsici in pepper

Summary Inheritance studies were conducted to determine the genetic basis of adult-plant resistance in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to Phytophthora capsici. F₁, backcrosses and F₂ populations were developed using the resistant parent Criollo de Morellos 334 and susceptible parents Agronômico 10-G and Yolo Wonder. Pepper plants, at 36 days post-emergence, were inoculated near the base of the stem with an inoculum suspension of 5×10⁴ zoospores/ml. Segregation ratios in the F₂ generation of 13 resistant to 3 susceptible plants fit a 2-gene model for resistance with dominant and recessive epistasis.     

Genetic nature of low capsaicin content in the variant strains induced by grafting in Capsicum annuum L.

Summary The genetic nature of low capsaicin content in variant strains induced by grafting was elucidated by crossing the G₅S₂₃ strain with the two cultivars, Yatsubusa (Capsicum annuum L. var. fasciculatum Ilish) and Spanish Paprika (C. annuum L. grossum Sendt) originally used for grafting. Decreased capsaicin synthesis was a stable characteristic for at least several generations from G₅S₁₆ to G₅S₂₃ and was transmitted to the progenies of crosses. This fact shows that the decreased capsaicin synthesis is a genetic trait in the graft-induced variant strains. The genetically dependent characteristic of pungency of the G₅S₂₃, Yatsubusa and Spanish Paprika were analysed by High Perfomance Liquid Chromatography measurement and tasting assay.Cross experiment between the G₅S₂₃ strain, hot parent Yatsubusa and sweet parent Spanish Paprika showed that pungent and sweet for pungency chracteristics are generally controlled by at least two pairs of genes. Although segregation of capsaicin content and pungency was clearly demonstrated in F₂ progenies from reciprocal crosses between the G₅S₂₃ strain and Spanish Paprika, F₂ progenies from reciprocal crosses between G₅S₂₃ and Yatsubusa were all hot and did not develop low capsaicin plants.     

The conversion of a RFLP assay into PCR for the determination of purity in a hybrid pepper cultivar

Summary A RFLP assay which had been developed for distinguishing between a hybrid pepper and its parents, has been converted into a simple applicable PCR assay, suitable for large-scale quality-control assessment of the commercial hybrid. For this conversion the sequences of the ends of the probe used in the previous RFLP assay were determined. From these sequences suitable primers were devised for inverse PCR of heterogeneous DNA fragments derived from the male parent. The inverse-PCR product was cloned and partially sequenced. These sequences, in turn, made it possible to determine primers on both sides of the locus of mutation, and to develop the reported conventional PCR assay.     

Characterization of graft-induced change in capsaicin content of Capsicum annuum L.

Summary Capsaicin contents were measured in the progenies from the test crosses between the strain, G₅S₁₇ derived from fruit with the graft-induced change in fruit shape and the original two cultivars, Yatsubusa (Capsicum annuum L. var fasciculatum Ilish) and Spanish Paprika (C. annuum L. var. grossum Sendt) used for grafting.The strain, G₅S₁₇ contained a lower amount of capsaicin than the original pungent cultivar Yatsubusa used as scion. The characteristic of the lowered capsaicin content in the strain has been stably inherited through seed propagation, and has also been transmitted to the progenies from the crosses with the original two cultivars used for scion or stock. These features in the capsaicin content agreed with those in fruit shape in the graft-induced change.     

Natural male sterile mutant in hot chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Summary A natural male sterile mutant was recovered from the normal population of chilli cv. CA 452-1. The male sterility in the mutant was governed by a single recessive gene ms. The excessive vegetative growth provided easy identification of male sterile plants in the seedling stage. The plant was found to be promising for hybrid seed production.     

Somaclonal variation of regenerated plants in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

The morphological and genetic variations in somaclones of chili pepper (Capsicumannuum L.) derived from tissue culture were evaluated. Cotyledonary node explants of cultivars, Shishitou and Takanotsume, were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA)5 mg/l for shoots regeneration and regenerated shoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with naphthalene acetic acid(NAA) 0.1 mg/l and indol-3-butyric acid(IBA) 0.05 mg/l. The regenerated plants(R₀) were selfed to obtain seeds for next generation (R₁ lines). Qualitative characters were studied in R₀generation and both qualitative and quantitative characters were studied in R₁ generation. In R₀ generation, variations were noticed in plant growth habit, stem color, flower color and color of unripe fruits, and expression of anthocyanin in unripe fruits. Comparison among the R₁ lines and their parents were made for morphological and agronomic characters. Significant variation among R₁ lines and differences between R₁ lines and their parents were observed. Genetic variations among three somaclones were revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Variation, such as early flowering and increase of yield components, is an indication of the response to selection for any specific character. Occurrence of productive variants among somaclones of established cultivars, like Shishitou and Takanotsume, indicates the possibility of their improvement through somaclonal variation. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Inheritance of resistance to potato virus Y in garden pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Summary Bell pepper suffers considerable losses from a strain of potato virus Y (PVY^o-sbp). Crosses were attempted between two resistant lines Perennial and S41-1 and two highly susceptible bell pepper commercial cultivars California Wonder and Yolo Wonder. Studies of F₁'s, F₂'s, back crosses and F₃'s indicated that Perennial and S41-1 carry a recessive gene imparting resistance to potato virus Y.     

Initial screening of chili and sweet pepper germplasm for resistance to chili thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood

Summary A preliminary evaluation for resistance to chili thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood of 41 and 194 pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) germplasms during 1987 and 1988, respectively, indicated chili accessions may be a promising source of resistance. In contrast, all sweet pepper accessions tested were highly susceptible. A number of chili accessions produced a moderate yield, in spite of a high thrips infestation indicating tolerance to S. dorsalis. Rating for thrips damage was more reliable and efficient than estimating thrips numbers in screening pepper accessions for resistance to thrips. Highly significant, positive correlation between ratings at the seedling stage and final rating for thrips damage indicated the feasibility of screening pepper accessions at the seedling stage. Comparing the similarities in rating among accessions resulted in 40 distinct groups. The variance-covariance matrix of the data from these 40 groups was subjected to principal component analysis. This accounted for 56 and 18 per cent of the variation across the two principal axes, respectively. Projection of chili and sweet pepper accessions along these two axes revealed three distinct clusters. About 80 per cent of chili accessions formed the first cluster, 58 per cent of the sweet pepper accessions formed the second cluster and a third cluster exhibited intermediate ratings for thrips damage. The significance of these findings in relation to geographical divergence and resistance to thrips among pepper accessions is discussed.     

Segregation for prebifurcation shooting,stem length and leaf number of main stem in two crosses of Capsicum annuum L.

Summary Extensive prebifurcation shooting which terminates in fruits is present in certain cultivars (e.g. Santaka) of Capsicum annuum L. Plants with such architecture setting their fruits along the periphery may therefore be expected to be suitable for mechanical harvesting. From inheritance studies (parents. F₁ 's and two different F₂ populations) it was found that prebifurcation shooting, though a quantitative character, is controlled by relatively few genes. Few genes control main stem length and also leaf number of main stem. Correlations between the above three traits were not significant.     

Inheritance of resistance to fruit rot (Phytophthora capsici Leon.) and induction of resistance in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Summary Fruit rot in bell pepper caused by Phytopthora capsici Leon. is a limiting factor in its commercial production. Crosses were made between Waxy Globe, a small fruited hot type, resistant to fruit rot and four highly susceptible bell pepper commercial cultivars (Chinese Giant, California Wonder, Osh, Kosh and Yolo Wonder). Studies of the F₁'s, F₂'s and backcrosses indicated that Waxy Globe carries a dominant gene imparting resistance to fruit rot. After three backcrosses with California Wonder, lines were obtained combining the resistance gene of Waxy Globe with the large fruit size and low capsaicin of California Wonder.     

Evidence for salt tolerance in pepper varieties (Capsicum annuum L.) in Tunisia

Summary Salt tolerance in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is described in terms of yield, mortality and root weight. Significant differences in absolute and in relative salt tolerance were demonstrated between Tunisian varieties. Relative salt tolerance of Beldi was found to be due to its root system which remained unreduced under stress condition; local adaptation could be involved. D'hirat showed interesting levels of absolute salt tolerance and low mortality. An EC_w-value \s-> 7.63 dS/m was critical for almost all characters observed, with reductions of approximately 50%. Fruit weight and shoot-root ratio were not significantly affected by high salt concentrations of the irrigation water.     

Graft-induced change in fruit shape in Capsicum annuum L. I. genetic analysis by crossing

Summary Characteristics of fruit shape in the progeny from a graft-induced change were analysed. Non-pointed, typically inverted-blunt (two-lobed) fruit apex was observed in chimeric state within a scion of Yatsubusa grafted onto Spanish Paprika (inverted-blunt, three-or four-lobed fruit). This frequency of change in fruit shape was unstable in an early generation on the graft.     

Inheritance of a resistance specific to tomato spotted wilt tospovirus in Capsicum chinense ‘PI 159236’

Summary Inheritance studies were conducted to determine the genetic basis of resistance in pepper against one Tospovirus isolate classified as tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). F₁, backcrosses and F₂ populations were developed using the resistant parent Capsicum chinense PI 159236 (CNPH 679) and the susceptible parent C. annuum Magda (CNPH 192). Segregation ratios strongly indicated that the resistant response (a localization, hypersensitive-like reaction) to TSWV fits a single-dominant gene model. Under our experimental conditions, the penetrance of this gene was very high. This gene (tentatively named Tsw) is highly effective only against TSWV isolates. The resistance governed by the Tsw gene was not effective against isolates belonging to tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV) and groundnut ring spot virus (GRSV), two other previously described Tospovirus species.     

Breeding transgressive lines of pepper for resistance to Phytophthora capsici in a recurrent selection system

Summary In order to increase the resistance level of pepper (Capsicum annuum) to Phytophthora capsici the main sources of genetic resistance were intercrossed. The parents included 7 varieties from different origins of partial resistance to P. capsici and to other soilborne pathogens. Two cycles of recurrent selection were performed by 7 plant breeders who screened the plants at two developmental stages with various isolates and at two temperatures. Analysis of data revealed a strong influence of the testing conditions on the evaluation of the plants. The level of resistance of the progenies further depended on the pathogen isolate used to screen the plants. Improvement of the whole population was more significant during the first cycle and lines with enhanced level of resistance as compared to the parents i.e. transgressive lines were fixed from the two cycles. These lines were resistant to much higher inoculum concentrations than the original parents and the expression of resistance was stable at high temperature (32°C). These new sources of polygenic resistance were included into a new breeding program to improve the agronomic characters.