Genetics and distribution of fertility restoration associated RAPD markers in inbreds of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Experiments were conducted to study genetics of fertility restoration and to examine distribution of RAPD markers (OPW19₈₀₀ and OPP13₁₄₀₀) linked with fertility restoration gene (Rf) in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) inbreds. Forty-two hot and five sweet pepper inbreds were crossed on a cytoplasmic male sterile (cms) line CCA-4261 and F₁s were evaluated for fertility restoration under open field conditions. DNA of 5 plants of CCA-4261 and individual plants of 47 inbreds was isolated and PCR reaction was performed using OPW19 and OPP13 primers. The results revealed that most of the hot pepper lines posses Rf gene. The Rf gene associated two markers, viz., OPW19₈₀₀ and OPP13₁₄₀₀ were not frequently distributed in the restorer inbred lines because presence of marker bands often does not coincide with the presence of Rf gene identified in many restorer inbreds. The case specific applications of both the RAPD markers have been described.