Assessment of genetic diversity among <i>Capsicum annuum</i> L. genotypes using RAPD markers

Abstract

Chilli or pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important commercial crop cultivated exclusively in tropical and temperate zones of the world. It is a good source of vitamin C, A and E and chilli oleoresin has a considerable use in pharmaceutical industry. India being the largest producer of chilli has tremendous potentiality to increase production in order to promote export besides meeting its domestic requirements. Vast genetic diversity is available in chilli which may facilitate the breeder to develop new varieties, provided the genetic distance between the accessions is properly understood. In this study, 45 accessions of chilli collected from Chilli Research Station, Devihosur, Haveri district of Karnataka State were subjected for RAPD analysis to understand the genetic homology. Among 45 accessions, three RAPD primers (decamer) efficiently amplified genomic DNA. The dendrogram constructed from pooled data revealed 14 clusters. Two clusters are represented by a single genotype exhibiting their genetic divergence. However, one large cluster consists of maximum of 8 genotypes revealing genetic closeness which could be efficiently used in breeding programme.

Key words: Capsicum annuum, RAPD, polymorphism, genetic diversity, chilli.