Estimation of Genetic Diversity in Capsicum annuum L. Germplasm Using PCR-Based Molecular Markers

The importance of germplasm characterization is an important link between the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources in various breeding programmes. In the present study, genetic variability and relationships among twenty-four Capsicum annuum L. genotypes were tested using PCR-based RAPD and ISSR molecular markers. The level of polymorphism across genotypes was 42-44 % as revealed by RAPD and ISSR, respectively. The highest similarity was detected between PC-1, Feroz, Gajio, Kandaghat Selection-9 genotypes (96 %) and Feroz, Kandaghat Selection-9 (93 %), by RAPD and ISSR markers, respectively. It was concluded from the pooled analysis of both molecular markers that genotypes ACC-2 and Mahog were most distantly related to each other. Hence, it is recommended that these two genotypes should be crossed to create a segregating population with maximum genetic diversity. Further, it is suggested that molecular markers are valid tags for the assessment of genetic diversity in C. annuum germplasm.