Sero-RAPD makers based evaluation of chilli pepper germplasm for resistance to chilli veinal mottle virus

Background: Chilli veinal mottle virus is a remarkable threat to chilli crops worldwide including Pakistan. Methods: In the present study, 18 chilli pepper genotypes were catalogued against ChiVMV ATIPK isolate by using DAS-ELISA with virus-specific polyclonal antisera. Results: Out of 18 genotypes, four genotypes viz., Loungi pepper, Sanam, Red Pepper, and CV-1 were categorized as highly susceptible followed by three susceptible (Soofi, Royal Wonder, Pepper PLSQ) and four (Yolo wonder, Bhakkar Local, CIM-506, CR-25) were moderately susceptible. The plants of these genotypes exhibited characteristic symptoms of ChiVMV and accumulated a high level of virus titer. The rest of three (California wonder, Gola Peshawar, Red top) and four (CV-7, Hot Pepper, Doni Pepper, Ghotki) genotypes were grouped as resistant and moderately resistant, respectively. Three resistant and three highly susceptible genotypes were further appraised for genetic diversity by RAPD markers and a total of 75 bands were scored, 76% of them unveiled polymorphism with an amplification range of 5-9 bands. Genetic analysis revealed 44-78.67% similarities with Mean Similarity Index (MSI) ranging from 59.46 to 65.86%. Most of the primers were highly informative with PIC value fluctuated from 0.388 to 0.666, with an average value of 0.512. Cluster analysis further confirmed and clustered both groups of genotypes in a separate clade. Conclusion: It is concluded that genotypes; California Wonder and Red Top showed diverse response from other genotypes, not only based on symptoms and ELISA but also on markers' basis. Therefore, these genotypes could be useful as ChiVMV resistant sources in the chilli breeding program. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.

Automated summary

This study categorized 18 chilli pepper genotypes against Chilli veinal mottle virus and found four highly susceptible genotypes, three susceptible genotypes, four moderately susceptible genotypes, three resistant genotypes, and four moderately resistant genotypes. Genetic analysis and marker evaluation revealed that California Wonder and Red Top genotypes showed distinct responses from other genotypes, suggesting their potential as sources of resistance against Chilli veinal mottle virus.