Development of Phytophthora capsici–resistant Kahramanmaraş pepper lines using marker-assisted selection and anther culture

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BOZOK H., Pinar H.

International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Food Sciences, cilt.10, sa.1, ss.155-165, 2026 (TRDizin)

Özet

Phytophthora root and crown rot, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is one of the most destructive diseases limiting pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production, particularly in regions where local cultivars such as Kahramanmaraş pepper are widely grown. This study aimed to rapidly develop P. capsici resistant Kahramanmaraş pepper type by integrating marker-assisted selection (MAS) with in vitro anther culture. A total of 198 genotypes belonging to five backcross- derived GM2 populations were developed by crossing a susceptible Kahramanmaraş pepper genotype with five resistant donor parents. Molecular screening was performed using the Phyto.5.2 SCAR marker to identify resistant genotypes at the seedling stage. Phenotypic variation in plant morphology and fruit-related traits was evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA). Genotypes identified as resistant were subsequently used as donor plants for anther culture to generate homozygous double haploid (DH) lines. Molecular analyses revealed that 83 genotypes were resistant to P. capsici. PCA results demonstrated substantial variation among genotypes in terms of yield and morphological traits, with resistant individuals distributed across diverse phenotypic backgrounds. Anther culture efficiency varied among hybrid combinations, with the highest success observed in the KP × P1 combination. The resulting DH lines exhibited wide variation in yield and fruit quality traits relevant to dried pepper production. Overall, the combined application of MAS, multivariate phenotypic analysis, and anther culture proved to be an effective and time-saving breeding strategy for developing P. capsici– resistant and agronomically superior pepper lines. The DH lines obtained in this study represent valuable genetic resources for future cultivar development and sustainable pepper production.