Abstract
Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a widespread problem in reducing the yield and quality of crop plants worldwide. It is important to utilize molecular markers linked to Zn efficiency to develop high Zn efficient cultivars in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). In present study, genetic map was constructed using a F2 populations derived from C. annuum L. (Alata 21A) × C. frutescens L. (PI 281420) cross. The quantitative trait locus (QTLs) for Zn efficiency were mapped using F2:3 population. A genetic map with 929.6cM in length and 12 linkage groups were obtained using 62 markers (31 sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), 19 simple sequence repeat (SSR) and 11 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers). The 41 linked QTLs related with nine (9) Zn efficiency characters were mapped on linkage groups. Results suggest that selecting plants for tolerance to Zn deficiency are expected to be rather responsive among segregating populations for breeding and developing Zn efficient genotypes in pepper. The molecular markers are expected to aid selection and expedite breeding peppers resistant to Zn deficiency in soils low for available Zn contents.
Highlights
Zinc (Zn) deficiency causes important disturbances in the growth and development of plants due to the large diversity of essential cellular functions and metabolic pathways [1]
2 QTLs related to Zn concentration and content in Barely seeds were mapped on the short and long arm of the 2H chromosome [26]
It was reported that the effect of genotype x environment interaction on the Zn content in wheat grain was less than 16%, and 72% was influenced by heredity
Summary
Zinc (Zn) deficiency causes important disturbances in the growth and development of plants due to the large diversity of essential cellular functions and metabolic pathways [1]. Zn plays an important role in the control of phosphor (P) absorption in higher plants, it prevents excessive P uptake by roots and the transport of P from roots to leaves and imbalance of ions induced by reduction in K (potassium) concentration [2, 3]. The concentration of Zn in plants is influenced by complex genetics and is affected by environmental factors. QTL (Quantitative Trait Locus) analysis of complex traits can find a relation between markers and traits that can explain the genetic mechanism of complex traits. The use of markers linked to QTL for tolerance to Zn deficiency may aid pepper breeders via marker-assisted selection (MAS) impose positive selection on tolerant cultivars and negative selection on sensitive cultivars with using
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