Inheritance of anthracnose resistance (Colletotrichum scovillei) in ripe and unripe Capsicum annuum fruits

Abstract

AbstractAnthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is one of the most common diseases affecting sweet pepper and chilli pepper production worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical zones. This disease results in severe fruit damage both pre‐ and postharvest. The development of resistant cultivars is the most effective strategy for disease control, which requires knowing the genetic basis of resistance. In this study, we analysed the inheritance of resistance of Capsicum annuum to Colletotrichum scovillei at two fruit development stages. The ripe and unripe fruits were inoculated by conidia suspension, and anthracnose severity was evaluated for 8 days using a score scale. It was found that the inheritance of resistance has independent expression in ripe and unripe fruits. In both cases, two main genes are responsible for resistance with polygenic effects. Genetic control, with a quantitative aspect, is more affected by dominance than the additive effects, in both fruit development stages of C. annuum.