Monogenic recessive resistance to Pepper leaf curl virus in an interspecific cross of Capsicum

Abstract

Pepper leaf curl disease is a serious threat to pepper production. Resistant sources based on field screening breakdown when virus pressure is severe. The lack of advanced screening techniques for Pepper leaf curl virus (PepLCV) limits the search for true sources of resistance. We standardized an artificial microcage inoculation technique and screened 22 pepper genotypes. Two earlier reported highly resistant sources, GKC-29 and BS-35, were confirmed, and Bhut Jolokia was identified as a new source of resistance. The inheritance study of resistance to PepLCV in a partially compatible inter-specific cross (PBC-535×Bhut Jolokia) revealed monogenic recessive nature of PepLCV resistance. Bhut Jolokia may serve as a donor for the development of pepper cultivars with commercially acceptable fruit morphology and pungency.