SEED PROTEINS AS GENETIC MARKERS IN THE STUDY OF PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONS IN PEPPER

Abstract

On the basis SDS - PAGE electrophoresis of eight genotypes, which belong to different varieties of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), was found that the seed protein profile could be useful in the study of phylogenetic relationships. The analysis of soluble seed proteins showed that all studied genotypes had a specific protein pattern. Based on obtained electrophorograms the indices of similarity were calculated. The dendrogram was constructed using an unweighted pair - group method with arithmetical averages (UPGMA) and computer program NTSYS - pe. The distinctness of genotypes, within different varieties and also within the same variety, has been confirmed. The clustering of investigated genotypes on dendrogram is not complete according to the classifications within Capsicum annuum L., which were done on the basis morphological traits. The highest values of the index of similarity was calculated for the genotypes KP068 (C. annum var. chipca) and KP075 (C. annuum var. chipca), while the lowest values were obtained for the genotypes KP005 (C. annuum var. grossum) and KP049 (C. annuum var. longum). Considering the importance of proper systematisation for successful work on pepper breeding, the results of this investigation could be useful as an attempt to clarify taxonomy, origin and phylogenetic affinities within Capsicum annuum L.