Determination and mapping of zinc efficiency in pepper

The aim of the study was to identify chromosomal regions of QTL/genes determining zing-efficiency, development of molecular markers linked to the trait, and mapping the Inter Primer Binding Sites (IPBS) markers in the pepper genome. Results may be applicaple to other plant species that belong to Solanaceae family. The plant material of the study was developed by crossing Capsicum annuum L. Alata21A and Capsicum frutescens L. PI281420, and selfing to generate F2 population. Genetic mapping was carried out in the F2 population while phenotyping was done using F3 progenies of F2 plants selected from two contrasting groups, low vs high zinc-efficient plants. Zinc efficiency was tested at F2:3 generation, 12 plants for low-zinc and 12 plants for normal zinc fertilization with three replications at Alata Horticulture Research Institute, Erdemli, Mersin. Zinc deficiency was scored using a 0-5 scale, and dry matter of each plant was measured at the end of treatment. The mean value of F3 progenies was used to map the trait in pepper genome. Linkage groups were created using dominant SRAP (Sequence-related amplified polymorphism) and IPBS, and co-dominant SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers. Molecular markers were analyzed using JoinMap 4.1 softare to create linkage map, and MapQTL 6 software to map the QTL/genes on pepper genome. The 36 QTLs affecting zinc efficiency were mapped on chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 8.1, 8.2, 10.2, 11, 12, X1, X3, and X4. The 44 IPBS markers were mapped on pepper genome for the first time. The results are expected to be usefull for breeding zinc efficient pepper lines/cultivars for areas suffering from hidden yield loss due to available soil zinc content.