Phytochemical analyses and inheritance of resistance to TEV (Tobacco Etch Virus) in pepper (Capsicum spp.)

Abstract

Peppers, Capsicum spp., were grown under 3 different locations for phytochemical analyses. They were produced in the greenhouse at College Station and under the field conditions at Uvalde and Weslaco, TX. Among the pepper samples grown in the greenhouse at College Station, Fidel, C 127, and Golden Peproncini 263 showed high beta-carotene, Sweet Jalapeǫ 82, Tropic Bell and PI 357509 had high lutein. Zeaxanthin content was relatively high in MJ 201 and Ancho at College Station. Flavonoid analyses revealed that Banana Supreme and PI 357509 contained high quercetin levels and Fidel contained high luteolin levels. Among the samples grown under field conditions at Uvalde, Grande had high beta-carotene and lutein, MJ 201 had high zeaxanthin. Flavonoid contents were highest in Banana Supreme. Banana Supreme and Jaloro showed high beta-carotene and zeaxanthin contents at Weslaco, and Orange Habanero showed high lutein. In the flavonoid analysis, PI 357509 had a high content of quercetin and Rio Grande Gold and Banana Supreme had high contents of luteolin. The pepper samples grown in the greenhouse at College Station showed relatively high amounts of carotenoids compared to the field grown samples, but there was no significant difference in the flavonoid contents. Two different F₂ populations (PI 238061þ PI 260488, and PI 238061þ Guadeloupe) were inoculated with Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) and tested by ELISA. ELISA results were close to a 3:1 ratio for one family which support the possibility that the gene for resistance to TEV could be a single dominant gene. The imperfect segregation ratios on the other family may be due to the fact that it is derived from an interspecific cross.