Association Studies in Ramnad Mundu Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Using SSR Markers

Abstract

Molecular approaches have gained considerable importance in plant breeding for understanding genetic diversity and improving crop performance. Among these, association mapping has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying relationships between molecular markers and agronomic traits. An investigation encompassing on association studies using ten random SSR markers in twenty five Mundu Chilli families from the crosses viz., PKM CA 32 x PKM CA 33, PKM CA 20 x PKM CA 08, PKM CA 38 x PKM CA 33, PKM CA 32 x PKM CA 20 were studied at the Department of Vegetable science, HC & RI, TNAU, Periyakulam. The SSR markers, CAM 806, CAM 864, CAM 880 and CAM 647 identified the genetic markers associated with yield and quality traits in mundu chilli plants viz., number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, plant height, ripe fruit yield per plant, dry fruit yield per plant, which can have significant implications for crop improvement of mundu chilli. Specifically, the marker CAM 806 can be used for the association studies and improvement of traits like number of fruits per plant, plant height, ripe fruit yield per plant, dry fruit yield per plant, protein and total phenols. These molecular markers identified through association mapping can be used further for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in plant breeding and these markers are potentially linked to genes that control the traits, and they serve as tools for plant breeders to select desired traits in future breeding program. The markers CAM 806, CAM 864, CAM 880 and CAM 647 can be used to differentiate different traits and can be used effectively in the crop improvement of mundu chilli.