Capsaicinoid Distribution and Transgressive Segregation in Capsicum spp. Hybrids Derived from TEV- and CMV-Resistant Parents

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the inheritance patterns concerning capsaicinoid-derived pungency in pepper (Capsicum spp.) via quantitative measurement of capsaicinoid in F1 and F4 generations through hybridization of Teopisca (TEV (Tobacco Etch Virus)-resistant) and PI640517 (CMV (Cucumber Mosaic Virus)-resistant). The 60 F4 specimens raised from earlier hybridization and selection steps were used to create a core material set consisting of 20 individuals and a single F1 individual, considering the most pertinent agronomic indicators-factors like fruit size, health/vigor of the plant, yield as well as capsaicinoid content. Capsaicinoids were extracted from dried fruit samples, and capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC); results were expressed as Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Parental SHU values were 28662.01 for Teopisca and 22053.05 for the PI640517 line, and the F1 individual was 32885.06, whereas the F4 genotypes displayed a markedly wider range (15039.83–76146.30 SHU), with a population mean of 34984.65 ± 17820.35 SHU. Notably, 60% of the F4 genotypes exceeded the higher parent, while 35% fell below the lower parent, indicating strong transgressive segregation for pungency. Genotype F4-2 recorded the maximum SHU of 76146.30 and the best 10 genotypes contributed 70.29% of the total SHU in the core set. In effect, the findings strongly indicate the presence of segregating variation for pungency within the virus-resistance–derived genetic background and allow the identification of high-pungency candidates for selection. This opens avenues within the conception and integration of capsaicinoid-based quality traits within pepper breeding programs while conserving resistance-related genetic resources.