Genomic characterization of the germplasm in peppers (Capsicum – Solanaceae) by fluorescent in situ hybridization

SCALDAFERRO, M. A.; JOSE GUILLERMO SEIJO; ACOSTA, M. C.; BARBOZA, G. E.; DUCASSE, D.; MOSCONE, E. A.

Plant Science

Lugar: Sofía; Año: 2006 vol. 43 p. 291 - 297

Abstract: Capsicum, an economical/y important New World genus of food, spice, drug and ornamental uses, includes world-wide crops (sweet and hot peppers). In this work we have started a broad genomic characterization program of peppers germplasm by fIuorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), with the aim of contributing to the knowledge of the genome organization and evolution in Capsicum, with reference to the origin of the crop species. It is expected to achieve useful information for breeding purpose concerning the cytogenetic diversity of the germplasm and the genomic affinity between the possible donors of valuable al/eles and the crops to be improved. Two wild (C. chacoense, C. cardenasii) and three cultivated taxa (C. annuum varoannuum - two cultivars, C. baccatum varoumbilicatum, C. pubescens) are analysed. The combination of the 45S and 5S rRNA gene probes in single FISH experiments brings useful chromosome markers to distinguish cytogenetical/y species, varieties and cultivars. Our results are discussed with previous findings in the genus. Key words: Capsicum germplasm, rRNA genes, FISH mapping.