Abstract

In the present study, genetic variability in 10 commercial chilli pepper varieties viz. Gemini, G-334, Agnirekha, Pusa jwala, Mangala, Black diamond, Sindura, Pusa jyothi, Badiga-2 and Teja (branch), cultivated in the local area of Andhra Pradesh  State, India, using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers was examined. Out of thee RAPD markers used for screening 10 chilli pepper genotypes, DNA amplification was observed only with OPAB02; this primer produced monomorphic band  in Gemini,G-334,  Black diamond and Sindura and polymorphic bands in Agnirekha, Pusa jwala, Mangala, Pusa jyothi, Badiga-2 and Teja (Branch). Genetic variabilty in terms of  DNA pattern produced in the above varieties could be used as a marker to distinguish between them. Dendrogram generated by OPAB02 primer showed that  the 10 chilli pepper varieties could be grouped into four clusters. Average genetic similarity index revealed 100% similarity between varieties of first cluster, 50% similarity between varieties of second and fourth clusters and 32% genetic similarity between  varieties of third cluster. UPGMA cluster analysis will be useful in chilli pepper  breeding programmes and germplasm conservation. Since the commercial value of chilli pepper is based on pungency level, future studies are aimed at molecular marker based pungency phenotyping.

Key words:  Capsicum annuum, Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA, Dendrogram, Polymerase  Chain Reaction.