Androgenic responses of 64 ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)genotypes to shed-microspore culture in the autumn season

Abstract

The recent gradual increase in interest and demand for multipurpose ornamental peppers has encouraged intensive breeding studies, especially for use in landscape. However, information in the literature about haploidy is limited. Thus, first, we intend to identify proper morphological markers for quick selection of suitable flower buds containing convenient microspores in two sample ornamental pepper genotypes with and without anthocyanin in external appearance. Secondly, the androgenic responses of 64 genotypes are determined in the autumn season through shed-microspore culture. Based on DAPI-assisted results, the calyx/bud ratio can be used as an effective morphological marker for proper bud selection in both full anthocyanin (70%-80%) and green-looking (70%-85%) genotypes. The indicator of anthocyanin pigmentation in anthers, as used in peppers, is a convenient marker for green-looking genotypes (10%-40%), although it is not suitable for genotypes with full anthocyanin (70%-90%). Of a total of 64 genotypes, 48 responded to the shed-microspore culture and produced embryos in varying ratios. The highest average yields of total and normal-looking embryos per flower bud were found to be 12.7 and 1.48, respectively. The promising embryo formation results obtained in autumn verified that the shed-microspore culture technique can be used successfully in different ornamental pepper genotypes with landscape value for double haploid plant production.