DNA Markers Linked to Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV) Resistant Locus (L⁴) in Capsicum

Abstract

DNA markers linked to the L⁴ gene that controls resistance to pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) in Capsicum spp. were screened. Among 516 arbitrary primers, only one primer, that was WA31, amplified a DNA fragment (WA31-1500) specific to the resistant group. A set of primers was designed based on the nucleotide sequence of WA31-1500. The newly synthesized primers amplified a single clear fragment (WA31-1500S) specific to the resistant individuals in the F₂ population. This SCAR marker, that was WA31-1500S, was shown to be linked to the L⁴ gene within a distance of 1.5 cM. WA31-1500S was amplified in 10 accessions possessing L⁴ gene, but not amplified in the other 11 susceptible accessions. The above findings strongly suggest that the WA31- 1500S is closely linked to L⁴ gene, and should be useful as a selection marker in the breeding of PMMoV-resistant in Capsicum.