Development of nematode resistant pure pepper lines via anther culture method

This study was carried out in the laboratories and greenhouses of Çukurova University, Alata Horticultural Research Institute and a seed company between 2015 and 2016 to obtain nematode resistant pure pepper lines. The pure lines were obtained from F1 plants via anther culture method. F1 plants were obtained via crossing of three nematode resistant pepper genitors in F6 level (N-269: green -N gen, N-8: green-N gen and N-6: bell-N gen) which were obtained from the studies carried out at the Alata Horticultural Research Institute with breeding pepper lines of a seed company selected in terms of high fruit quality and desired agronomic characters in F3 level (5 green, 5 bell, 5 charleston and 5 capia). Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium contained 30 g L(‑1) sucrose, 0.25% activated charcoal, 15 mg L(‑1) silver nitrate (AgNO(3)), 4 mg L(‑1) naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.5 mg L(‑1) 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) was used. The cultivated anthers were transferred hormone-free MS nutrient medium after 35 days. As a result of the study; it was observed that different parameters were changed according to genotypes. The highest embryo yield was obtained from the genotype numbered Z-tad 87 (nematode resistance × bell hybrid). Among crossing between nematode resistance and different pepper types; bell pepper type gave the highest embryo yield and this was followed by capia, charleston, and green types. The highest rate of embryos produced plants was observed in green pepper type. The highest haploid plant percentage was observed in capia pepper type and this was followed by charleston. As a result, all genotypes tested reacted to anther culture and the number of embryo and haploid plants obtained were varied. In the study, three homozygote pure lines contained Me1, Me3, N and Me7 resistance genes were recorded. Also, one homozygote pure lines contained Me1 was noted. These nematode resistant genotypes obtained can also be used in breeding studies.