Anther-culture response in different genotypes and F1 hybrids of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

An in vitro anther-culture method has been improved by using young mother plants and by using frequent subcultures, thus increasing the androgenic yield in different Capsicum annuum L. genotypes. An assortment of peppers was used, composed of 15 genotypes (four breeding lines, seven cultivars and four F1 hybrids). A new system for qualifying the androgenic response was established. For use in practical breeding, a minimum of 5% of plant regeneration was proposed as the criterion for a fair response. Accordingly, one excellent, one good and eight fair responses were identified among the genotypes investigated. As compared to the standard cultivar, 2 genotypes gave a significantly better response, i.e. 'Feheroezoen' (75.8 %) and 'Szechuan 90716' (21.0%). In comparative investigations, F1 hybrids, produced from crosses between poor/non-responsive and responsive genotypes, showed a fair level of response, even the case of a poor response in donor parent. The ploidy level of the resulting plants was determined by flow-cytometric analysis.