Expression Analysis of Restorer Alleles-lnduced Genes in Pepper

Fertility restoration of cytoplasmic male-sterility in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is useful for commercial production of hybrid seeds. However, the mechanism of fertility restoration has not been determined. We previously constructed a cDNA library and identified some genes related to fertility restoration in pepper using suppression subtractive hybridization technology. In this study, the expression patterns of 20 genes were investigated using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Three genes expressed only in restorer lines, but not in sterility lines. Four genes expressed only in anther, but not in other organs. Among these 7 genes, the clone TG31 was observed to specifically express in anther of restorer lines. The work described here provides a comprehensive overview on the expression pattern of the genes that are induced by restorer alleles in pepper. It will also contribute to the current understanding of molecular networks for the regulation of fertility restoration.