In vitro propagation and molecular evaluation of a Capsicum annuum L. cultivar with a high chromosome number (2n = 48)

Aseptic leaf explants of a Capsicum annuum with 2n = 2x = 48 chromosomes were used for the first time to produce genetically uniform plants. In vitro shoot organogenesis from leaf explants was achieved on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium with different concentration and combinations of BA (6.66–44.38 μM), Kn (2.32 μM), GA3 (5.20–13.00 μM) and IAA (2.85–5.71 μM). Maximum number of shoots (6/explants) was obtained in combination of 8.87 μM BAP and 2.85 μM IAA. Complete plants were produced on MS basal medium. Hardened plants survived under field conditions and flowered with viable first generation seeds (R1) within one year at the tropical wet-and-dry climate of Kolkata. Somatic chromosome analysis from mother, in vitro regenerants (R0) and R1 plants revealed chromosomal homology in all the populations. Gametic chromosome analysis revealed 24 bivalents and no tetravalent formation in the cultivar, negating the autopolyploid nature of the cultivar. Genomic DNA analyses with RAPD fingerprinting profiles indicate genetic stability and clonal fidelity between the mother, R0 and R1 plants.

► Capsicums are indispensible ingredients of cooking recipe.
► The present cultivar of Capsicum annuum with 2n = 2x = 48 chromosomes has not been reported earlier.
► In vitro propagation method has been standardized as an alternative method of plant propagation and germplasm preservation in an genetically important cultivar.
► Chromosomal and molecular evaluations of R0 and R1 plants have shown genetic uniformity.
► The voucher specimen and genomic DNA have been preserved in the department for future studies.