Estimation of polymorphic contents and molecular diversity of chilli genotypes using SSR markers

The enormous wealth of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genetic diversity extended the success of crop improvement. The molecular diversity of Indian chilli genotypes were assessed using simple sequence–repeats–markers. Nine among forty-three SSR markers were showed the polymorphism ranged from 2 to 16, and an average of 6.9 alleles in the locus, the Hpms1-1c marker recorded the highest alleles (16 alleles per locus). The polymorphic information content (PIC) varied with 0.28 to 0.89 by an average of 0.73. Molecular diversity of 37 genotypes assigned by cluster analysis, using Darwin cluster software indicated that SSR markers grouped into 3 major clusters with 2 and 3 sub-clusters, and genetic variability for SSR markers revealed in the chilli genotypes. Thus, these SSRs are powerful aids in the estimation of molecular diversity and fingerprinting of chilli genotypes. Thus, the results appeal to potential applications SSRs in the breeding, and genetic improvement of chillies.