Cloning and Characterization of Capsicum annuum genes cosegregating with the major QTL region that confer resistance to Phytophthora capsici

Dr. Jose Luis Ortega, Senior Ag. Research Scientist, PES Dept, NMSU
Dr. Champa Sengupta-Gopalan, Professor, PES Dept, NMSU

Phytophthora capsici is the most devastating pathogen affecting chile. Segregation analyses for P. capsici resistance have identified some QTLs from chile lines related to resistance against different P. capsici isolates. A particular QTL region on chromosome 5 contains a critical component of chile resistance to P. capsici. Several candidate genes that cosegregate with this major QTL region have been identified. However, the functional role of these genes in the defense mechanism against P. capsici is not known. Our goal is to perform functional analysis of these genes and their promoters to determine their role in the defense response against Phytophthora.