Twelve lines of pepper, from different groups {Jalapeño (CNPH 2862, CNPH 2864), Dedo-de-Moça (CNPH 1397, CNPH 0039, CNPH 0053), Cambuci (CNPH 0283), Peixe-Boi (CNPH 0434), Falsa Cumari (CNPH 3761), Bode Vermelha (CNPH 3773), Biquinho Doce (CNPH 3870), Tabasco (CNPH 3000) and Malagueta (CNPH 2869) had their meiotic behavior and the estimation of pollen viability analyzed with the aim of indicating potentially fertile material for the Capsicum breeding program. Conventional analysis by staining revealed a slightly irregular behavior during microsporogenesis for the majority of lines: the meiotic index (MI) and pollen viability were over 90%, therefore considered meiotically stable. The main abnormalities observed were chromosome stickiness, unoriented chromosomes, laggards, bridges, micronuclei, microcytes and cytomixis. Three lines (CNPH 0283, CNPH 3000 and CNPH 3773) showed lower pollen viability, 77, 66 and 58% respectively. The lower pollen viability in CNPH 0283 was associated with higher frequency of irregularities and consequently the low MI (77%). The findings of the present manuscript confirm the importance of the cytological analyzes as a useful tool in selecting of lines meiotically stable and potentially fertile enabling a better planning of seed production of promising cultivars.
Capsicum; cytogenetics; meiotic behavior; genetic stability
