Abstract：The fertility of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) can be restored by nuclear-encoded fertility restorer genes. However, the number and modifications of these restorer nucleor genes remain poorly understood. In this study, using QTL IciMapping software an intraspecific genetic linkage map of Capsicum annuum was constructed, and 2 major and 7 minor quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, which acting as restorer-of-fertility (Rf) genes counteracting CMS. The heritability of the 2 major loci reached 92.58%. The first most important allele, qIF-3-1, contributed to fertility with a phenotypic variance explained (PVE) of 46.68%, with dominant and additive effects of 1.28 and 0.84, respectively. The other major allele contributing to fertility, qIF-5-1, was associated with a PVE of 47.10% and improved fertility with higher dominant effects of 1.76. Among 7 minor QTLs, 3 QTLs mainly acted as additive effect, while another 4 as dominant effect. These results are beneficial for our understanding of the mechanisms regulating the function of Rf genes. Moreover, our results provide guidance for selecting molecular markers in the development of marker-assisted selection (MAS) fertility restoration breeding schemes in peppers.
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