[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2025248527A1 - Procédés pour assurer la productivité en fruits chez le poivron - Google Patents

Procédés pour assurer la productivité en fruits chez le poivron

Info

Publication number
WO2025248527A1
WO2025248527A1 PCT/IL2025/050459 IL2025050459W WO2025248527A1 WO 2025248527 A1 WO2025248527 A1 WO 2025248527A1 IL 2025050459 W IL2025050459 W IL 2025050459W WO 2025248527 A1 WO2025248527 A1 WO 2025248527A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seq
pepper
genome
fruit
plant
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IL2025/050459
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Moshe Bar
David JOLLES
Binyamin Nir
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Breedx Ltd
Original Assignee
Breedx Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Breedx Ltd filed Critical Breedx Ltd
Publication of WO2025248527A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025248527A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to pepper plants or seeds setting high yield properties of fruits under different environmental conditions, methods of producing said plants and seeds and their use thereof.
  • sweet pepper set fruit in a narrow range of temperatures of 20° to 25°C. When the temperature falls below 15°C or exceeds 32°C, the yield decreases. (Saha et al., 2010). A decrease in fruit- set in pepper as temperatures were raised from 18/13° to 23/18° and 33/28°C, was also observed by Song et al., (Song et al., 1976.). Low night temperatures ( ⁇ 18°C) (Pressman et al., 1998) and high day temperature (>32°C) affect pepper reproduction by decreasing the total number of pollen grains formed and by reducing their viability and germination capacity. Such changes hamper pollination, thereby promoting the formation of fruits, with only a few or no seeds.
  • US6052941 discloses a planting arrangement and method to improve crop yields in open fields in which there is a solar light corridor between crop rows and in some situations a plurality of sub-rows between the solar corridors and/or a secondary crop planted in the solar corridor. Orientation of the rows for greater crop yield is also disclosed.
  • compositions and methods for increasing plant growth and yield comprise the high yield gene TEL (Terminal earl- Like (TEL) gene), promoters and enhancers to increase the expression of a TEL gene in a plant of interest.
  • TEL Terminal earl- Like
  • a plant of interest may be transformed with a DNA construct comprising a promoter that is capable of driving expression in the plant operably linked to a coding sequence for a TEL gene.
  • the DNA construct may comprise at least one enhancer that acts to increase expression of the TEL coding sequence.
  • US10155955 provides a method for the production of Solarium lycopersicum (tomato) plants having an average sympodial index of 2 and producing red-colored fruits comprising crossing a plant of S. lycopersicum capable of producing red-colored fruits, with a plant of a Solatium spp. having an average sympodial index of 2, collecting the seeds resulting from the cross, regenerating the seeds into plants, providing one or more backcross generations, selfing the backcross plants, growing the selfed seed into plants, and identifying and selecting plants having an average sympodial index of 2 and producing red-colored fruits.
  • tomato Solarium lycopersicum
  • Parthenocarpic fruit development refers to the process by which fruits develop without the need for fertilization. In this phenomenon, fruit formation occurs in the absence of pollination and fertilization, resulting in the production of seedless or partially seeded fruits. This natural occurrence can be induced by certain environmental conditions, hormonal treatments, or genetic factors. Parthenocarpic fruits are often desirable in agriculture for their consistent quality and market appeal, especially in the absence of viable pollination.
  • Parthenocarpy can be induced artificially or through genetic modifications. Genetic parthenocarpy can be facultative (seedless only under adverse conditions or when flowers are emasculated) or obligatory (always seedless). Historically, it was achieved through alterations of ploidy or gene mutations, but more recently, it's been achieved via transgenesis as well. Data from both open fields and protected cultivation show that genetic parthenocarpy can improve fruit production and quality. Parthenocarpy has two main advantages: it makes fruit set and production less affected by environmental factors adverse for pollination and fertilization. (Pandolfini et al., 2009).
  • WO1999021411 discloses tomatoes which are substantially seedless.
  • the tomatoes are made by crossing a tomato plant containing at least one parthenocarpic gene as the male parent with a male sterile tomato plant containing at least one parthenocarpic gene as the female parent.
  • the tomatoes resulting from this cross are substantially seedless.
  • WO2017125931 discloses for a Solanaceous plant, selected from the group consisting of tomato, pepper and eggplant, exhibiting a facultative parthenocarpy.
  • the inventors demonstrated that (various) mutated alleles of the MADS box gene Agamous like 6 (S AGL6) confer strong though facultative parthenocarpy in tomato, and that without any visible pleotropic effects, thus rendering it a new useful source for parthenocarpy in tomato.
  • the plant comprises a loss-of-function mutation in a SI AGL6 gene and alternatively or additionally characterized by an average fruit weight/plant at least about the same as that of a non-parthenocarpic tomato of the same genetic background under fertilization permissive conditions of the non-parthenocarpic tomato. Also disclosed are methods of producing such plants and processed products produced from same.
  • the high yield property of fruit setting results from an increase in the number of parthenocarpic or seedless fruits produced under suboptimal conditions, in addition to setting fruits with seeds under optimal conditions.
  • the genome of said plant comprises at least one molecular marker and/or gene associated with the at least one QTL
  • the at least one molecular marker and/or gene is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a molecular marker selected from (i) SEQ ID NO: 281-290 or any combination thereof, (ii) allele A at position 9,570,115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI, and/or (iii) a gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-93 or any combination thereof, (iv) any combination thereof, associated with QTL1 on chromosome 1; (b) a molecular marker selected from (i) SEQ ID NO: 291-323 and
  • the high yield properties of fruit setting comprise (a) increased average fruit number of at least 5%, such as in the range of 5%-50%, particularly an increase in the range of 10- 40% as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking
  • the pepper plant or seed is an inbred, a hybrid, a doubled haploid (DH), or a polyploid of any ploidy level.
  • DH doubled haploid
  • QTL1 located on chromosome 1 is associated with increased fruit number and/or increased fruit weight compared to a control pepper plant lacking QTL1.
  • QTL2 located on chromosome 10 is associated with earlier fruit setting and/or production of parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruit with seeds under varying environmental conditions compared to a control pepper plant lacking QTL2.
  • EP Excellent Parthenocarpy
  • DH doubled haploid
  • the genome of the donor pepper plant comprising a molecular marker and/or a gene associated with the at least one QTL
  • said molecular marker and/or gene is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a molecular marker selected from (i) SEQ ID NO: 281-290 or any combination thereof, (ii) allele A allele A at position 9,570,115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI, and/or (iii) a gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-93 or any combination thereof, (iv) any combination thereof, associated with QTL1 on chromosome 1; (b) a molecular marker selected from (i) SEQ ID NO: 291- 323 and 3
  • the genome of said plant comprises at least one molecular marker selected from (a) SEQ ID NO: 324 comprising SNP at position 9,570, 115as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (b) SEQ ID NO: 325 comprising SNP at position 204,079,966 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (c) SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising SNP at position 210,564,909 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (d) SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising SNP at position 217,950,632 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, and (e) SEQ ID NO: 346 comprising SNP at position 215,997,
  • the high yield properties comprise at least one of: early fruit setting, setting parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruits with seeds under varying environmental conditions, increased fruit number, and increased percentage of parthenocarpic and/or seedless fruits, wherein said properties are as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • the high yield properties comprise (a) increased average fruit number of at least 5%, such as in the range of 5%-50%, particularly an increase in the range of 10- 40% as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence, and/or (b) increased percentage of parthenocarpic and/or seedless fruits setting, out of the total fruit set, of at least 10%, such as in the range of 10%-50%, particularly in the range of 15%-40%, as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • the pepper plant or seed is an inbred, a hybrid, a doubled haploid (DH) or a polyploid of any ploidy level.
  • a genome edited plant such as a plant or seed produced using the CRISPR/Cas system or is produced using doubled haploid (DH) technology combined with gene editing techniques.
  • the method comprises detecting at least one molecular marker selected from: (a) SEQ ID NO: 324 comprising SNP at position 9,570, 115as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (b) SEQ ID NO: 325 comprising SNP at position 204,079,966 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (c) SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising SNP at position 210,564,909 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (d) SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising SNP at position 217,950,632 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, and (e) SEQ ID NO: 346 comprising SNP at position 215,997,
  • the step of detecting or selecting comprises (a) performing PCR amplification using primer pairs selected from: SEQ ID NO: 336 and 337 for SEQ ID NO: 324, SEQ ID NO: 338 and 339 for SEQ ID NO: 325, SEQ ID NO: 340 and 341 for SEQ ID NO: 326 and SEQ ID NO: 342 and 343 or 344 for SEQ ID NO: 327, and (b) optionally analyzing the amplicons using restriction analysis.
  • the molecular marker is selected from (a) SEQ ID NO: 324 comprising SNP at position 9,570, 115as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (b) SEQ ID NO: 325 comprising SNP at position 204,079,966 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (c) SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising SNP at position 210,564,909 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (d) SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising SNP at position 217,950,632 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, and (e) SEQ ID NO: 346 comprising SNP at position 215,997,819 as indicated in Cap
  • the isolated genetic element as defined in any of the above, wherein the high yield properties comprise at least one of: early fruit setting, setting parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruits with seeds under varying environmental conditions, increased fruit number, and increased percentage of parthenocarpic and/or seedless fruits, wherein said properties are as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • the high yield properties of fruit setting comprise at least one of: early fruit setting, setting parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruits with seeds under varying environmental conditions, increased fruit number, and increased percentage of parthenocarpic and/or seedless fruits, wherein said properties are as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • the high yield properties comprise (a) increased average fruit number of at least 5%, such as in the range of 5%-50%, particularly an increase in the range of 10- 40% as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence, and/or (b) increased percentage of parthenocarpic and/or seedless fruits setting out of the total fruit set of at least 10%, such as in the range of 10%-50%, particularly in the range of 15%-40%, as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • DH doubled haploid
  • the high yield properties of fruit setting comprise at least one of: early fruit setting, setting parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruits with seeds under varying environmental conditions, increased fruit number, and increased percentage of parthenocarpic and/or seedless fruits, wherein said properties are as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • the genome modified pepper plant or seed as defined in any of the above, wherein the genome of said plant comprises at least one molecular marker selected from (a) SEQ ID NO: 324 comprising SNP at position 9,570,115as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (b) SEQ ID NO: 325 comprising SNP at position 204,079,966 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (c) SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising SNP at position 210,564,909 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (d) SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising SNP at position 217,950,632 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, and (e) SEQ ID NO: 346 comprising SNP at position 21
  • targeted genome editing technique such as the CRISPR/Cas9 systems, using doubled haploid (DH) technique and/or a combination thereof.
  • DH doubled haploid
  • the molecular marker is selected from (a) SEQ ID NO: 324 comprising SNP at position 9,570,115as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (b) SEQ ID NO: 325 comprising SNP at position 204,079,966 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (c) SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising SNP at position 210,564,909 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, (d) SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising SNP at position 217,950,632 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 genome, and (e) SEQ ID NO: 346 comprising SNP at position 215,997,819 as indicated in Capsi
  • the genome modification is performed using CRISPR/Cas gene editing technology, doubled haploid (DH) techniques or by CRISPR/Cas gene editing technology in combination with doubled haploid (DH) techniques.
  • Fig. 1 presents schemes for generating F2 populations derived from a cross between each of the two parental lines CM202-2258, CD222-401.7, with MAOR;
  • Fig. 2 presents yield analysis in average number of fruits for each treatment: (A) MM CM202-2258 haplotype type, (B) MM MAOR haplotype type, (E) MM CD222- 401.7 haplotype type and (F) MM MAOR haplotype type;
  • Fig. 3 presents yield analysis in average fruit number for each treatment, (A) MM CM202-2258 haplotype type, and (E) MM CD222-401.7 haplotype type; and [0097] Fig. 4 presents the percentage of parthenocarpic fruits for each pepper line: CD222-401.7, CM202-2258 and MAOR.
  • the high yield property of fruit setting comprises or results from an increase in the number (or percentage) of parthenocarpic or seedless fruits produced under suboptimal conditions, in addition to setting fruit with seeds under optimal conditions.
  • the present invention relates to a "high yield insurance” paradigm in pepper plants.
  • High Excellent Parthenocarpy (EP) trait in pepper plants (defined below), based on the herein identified sequences, leads to increased yield and/or fruit number per plant.
  • This yield enhancement occurs through the setting of seedless fruits under suboptimal conditions and the setting of fruits with seeds under optimal conditions.
  • This dual capability provides a form of biological insurance for maintaining high productivity across varying environmental conditions (where fruits with seeds are not or almost not produced), thereby stabilizing yield potential regardless of growing conditions.
  • the EP trait confers enhanced yield properties by enabling the setting of parthenocarpic (seedless) fruits and/or fruits with seeds under different environmental conditions, as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background but lacking the EP trait.
  • a cultivated fertile pepper plant or seed comprising a genetic region that confers high yield fruit setting, wherein said fruit setting comprises production of parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruits with seeds, and wherein said genetic region comprises QTL1 located at 09.0-13.5 Mbp on chromosome 1, and/or QTL2 located at 199-218 Mbp on chromosome 10.
  • the invention provides a cultivated fertile pepper plant or seed comprising a genetic region that confers high yield fruit setting under different or varying environmental conditions, wherein said genetic region comprises QTL1 located at 09.0-13.5 Mbp on chromosome 1, and/or QTL2 located at 199-218 Mbp on chromosome 10.
  • the fruit setting comprises setting parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruits with seeds, under varying environmental conditions.
  • the fertile pepper plant produces increased fruit yield comprising an elevated percentage of parthenocarpic and/or seedless fruits under suboptimal growth conditions and sets fruit with seeds under normal or optimal growth conditions.
  • the pepper plant produces parthenocarpic, seedless, and/or fruits with seeds, under suboptimal conditions.
  • the suboptimal conditions are selected from a wide range of abiotic stresses such as high or low temperatures (e.g. temperatures below 18°C or above 32°C), high or low humidity, salinity, drought and radiation conditions.
  • the present invention provides a cultivated fertile pepper plant or seed capable of producing high yield properties of fruit setting, wherein the high yield properties of fruit setting results in seedless fruit production under suboptimal conditions, and/or in fruit production with seeds under optimal conditions, wherein said cultivated plant or seed carries a genetic region conferring the high yield properties of fruits, said genetic region comprises QTL1 located 09.0-13.5 Mbp on chromosome 1, and/or QTL2 located 199-218 Mbp on chromosome 10.
  • the cultivated pepper plant or seed is a fertile pepper plant or seed that carries a genetic region as described herein, conferring the ability to produce high percentage of parthenocarpic or seedless fruits under suboptimal or abnormal growth conditions and thus secures high yield production to a commercial extent under varying environmental conditions (such as high or low temperature etc.).
  • the fruits of the herein disclosed pepper plant may comprise parthenocarpic or seedless fruits and/or fruit with seeds. It is further within the scope that the fruit setting comprises setting a parthenocarpic or seedless fruit and/or fruit with seeds under different environmental conditions, such as suboptimal or optimal conditions.
  • different environmental conditions include but are not limited to, variations in temperature, humidity, light intensity, water availability, soil salinity, and nutrient content.
  • Suboptimal conditions may encompass any combination of these factors that deviate from the ideal (or normal) range required for successful pollination and fertilization, for example, suboptimal conditions may be selected from abiotic stresses such as high or low temperatures, high or low humidity, salinity, drought and radiation conditions. While optimal (normal) conditions are those that support the full reproductive potential of the pepper plant, for example, resulting in the highest possible yield of fruits with seeds.
  • the high yield property of fruit setting results from an increase in the number of parthenocarpic or seedless fruits in addition to the production of fruits with seeds.
  • QTL1 is located 09.0- 11 Mbp as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 v.1.55 or at position 12.0-13.5 Mbp as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI, on chromosome 1.
  • QTL2 is located 204- 218 Mbp as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 v.1.55 or at position 199-214 Mbp as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI, on chromosome 10.
  • the high yield properties of fruits comprise at least one of: early fruit setting, setting parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruits with seeds under varying environmental conditions, increased fruit number, and increased percentage of parthenocarpic fruits, wherein said properties are as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • QTL1 located on chromosome 1 is associated with the property of elevated fruit number and/or elevated fruit weight.
  • QTL2 located on chromosome 10 is associated with the property of early fruit setting and/or setting parthenocarpic or seedless fruit and/or fruit with seeds under different environmental conditions.
  • the method and the herein identified unique genetic regions and molecular markers and genes of the present invention enable to increase and secure fruit yield for pepper lines (e.g. a pepper line with commercially acceptable characteristics) in extreme or stressed climate environments and/or conditions such elevated temperatures.
  • pepper lines e.g. a pepper line with commercially acceptable characteristics
  • the cultivated pepper plant or seed as defined above comprises at least one allele, haplotype, molecular marker, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), gene and/or genetic determinant associated with the at least one QTL (molecular markers and/or genes identified by the present invention, to be associated with the high yield properties of fruits).
  • SNP single nucleotide polymorphism
  • the present invention provides molecular markers/SNPs associated with QTL1 and QTL2 as herein defined conferring the high yield properties of fruit setting as specified in Tables 1 and 3-6.
  • CA01g05320 belongs to a gene family called “Agamous like MADS box protein” (AGL62-like). This family belongs to a large gene family that is called transcription factor (TF) proteins (Chen et al., 2019). According to NCBI, CA01g05320 is a homolog of agamous-like MADS-box protein AGL29 [Capsicum annuum] (LOC124890154, LOC107863471), MADS-box transcription factor 27 -like (Solarium lycopersicum) and to AT2G24840, AGAMOUS-LIKE 61, AGL61, DIA, DIANA in Arabidopsis. “Agamous like” proteins are reported to be involved in parthenocarpy.
  • the above molecular marker associated with chromosome 1 is an SNP molecular marker located on the CA01g05320 gene.
  • the CA01g05320 SNP (Adenine instead of Guanine) is located on Chr 1 positioned 9,570,115 bp as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 bp as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI.
  • the CA01g05320 genomic sequence with the SNP is as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 324.
  • the SNP causes a change of amino acid in the protein sequence from Glycine to Serine. This change could influence the transcript level and the functionality of the protein and explain the involvement of this gene in parthenocarpy level in the tested pepper lines population.
  • CA10gl4270 The amino acid sequence encoded by CA10gl4270 is as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 113.
  • the corresponding molecular marker is an allele C at position 204,079,966 as indicated in reference genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55.
  • the CA10gl4270 genomic sequence with the SNP is as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 325.
  • GST Glutathione S-transferase
  • CA10gl4270 is up regulated related to Phytophthora capsici resistance (Shi et al, 2024).
  • CA10gl4820 The amino acid sequence encoded by this gene (CA10gl4820) is as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 168.
  • the corresponding molecular marker is an allele T at position 210,564,909 as indicated in reference genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55. No annotation is found for the gene CA10gl4820.
  • the CA10gl4820 genomic sequence with the SNP is as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 326.
  • [00130] Gene CA10gl5940, annotated as Capsicum annuum (Red Pepper) PHD transcriptional regulator.
  • the amino acid sequence encoded by this gene (CA10gl5940) is as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 280.
  • the corresponding molecular marker is an allele T at position 217,950,632 as indicated in reference genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55.
  • the CA0gl5940 genomic sequence with the SNP is as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 327.
  • the PHD finger is a common structural motif found in all eukaryotic genomes. It is a Zn(2+) -binding domain and its closest structural relative is the RING domain (Bienz, 2006).
  • the pepper plants or seeds of the present invention are produced using targeted genome editing, e.g. using the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) /Cas (such as Cas9) technology or system, or any other genetic modification method known in the relevant art to generate the herein described lines/variants/ sequences/molecular markers/ SNPs.
  • CRISPR Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
  • Cas Cas
  • the cultivated pepper plant or seed of the present invention may be a genome edited plant or seed, such as a plant or seed produced by the CRISPR/Cas system.
  • the genotype of the cultivated pepper plant or seed of the present invention is formed using doubled haploid (DH) combined with gene editing technology techniques.
  • DH doubled haploid
  • the pepper plant or seed of the present invention e.g. cultivated pepper plant
  • the pepper plant or seed of the present invention is an inbred, a dihaploid, a hybrid, a doubled haploid (DH), or a polyploid of any ploidy level.
  • the present invention provides a pepper plant or seed capable of producing high yield properties of fruits.
  • the plant comprises the herein identified genetic regions conferring elevated yield of commercially acceptable fruits, as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said genetic regions.
  • plant is meant to be understood as whole plant, grafted plant, ancestors and progeny of the plants, or any parts or derivatives thereof.
  • a non-liming list of plant part includes plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant tissue, plant cell, plant organ, suspension cultures, plant cell or tissue culture from which pepper plants can be regenerated, plant callus or calli, meristematic regions, meristematic cells, gametophytes, sporophyte, microspores, embryos, immature embryos, pollen, ovules, egg cells, zygotes, anthers, fruit (e.g.
  • plant part is interchangeable with “plant material”.
  • plant cell refers, without limitation, to a structural and physiological unit of a plant, comprising a protoplast and a cell wall.
  • the plant cell may be in the form of an isolated single cell or a cultured cell, or as a part of higher organized unit such as, for example, plant tissue, a plant organ, or a whole plant.
  • plant cell culture refers, without limitation, to cultures of plant units such as, for example, protoplasts, regenerable cells, cell culture, cells, cells in plant tissues, pollen, pollen tubes, ovules, embryo sacs, zygotes and embryos at various stages of development, leaves, roots, root tips, anthers, meristematic cells, microspores, flowers, cotyledons, pistil, fruit, seeds, seed coat or any combination thereof.
  • plant units such as, for example, protoplasts, regenerable cells, cell culture, cells, cells in plant tissues, pollen, pollen tubes, ovules, embryo sacs, zygotes and embryos at various stages of development, leaves, roots, root tips, anthers, meristematic cells, microspores, flowers, cotyledons, pistil, fruit, seeds, seed coat or any combination thereof.
  • plant organ refers, without limitation, to a distinct and visibly structured and differentiated part of a plant such as a root, stem, leaf, flower, flower bud, embryo, and the like.
  • plant tissue refers, without limitation, to a group of plant cells organized into a structural and functional unit. Any tissue of a plant in planta or in culture is included. This term includes, but is not limited to, whole plants, plant organs, plant seeds, tissue culture, protoplasts, meristematic cells, calli and any group of plant cells organized into structural and/or functional units. The use of this term in conjunction with, or in the absence of, any specific type of plant tissue as listed above or otherwise embraced by this definition is not intended to be exclusive of any other type of plant tissue.
  • parthenocarpic refers, without limitation, to seedless fruits, i.e., fruits that have been developed without pollination and/or fertilization. Usually, fruits generated through parthenocarpy are seedless. Parthenocarpy may be genetically determined and/or by cultivation environments. The parthenocarpy referred to as in the present invention is the genetically associated. Plants having a genetically determined parthenocarpic trait are preferred for the case of edible cultivation plants, because they offer high reliability and reproducibility as well as enabling the reduction of the labor for managing the cultivation environment. In further aspects, parthenocarpic fruit refers to fruits that develop without fertilization of ovules.
  • Parthenocarpy may be a natural phenomenon or an artificially induced process where fruits develop without fertilization, resulting in seedless fruits.
  • "Seedless” fruits refer to fruits that lack seeds, which can happen through parthenocarpy or other mechanisms like seed abortion (e.g. stenospermocarpy) or developmental issues. Thus, seedlessness can result from parthenocarpy or other reasons (such as genetic, artificial or environmental reasons or seed abortion). Therefore, some seedless fruits are parthenocarpic, while others are not.
  • the term “parthenocarpic” is interchangeable with “parthenocarpic fruit”, “parthenocarpy”, “seedless fruits”, or “parthenocarpic seedless fruits”.
  • the term “pepper” refers, without limitation, to the common name given to many plants, their fruits and to the spices obtained from their fruits, usually with a spicy flavor (resulting from the capsaicin).
  • the pepper plants can include plants from the genus Capsicum, Pipper and Pimenta.
  • Capsicum is a genus of flowering plants (angiosperms) comprised of the nightshade family Solanaceae. It is generally accepted that the Capsicum genus originated in Venezuela and consists of 25-30 species.
  • the pepper plant refers, without limitation, to the cultivated species Capsicum annuum, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum pubescens, and to the wild species.
  • Capsicum annuum comprises both non- pungent and pungent (chili) peppers.
  • the term “pepper” also includes, without limitations, plants called by names other than “pepper”, e.g., horticultural crops called “piment”, “paprika”, and “sweet pepper”.
  • the pepper plant is preferably Capsicum annuum.
  • the Capsicum annuum is selected from a fruit type including, but not limited to, bell pepper, pointed pepper, half long pepper, Como di Toro pepper, sweet pepper including a dolce-type pepper, a big rectangular pepper, a conical pepper, a long conical pepper and a blocky-type pepper.
  • the term “introgressed” refers to incorporation (usually via hybridization and backcrossing) of alleles from one species into the gene pool of a second, divergent species.
  • the introgression is made by means of repeated backcrosses between and hybrid and the first plant generation.
  • the term “introgression” is interchangeable with “introgression”, “introgressing” or “introgressive hybridization”.
  • An introgression may also be described as a heterologous genetic material stably integrated in the genome of a recipient plant.
  • the term “backcrossing” refers, without limitation, to the repeatedly crossing of a hybrid with one of its parents, or an adult genetically identical to the parent, to achieve offspring with a genetic identity closer to parents.
  • the backcrossing process refers to the repeated crossing of a hybrid progeny back to one of the parental pepper plants.
  • the parental pepper plant, which contributes the gene for the desired characteristic is termed the nonrecurrent or donor parent. This terminology refers to the fact that the nonrecurrent parent is used one time in the backcross protocol and therefore does not recur.
  • the parental pepper plant to which the gene or genes from the nonrecurrent parent are transferred is known as the recurrent parent as it is used for several rounds in the backcrossing protocol.
  • a plant from the original varieties of interest (recurrent parent) is crossed to a plant selected from second varieties (nonrecurrent parent) that carries the single gene of interest to be transferred.
  • the resulting progeny from this cross are then crossed again to the recurrent parent and the process is repeated until a pepper plant is obtained wherein essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of the recurrent parent are recovered in the converted plant, in addition to the single transferred gene from the nonrecurrent parent.
  • Backcrossing methods can be used with the present invention to improve or introduce a characteristic into the parent lines.
  • the term “trait” refers, without limitation, to the appearance of other detectable characteristic or phenotype of an individual, resulting from the interaction of its genome, proteome and/or metabolome with the environment.
  • a trait may be inherited in a dominant or recessive manner, or in a partial or incomplete- dominant manner.
  • a trait may be monogenic (i.e. determined by a single locus) or polygenic (i.e. determined by more than one locus) or may also result from the interaction of one or more genes with the environment.
  • a dominant trait results in a complete phenotypic manifestation at heterozygous or homozygous state; conventionally, a recessive trait manifests itself only when present at homozygous state.
  • the genetic regions identified by the present invention, associated with the high fruit yield properties trait confers the production of elevated yield of commercially acceptable fruits on the pepper plants or seeds as described herein.
  • the cultivated pepper plant or seed of the present invention produces fruits (comprising parthenocarpic, seedless and /or fruit with seeds) which are commercially acceptable or marketable as defined by different market, segment and fruit type.
  • phenotype refers, without limitation, to distinguishable characteristics from a genetically controlled trait.
  • the term “homozygous” refers, without limitation, to a genetic condition or configuration existing when two identical or like alleles reside at a specific locus but are positioned individually on corresponding pairs of homologous chromosomes in the cell of a diploid organism.
  • the term “heterozygous” means a genetic condition or configuration existing when two different or unlike alleles reside at a specific locus but are positioned individually on corresponding pairs of homologous chromosomes in the cell of a diploid organism.
  • the hybrid pepper plants of the present invention comprise heterozygous configuration of the genetic markers associated with the high fruit yield characteristics.
  • Parthenocarpy degree An important way to measure parthenocarpy traits is through Parthenocarpy degree.
  • the currently available commercial seedless pepper variety has an Excellent Parthenocarpy (EP) level, as measured by the applicant internal scale, is about 3, such as between 2.9 and 3.1.
  • the term “Excellent Parthenocarpy (EP) trait” refers, without limitation, to pepper fruit yield from selected lines that have an Excellent Parthenocarpy (EP) phenotype of level of at least 5, such as in the range of 5-10, preferably 7 or above, and more preferably 8 or above, considerably higher than the known or commercially available lines, with an EP phenotype level around or about 3.
  • EP Excellent Parthenocarpy
  • EP evaluation is a qualitative trait, measured visually. It is an internal grade or scale (a value between 1- 10) given to each of the tested lines for evaluating their fruit yield.
  • the EP grade or level or value herein means a grade given to each plot by visually evaluating the fruit yield in the particular plot.
  • EP grade is a relative evaluation, where the relative point used is a commercial seedless pepper variety that has EP in the range of 2.9-3.1.
  • the EP grade represents the ability of the plant to set parthenocarpic or seedless fruit under different environmental conditions.
  • the EP level of pepper plants within the scope of the present invention is in the range of 3-10.
  • a “female parent” refers to a pepper plant that is the recipient of pollen from a male donor line, which pollen successfully pollinates an egg.
  • a female parent can be any pepper plant that is the recipient of pollen.
  • Such female parents can be male sterile, for example, because of genetic male sterility, cytoplasmic male sterility, or because they have been subject to manual emasculation of the stamens. Genetic or cytoplasmic male sterility can be manifested in different manners, such as sterile pollen, malformed or stamenless flowers, positional sterility, and functional sterility.
  • male parent plant refers to a parent plant that provides pollen to (i.e. is a pollinator for) a female line. They may be useful for breeding of progeny pepper plants.
  • the male sterility is preferably a cytoplasmic male- sterile (CMS) trait.
  • CMS cytoplasmic male- sterile
  • the plant comprises at least one allele, haplotype, genetic marker, gene encoding sequence or genetic determinant associated with the high fruit yield trait.
  • allele refers, without limitation, to one or more variant forms of DNA sequence (a single base or a segment of bases) at a given genomic location (gene locus) and relates to a trait or characteristic of an individual. Diploid cells or organisms inherit two alleles, one from each parent, for any given genomic location (locus, or loci in plural), on a pair of homologous chromosomes, where such variation exists. One allele is present on each chromosome of the pair of homologous chromosomes. If the two alleles are the same, the individual is homozygous for that allele. If the alleles are different, the individual is heterozygous.
  • a diploid plant species may comprise a large number of different alleles at a particular locus.
  • Such alternative or variant forms of alleles may be the result of single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions, inversions, translocations or deletions, or the consequence of gene regulation caused by, for example, by chemical or structural modification, transcription regulation or post-translational modification/regulation.
  • An allele associated with a qualitative trait may comprise alternative or variant forms of various genetic units including those that are identical or associated with a single gene or multiple genes or their products or even a gene disrupting or controlled by a genetic factor contributing to the phenotype represented by the locus.
  • locus refers, without limitation, to a specific place or places or genetic region or a site on a chromosome where for example a gene or genetic marker element or factor is found. In specific embodiments, such a genetic element is contributing to a trait.
  • haplotype refers, without limitation, to a physical grouping of alleles (DNA sequences) from adjacent loci (locations) or genetic region on a chromosome that tend to be inherited together.
  • a haplotype also referred to as genotype of fingerprint, may be one locus, several loci, or an entire chromosome depending on the number of recombination events that have occurred between a given set of loci.
  • a specific haplotype typically reflects a unique combination of variants that reside near each other on a chromosome.
  • Haplotype further refers to a set of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on a single chromosome or a genetic region within a chromosome of a chromosome pair that are associated statistically.
  • SNPs single-nucleotide polymorphisms
  • the term “genetic marker” or “molecular marker” or “marker” refers, without limitation, to a DNA sequence with a known physical location or genetic region on a chromosome, and indicates the presence of at least one genotype, polymorphism or phenotype.
  • a non-liming list of genetic markers includes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), cleavable amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS), amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), simple sequence repeats (SSRs), insertion(s)/deletion(s) (“INDEL”(s)), inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR), and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) sequences.
  • SNPs single nucleotide polymorphisms
  • CAPS cleavable amplified polymorphic sequences
  • AFLPs amplified fragment length polymorphisms
  • RFLPs restriction fragment length polymorphisms
  • SSRs simple sequence repeats
  • INDEL insertion(s)/deletion(s)
  • ISSR inter-simple sequence repeats
  • RAPD random amplified polymorphic DNA sequences.
  • the genetic marker is a
  • the genetic marker itself may be a part of a gene or may have no known function.
  • the term “genetic marker” is interchangeable with “molecular marker” or “DNA marker” or “biomarker” and can also refer to a polynucleotide sequence complementary or corresponding to a genomic sequence, such as a sequence of a nucleic acid used as a probe or primer.
  • a genetic marker can be physically located in a position on a chromosome that is within or outside of the genetic locus with which it is associated (i.e., is intragenic or extragenic, respectively).
  • the one or more genetic markers comprise a combination of two or more genetic markers. It is also within the scope of the present invention that different combinations of genetic markers are used to identify different traits or phenotypic characteristics as disclosed inter alia.
  • a “marker” is an indicator for the presence of at least one phenotype, genotype, trait or polymorphism. Markers include, but are not limited to, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), cleavable amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS), amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), simple sequence repeats (SSRs), insertion(s)/deletion(s) (“INDEL”(s)), inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR), and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) sequences.
  • SNPs single nucleotide polymorphisms
  • CAS cleavable amplified polymorphic sequences
  • AFLPs amplified fragment length polymorphisms
  • RFLPs restriction fragment length polymorphisms
  • SSRs simple sequence repeats
  • INDEL insertion(s)/deletion(s)
  • ISSR inter-
  • a marker is preferably inherited in codominant fashion (both alleles at a locus in a diploid heterozygote are readily detectable), with no environmental variance component.
  • a “nucleic acid marker” as used herein means a nucleic acid molecule that is capable of being a marker for detecting a polymorphism, phenotype, or both associated with a trait of interest.
  • a “marker assay” generally means a method for detecting a polymorphism at a particular locus using a particular method, e.g. measurement of at least one phenotype (such as a visually detectable trait, e.g.
  • RFLP restriction fragment length polymorphism
  • ASO allelic specific oligonucleotide hybridization
  • RAPD random amplified polymorphic DNA
  • microarray-based technologies PCR-based technologies, and nucleic acid sequencing technologies, etc.
  • polymorphism refers, without limitation, to the presence in a population of two or more different forms of a gene, genetic marker, or inherited trait or a gene product obtainable, for example, through alternative splicing, DNA methylation, etc.
  • the term “gene encoding sequence” refers, without limitation, to the information encoded in a gene that is used to either make RNA molecules that code for proteins or to make non-coding RNA molecules that serve other functions.
  • the term “genetic determinant” or “genetic region” refers, without limitation, to genetic patterns or sequences that can be associated to a given trait, or QTL or genetic region such as the high fruit yield properties trait of this invention.
  • the genome of said plant comprises a genetic marker and/or a gene encoding sequence associated with said high fruit yield properties trait, said genetic marker and/or gene sequence is selected from the group consisting of: a.
  • a genetic marker sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 281-290 or any combination thereof allele A at position 9570115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI (Tables 1, 3, 4 and 6), and/or a gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-93 or any combination thereof and/or any combination thereof, associated with QTL1 on chromosome 1; b.
  • the high yield properties of fruits comprise at least one of: early fruit setting, setting parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruits with seeds under varying environmental conditions, increased fruit number, and increased percentage of parthenocarpic fruits, wherein said properties are as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • the high fruit yield properties comprise (a) increased average fruit number of at least 5%, such as in the range of 5%-50%, particularly an increase in the range of 10- 40% as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence, and/or (b) increased percentage of parthenocarpic fruits setting out of the total fruit set of at least 10%, such as in the range of 10%-50%, particularly in the range of 15%-40%, as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • the increased fruit number is of at least about 5%, of at least 10%, of at least 15%, of at least 20%, of at least 25%. In one embodiment, the increased fruit weight per plant of at least about 15%, of at least 20%, of at least 25%, of at least 30%, of at least 35%, of at least 40%, of at least 45% or of at least 50%.
  • the property of early fruit setting and/or setting parthenocarpic or seedless fruit and/or fruit with seeds and increased percentage of parthenocarpic fruits under different environmental conditions is associated with genes or DNA sequences located on Chromosome 10 and selected from at least one gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 94-280 and/or at least one sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 291-323 and 346, and /or an allele selected from Tables 1, 3, 5 and 6 or any combination thereof.
  • the term “chromosome” refers, without limitation, to structures made of protein and a single molecule of DNA that serve to carry the genomic information from cell to cell.
  • the cultivated pepper plant or seed of the present invention comprising the at least one molecular marker and/or gene associated with QTL2, have an average EP value of at least 5, particularly in the range of 5-8 or 5-10.
  • the cultivated pepper plant or seed of the present invention comprising the at least one molecular marker and/or gene associated with QTL2 exhibits an increase in EP value of about 20-40% compared to a plant lacking said at least one QTL2 associated molecular marker and/or gene.
  • the property of elevated fruit number per plant and/or elevated fruit weight per plant is associated with genes or DNA sequences located on Chromosome 1 and selected from at least one gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-93 and/or at least one sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 281-290 and/or allele A at position 9570115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI (Tables 1, 3, 4 and 6).
  • the cultivated pepper plant or seed comprising the at least one molecular marker and/or gene associated with QTL1 have 15-20% more fruits compared to a plant lacking said at least one QTL1 associated molecular marker and/or gene.
  • the plant is capable of forming fruits from at least about 90% of the flowers on said plant.
  • the term “high fruit yield” or “high yield properties of fruit setting” refers, without limitation, to genetically enhanced cultivars of crops, such as pepper, that have an increased crop production or increased percentage of usable plant parts, preferably fruits.
  • the fruit yield produced by a plant may be affected by parameters such as timing of fruit setting, Abiotic stress of setting fruit, number of fruits per plant and weight fruit per plant.
  • the “high fruit yield” properties or “high yield properties of fruits” or “high yield fruit setting” refers to an increase of fruit (parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruit with seeds) number, or fruit number per plant, e.g. of at least about 5%, such as 10-50%, as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said associated QTL, genetic marker and/or gene sequence.
  • the high yield properties comprise (a) increased average fruit number of at least 5%, such as in the range of 5% -50%, particularly an increase in the range of 10- 40% as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence, and/or (b) increased percentage of parthenocarpic fruits setting out of the total fruit set of at least 10%, such as in the range of 10%-50%, particularly in the range of 15%-40%, as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • earliness refers, without limitation, to the rate of fruit development and more specifically to the time elapsing between planting of the seed and the subsequent harvesting. More preferably, it relates to the days from transplanting to first red fruit. Thus, in plants earliness is evaluated by measuring how rapid a state of ripeness is attained. Earliness has economic significance. The cultivation of early ripening plant species and varieties results in a more productive use of land, since the same field may yield more than one harvest per season.
  • An enhanced or increased earliness implies a shorter duration of the growth phase of the plant, which leads to flowering and a ripening of the fruits to be harvested, which occur, further ahead in time than is normally the case. It is further disclosed that in cultivated pepper, early flowering is generally associated with higher yield of ripe fruits.
  • the term “different environmental conditions” refers, without limitations, to extreme temperatures, humidity fluctuations, intense or inadequate light, daylight hours, drought, salinity, osmotic stress conditions, heavy metals, nutrient deficiencies, and mineral toxicity.
  • the plant produces a fruit type selected from the group consisting of: bell pepper, pointed pepper, half long pepper, Como di Toro pepper, sweet pepper including a dolce-type pepper, a big rectangular pepper, a conical pepper, a long conical pepper and a blocky -type pepper.
  • the mature fruit of the plant is green, yellow, orange, red, ivory, brown, or purple.
  • the pepper plant is an inbred, a dihaploid or a hybrid.
  • inbreed refers, without limitation, to the process of mating among closely related individuals or even self-fertilization in plants.
  • the term “dihaploid” refers, without limitation, to haploid plants that undergone a spontaneous or induced chromosome doubling in haploid cells during embryogenesis, thus resulting in a homozygous individual, with two identical homologs.
  • the term “dihaploid” is interchangeable with “doubled haploid (DH)”.
  • diploid individual (diploid organism) refers, without limitation, to an individual that has two sets of chromosomes, typically one from each of its two parents. However, it is understood that in some embodiments a diploid individual can receive its “maternal” and “paternal” chromosomes from the same single organism, such as when a plant is selfed to produce a subsequent generation of plants.
  • polyploidy or “polyploid” or “polyploid level” refers, without limitation, to a condition in which the cells of an organism have more than one pair of (homologous) chromosomes. Polyploid plants possess three or more sets of homologous chromosomes. As used herein the term “ploidy” refers to the number of chromosome sets in a cell.
  • a doubled haploid is a genotype formed when haploid cells undergo chromosome doubling. It is herein acknowledged that artificial production of doubled haploids is important in plant breeding. It is further acknowledged that haploid cells are produced from pollen or egg cells or from other cells of the gametophyte, then by induced or spontaneous chromosome doubling, a doubled haploid cell is produced, which can be grown into a doubled haploid plant. If the original plant was diploid, the haploid cells are monoploid, and the term doubled monoploid may be used for the doubled haploids. Haploid organisms derived from tetrapioids or hexapioids are also called dihaploids (and the doubled dihaploids are, respectively, tetrapioid or hexapioid).
  • hybrid refers, without limitation, to a plant resulting directly or indirectly from crosses between different species, varieties or genotypes (e.g., a genetically heterozygous or mostly heterozygous individual).
  • hybrid plant is a plant resulted from crosses between populations, breeds or cultivars within the genus Capsicum. According to some embodiments, the hybrid plant is preferably resulted from Capsicum annuum.
  • hybrid is related to “hybrid plant” and “hybrid progeny”.
  • the term “population” refers, without limitation, to a genetically heterogeneous collection of plants sharing a common genetic derivation.
  • the herein identified genetic regions/QTLs are as found in seeds of Capsicum annum CM- 192- 539, representative seeds of which were deposited with NCIMB Aberdeen AB21 9YA, Scotland, UK under accession number NCIMB 44203 on 04/08/2023.
  • the herein identified genetic regions/QTLs are as found in seeds of Capsicum annum CD-222- 401.7, representative seeds of which were deposited with NCIMB Aberdeen AB21 9YA, Scotland, UK under accession number NCIMB 44400 on 21/06/2024.
  • the plant further comprising within its genome at least one additional trait selected from the group consisting of, taste, nutritional value, insect resistance, resistance to bacterial, fungal or viral disease, and resistance to a non-biotic stress, wherein the additional trait is introduced by a method selected from the group consisting of breeding, genome editing, genetic determinant introgression and transformation.
  • breeding refers, without limitation, to any process that generates a progeny individual, such as selection, via combination, of genetic desirable traits in a single variety (hybrid), thus generating an improved new plant variety (progeny individual).
  • the nonlimiting list of types of breeding includes crossing, selfing, introgressing, backcrossing, doubled haploid derivative generation, genome editing, a genotype formed using doubled haploid (DH) combined with gene editing technology techniques and combinations thereof.
  • DH doubled haploid
  • DH doubled haploid
  • the term “variety” or “cultivar” used herein means a group of similar plants that by structural features and performance can be identified from other varieties within the same species.
  • genomic editing refers, without limitation, to the addition, removal, or alteration of a genetic material at a particular desired location in the genome with or without doubled haploid derivative generation.
  • a non-limiting list of techniques for genome editing are restriction enzymes, zinc finger nucleases, prime editing, and Programmable Addition via Site-specific Targeting Elements (PASTE).
  • the term “genetic determinant introgression” or “genetic region introgression” refers, without limitation, to the incorporation of new genetic determinants, regions or elements such as genes, alleles, QTLs (quantitative trait loci) or traits, into a line wherein essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of the line are recovered, in addition to the genetically introgressed determinant or region.
  • genetic determinant or region introgression one or a few genetic determinants or regions are transferred to a desired genetic background, preferably by using backcrossing or hybridization.
  • transformation refers, without limitation, to a way to insert DNA from another organism (usually another plant), into the genome of a plant of interest. This includes both integration of the exogenous DNA into the host genome, and/or introduction of plasmid DNA containing the exogenous DNA into the plant cell. Such a transformation process results in the uptake, incorporation and expression of exogenous genetic material (exogenous DNA). Plant transformation may refer to the introduction of exogenous genes into plant cells, tissues or organs employing direct or indirect means developed by molecular and cellular biology.
  • a non-limiting list of techniques for the transformation of plants that are well known to those of skill in the art and applicable to many crop species include, but are not limited to, electroporation, microprojectile bombardment, Agrobacterium- mediated transformation and direct DNA uptake by protoplasts.
  • the invention provides a plant part comprising at least one regenerable cell, pollen, ovule, fruit or seed.
  • the term “regenerable” refers, without limitation, to a plant part wherein 100% of the population produces a pepper plant.
  • the plant is further defined as a leaf, a bud, a meristem, an embryo, a root, a root tip, a stem, a flower, a fruit, or a cell.
  • the invention provides a pepper seed obtained from a crossing in which at least one of the parents is the pepper plant according to the invention, or which produces the pepper plant according to the invention.
  • the invention provides a tissue culture of regenerable cells, protoplasts or callus obtained from the pepper plant according to the invention.
  • the invention provides a pepper fruit or processed pepper fruit of a plant according to the invention.
  • the invention provides A cultivated pepper plant or seed capable of producing high fruit yield properties, wherein said plant or seed carries a genetic region conferring the high yield properties of fruits, said genetic region comprises QTL1 located 09.0-13.5 Mbp on chromosome 1, and/or QTL2 located 199- 218 Mbp on chromosome 10.
  • the aforementioned QTLs are associated with a genetic marker and/or gene sequence is selected from the group consisting of: a.
  • a genetic marker sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 281-290 or any combination thereof allele A at position 9570115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI (Tables 1, 3, 4 and 6), and/or a gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-93 or any combination thereof, or any combination thereof, associated with QTL1 on chromosome 1; b.
  • the plant produces elevated yield of fruits (e.g. commercially acceptable parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruit with seeds) independent of exogenous abiotic stress conditions such as elevated temperature or other parthenocarpy-inducing factors.
  • fruits e.g. commercially acceptable parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruit with seeds
  • exogenous abiotic stress conditions such as elevated temperature or other parthenocarpy-inducing factors.
  • Exogenous parthenocarpy-inducing factors may induce hormones, auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins, especially the first two, are well known to induce parthenocarpy and abiotic stress environmental conditions such as the extreme temperatures, humidity fluctuations, intense or inadequate light, and the daylight hours.
  • the invention provides a method for producing a pepper plant exhibiting high yield properties of fruit setting, the method comprising steps of: a. producing and selecting a first pepper plant as a donor male parent, carrying a genetic region conferring the high yield properties of fruits, said genetic region comprises QTL1 located 09.0-13.5 Mbp on chromosome 1, and/or QTL2 located 199-218 Mbp on chromosome 10; b.
  • first pepper plant with a second pepper plant as a female parent, such as a commercially acceptable pepper line or a pepper plant with commercially acceptable characteristics, such as MAOR line, to produce progeny hybrid pepper plant, and optionally self-crossing said hybrid pepper plant to produce F2 generation progeny plants; c. selecting by genotyping and/or phenotyping at least one progeny plant showing high yield properties of fruits, associated with the QTL1 and/or QTL2 genetic region; and d. optionally, backcrossing said at least one selected progeny plant with said male parent plant and/or repeating steps c-d.
  • the term “donor parent” refers, without limitation, to the line containing the gene or trait (e.g. high fruit yield properties) of interest and the recipient parent or recurrent parent refers to the pepper line that is used as the normal or regular branched parent line, which is preferably an elite or breeding plant line that is improved by adding the gene or trait of interest.
  • male parent and “female parent” refer, without limitation, to a plant that pollinates (provides pollen) and to a plant that received the pollen, respectively.
  • a female parent can be any pepper plant that is the recipient of pollen.
  • the male parent is a parthenocarpic line and the female parent is a fertile pepper plant, preferably a pepper line with commercially acceptable characteristics.
  • the method and the herein identified unique genetic regions and molecular markers and genes of the present invention enable to increase and secure of fruit yield for pepper lines (e.g. a pepper line with commercially acceptable characteristics) in extreme or stressed climate environments and/or conditions (such elevated temperatures).
  • pepper lines e.g. a pepper line with commercially acceptable characteristics
  • extreme or stressed climate environments and/or conditions such elevated temperatures
  • the term “progeny” refers, without limitation, to all descendants/offspring plants of the crossing between male and female parents. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the progeny is obtained from breeding of two plants or from self-fertilization (selfing). In the context of the embodiments of the invention, the term “selfing” refers, without limitation, to the production of seed by self-fertilization or self-pollination; i.e., pollen and ovule are from the same plant. The first progeny is the Fl generation; the second progeny is the F2 generation, and so on. In some embodiments, the progeny carries the high fruit yield properties trait developed in this invention. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the progeny is a hybrid pepper plant.
  • the term “recurrent” refers, without limitation, to any parent plant which is used recurrently in subsequent crossings, i.e., the same parent plant line is used in repeated crossings of resulting progenies.
  • the recurrent parent is a recurrent female parent.
  • the term “genetic sources” refers, without limitation, to male parent lines used for generating new progenies (hybrid plants).
  • the male parental lines are CM202-2258 and CM-192-539/ CD222-401.7.
  • the step of screening comprises steps of producing a doubled haploid (DH) genotype plants from haploid and/or diploid cells derived from various pepper genetic sources.
  • DH doubled haploid
  • the method comprises steps of inbreeding a pepper plant which is characterized by the EP trait (high fruit yield properties) until the genetic composition of the progeny of such inbreeding becomes substantially stable.
  • the genome of the donor pepper plant comprising the high fruit yield properties trait is associated with a genetic marker and/or a gene encoding sequence selected from the group consisting of: a. a genetic marker sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 281-290 or any combination thereof, allele A at position 9570115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI (Tables 1, 3, 4 and 6), and/or a gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-93 or any combination thereof, or any combination thereof, associated with QTL1 on chromosome 1; b.
  • a genetic marker sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 281-290 or any combination thereof allele A at position 9570115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Caps
  • the high yield properties of fruits comprise at least one of: early fruit setting, setting parthenocarpic, seedless and/or fruits with seeds under varying environmental conditions, increased fruit number, and increased percentage of parthenocarpic fruits, wherein said properties are as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said at least one QTL associated with the at least one molecular marker and/or gene sequence.
  • the property of early fruit setting and/or setting parthenocarpic or seedless fruit and/or fruit with seeds and increased percentage of parthenocarpic fruits under different environmental conditions is associated with genes or DNA sequences located on Chromosome 10 and selected from at least one gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 94-280, an allele selected from Tables 1, 3, 5 and 6 or any combination thereof, and/or at least one genetic marker sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 291-323 and 346.
  • the property of elevated fruit number per plant and/or elevated fruit weight per plant is associated with genes or DNA sequences located on Chromosome 1 and selected from at least one gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-93, allele A at position 9570115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum aimuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI (Tables 1, 3, 4 and 6), and/or at least one genetic marker sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 281- 290.
  • the property of elevated fruit number per plant and/or elevated fruit weight per plant is associated with genes or DNA sequences located on Chromosome 1 and selected from at least one gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-93, allele A at position 9570115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI (Tables 1, 3, 4 and 6), and/or at least one genetic marker sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 281- 290;
  • the invention provides a pepper seed or fruit produced by the method according to the invention.
  • the invention provides a pepper plant produced by the method according to the invention.
  • the invention provides an allele, haplotype, genetic marker or gene being inherited to progeny plant, and this allele, haplotype, genetic marker or gene is associated with the trait capable of conferring production of elevated yield of commercially acceptable fruits as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said genetic marker and/or gene sequence is selected from the group consisting of: a.
  • a genetic marker sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 281-290 or any combination thereof allele A at position 9570115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI (Tables 1, 3, 4 and 6), and/or a gene encoding a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-93 or any combination thereof, located on Chromosome 1; b.
  • the allele, haplotype, genetic marker or gene having at least 90% sequence identity is associated with the trait capable of conferring production of elevated yield of commercially acceptable fruits as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking said trait.
  • sequence identity refers, without limitation, to the occurrence of exactly the same or having a specified percentage of nucleotide or amino acid in the same position in aligned sequences.
  • percent of identity or homology between two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences, taking into account the number of gaps, and the length of each gap, which needs to be introduced for optimal alignment of the two sequences.
  • the comparison of sequences and determination of identity percent between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm as known in the relevant art.
  • sequence identity is interchangeable with “sequence homology”.
  • the invention provides isolated nucleotide sequences annealing with or comprising sequences selected from: a. at least one of SEQ ID NO: 281-290, allele A at position 9570115 as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum aimuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI (Tables 1, 3, 4 and 6), or any combination thereof; b. at least one of SEQ ID NO: 291-323 and 346, or any combination thereof, an allele selected from Tables 1, 3, 5 and 6 or any combination thereof; and c.
  • the nucleotide sequence is suitable for the detection and/or production of a pepper plant pepper plant or seed capable of producing high fruit yield properties, wherein said plant or seed carries a genetic region conferring the high yield properties of fruits, said genetic region comprises QTL1 located 09.0-13.5 Mbp on chromosome 1, and/or QTL2 located 199-218 Mbp on chromosome 10.
  • the invention provides isolated gene sequences encoding sequences selected from: a. at least one of SEQ ID NO: 1-93 or any combination thereof; b. at least one of SEQ ID NO: 94-280 or any combination thereof; and c. any combination thereof; the gene sequence is suitable for the detection and/or production of a pepper plant pepper plant or seed capable of producing high fruit yield properties, wherein said plant or seed carries a genetic region conferring the high yield properties of fruits, said genetic region comprises QTL1 located 09.0-13.5 Mbp on chromosome 1, and/or QTL2 located 199-218 Mbp on chromosome 10.
  • the invention provides the use isolated sequences, or sequences having at least 90% sequence identity with the sequences of the invention, for detection and/or production of a pepper plant or seed capable of producing high fruit yield properties, wherein said plant or seed carries a genetic region conferring the high yield properties of fruits, said genetic region comprises QTL1 located 09.0-13.5 Mbp on chromosome 1, and/or QTL2 located 199- 218 Mbp on chromosome 10.
  • the invention provides pepper genetic markers, sequences or elements, plants, seeds, fruits and plant products, as disclosed in the invention, for the use in multiple geographical- and/or weather-related environments and growth conditions.
  • elements refers, without limitation, to allele, haplotype, genetic marker or gene.
  • the invention provides the use of a seed deposited under NCIMB accession number 44203 on 04/08/2023 for the production of the pepper plant according to this invention.
  • the invention provides the use of a seed deposited under NCIMB accession number 44400 on 21/06/2024 for the production of the pepper plant according to this invention.
  • the invention provides a method for increasing pepper fruit yield production to a commercially relevant extent in multiple geographical- and/or whether-related environments or areas or growth conditions comprising growing in said geographical area pepper plant according to this invention.
  • Capsicum annuum CM- 192-539 were deposited under NCIMB accession number 44203, with NCIMB, Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, Scotland, UK on 04/08/2023 under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty in the name of Breedx Ltd.
  • EXAMPLE 1 F2 TAIL ANALYSIS UTILIZING MOLECULAR MARKER GENOTYPING
  • This example describes an experiment designed to compare the pepper fruit yield among different genetic lines. Specifically, two lines, CM202-2258 and CD222- 401.7 (see Table 1), which are characterized by an Excellent Parthenocarpy (EP) phenotype level of 5 and 8, respectively, correlated with the defined QTL1 and QTL2 regions and their associated molecular markers and/or genes, were evaluated against the MAOR line, which serves as a control and is defined as having an EP phenotype level of 1.
  • EP Excellent Parthenocarpy
  • Table 1 Pepper lines, corresponding EP levels, and QTL1, QTL2 associated molecular markers genotype, as indicated in Capsicum annum cv 'CM 334' genome (release 1.55) reference genome [00247] Following the cross, Fl plants are grown, F2 seeds are collected from the Fl plants to produce F2 generation progeny plants.
  • Fig. 1 presents schemes for generating F2 populations derived from the two parental lines CM202-2258 and CD222-401.7, and MAOR.
  • F2 population plants were grown, and molecular markers on chromosome 1 (see Tables 1, 2, 3 and 5) and chromosome 10 (see Tables 1, 2, 4 and 5) are genotyped.
  • Chromosome 1 (see Tables 1, 2, 3 and 5):
  • CD222-401.7 two bends ( ⁇ 940bp, ⁇ 480bp)
  • Chromosome 10 (see Tables 1, 2, 4 and 5):
  • CD222-401.7 one bend (825bp)
  • Maor two bends (484bp, 347bp)
  • CD222-401.7 two bends (3O8bp, 533bp)
  • CD222-401.7 one bend ( ⁇ 450bp)
  • Heterozygote three bends ( ⁇ 450bp, ⁇ 250bp, ⁇ 200bp)
  • SEQ ID NO: 345 in the Capsicum annuum cv CM334 releasel.55 reference genome, sequence ID name 10_215997819_CM334 vl.55:
  • SEQ ID NO: 346 in the Capsicum annuum CD222-401.7 genome, ID name 10_215997819_CD222-401.7:
  • SEQ ID NO: 347 in the Capsicum annuum CM202-2258 genome, ID name 10_215997819_CM202-2258:
  • SEQ ID NO: 348 in the Capsicum annuum Maor ASM2707369vl genome, ID name 10_215997819_Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI:
  • Step 1 PCR amplification for each molecular marker (MM) amplicon (e.g. with corresponding primers).
  • Step 2 validating the PCR amplicon product (e.g. by gel separation).
  • Step 3 subjecting the validated PCR amplicon product to a restriction enzyme reaction.
  • Step 4 performing molecular marker analysis by analyzing restriction enzyme products (e.g. by gel separation).
  • At least 1500 F2 plants from each F2 population are genotyped for the detailed above molecular markers in chromosomes 1 and 10 (e.g. Table 1).
  • the plants were grown simultaneously, each group in a sperate four experimental 4 plots, and the yield was compared between the different F2 groups, 4 groups in total.
  • the 4 groups are as follows: 1. F2 derived from MAOR x CD222-401.7 with CD222-401.7 MM's fingerprint/haplotype/genotype.
  • EXAMPLE 2 IDENTIFYING UNIQUE HAPLOTYPES FOR HIGH FRUIT YIELD
  • GBS Genotype by Sequencing
  • F2 population was produced to identify DNA region/s in the genome of line CM 192-539 (derived progeny CD222-401.7) linked to the unique QTLs found by the inventors.
  • CM202-2258 and CM- 192-539 were used as genetic resources. These lines were previously described in International Application No. PCT/IL2023/051209, incorporated herein in its entirety.
  • the inbred pepper line 'Maor' (bell-type, Capsicum annuum), as well as Capsicum annuum cv. CM334, were used as control lines (reference genomes), e.g. versus lines CM202-2258 and CM-192-539.
  • MAOR (a reference line/genome) - exhibiting very low EP
  • the Fl plants were grown to produce F2 generation progeny plants.
  • the F2 plants were grown for sampling every plant in the population for DNA extraction, used for genotyping purposes.
  • DNA measuring was done with Qubit dsDNA BR Assay Kit protocol.
  • Genotyping by sequencing was carried out.
  • the libraries of the 188 individual plants were sequenced on a Novaseq platform in a paired-end with 150 bp read length.
  • the raw-data was demultiplexed using the axe-demux tool (according to Murray and Borevitz, 2018) into the separated libraries.
  • adapters were trimmed, and low-quality reads were removed with Trimommatic (according to Bolger et al., 2014).
  • the GATK pipeline accordinging to McKenna et al., 2010 was used to detect polymorphic sites across the population.
  • BWA-MEM (Li, 2013) was used to align the reads to the Capsicum annuum cv.
  • CM334 reference genome https://www.nature.com/articles/ng.2877
  • HaplotypeCaller Poplin et al., 2018
  • GBS for F2 population experiment [00322] Genotypic analysis done by the VCF file, was processed in Tassel 5 (Glaubitz et al., 2014). Sites with minor allele frequency ⁇ 0.05 were filtered out from downstream analyses. Association mapping was performed with Tassel 5 using the generalized linear model (GLM) algorithm with 1000 permutations.
  • GLM generalized linear model
  • the first genomic region identified according to "number of fruits per plant” parameter, is located on QTL1 of chromosome 1 (Chr 1) and has the size of 4.5Mbp (9- 13.5 million bp on Chr 1). In this region, 93 sequences of candidate genes (see sequencing data SEQ ID NO: 1-93) and 11 molecular markers (see SEQ ID NO: 281- 290, Tables 1, 2 and 3) were identified.
  • the second genomic area identified according to EP evaluation/ gradc/lcvcl (e.g. the visual or qualitative measuring of EP in hot conditions/early fruit setting and increased percentage of parthenocarpic fruits), is located on QTL2 of chromosome 10 and has the size of 19Mbp (199-218 million bp on Chr 10).
  • 19Mbp 199-218 million bp on Chr 10
  • 187 sequences of candidate genes see sequence data SEQ ID NO: 94-280 below
  • 131 molecular markers see SEQ ID NO: 291-323 and 346, Tables 1, 2 and 4 were identified.
  • the sequence (seq) of each of the SEQ ID NOs includes the 'Flanking Sequence Upstream the molecular marker' + 'CM- 192-539' unique molecular marker sequence' + 'Flanking Sequence Downstream the molecular marker'.
  • the position indicated is relative to Maor ASM2707369vl NCBI/ Capsicum annuum cv. CM334 releasel.55 reference genome.
  • Table 2 Unique molecular markers located on Chr 1 and Chr 10
  • CM 192- 539 line has unique genes/DNA sequences that are in linkage to or associated with high fruit yield properties of setting parthenocarpic and/or seedless and/or fruits with seeds.
  • CM- 192-539/ CD222-401.7 source lines have a unique haplotype that is linked to the high fruit yield properties of high yield phenotype (e.g. increased fruit number and weight) and early fruit setting /setting fruit at high temperature and/or setting parthenocarpic fruit at high temperature, of the present invention.
  • This haplotype is absent in the CM202-2258 control line which has significantly lower EP level and in the 'Maor'/ CM334 lines used as the reference lines.
  • EXAMPLE 3 IDENTIFYING MOLECULAR MARKERS UNIQUE FOR HIGH-YIELD PROPERTIES
  • the herein found variance in Ca01g05320 gene was further analyzed on the F2 population. This analysis resulted in the identification of one SNP molecular marker located on the Ca01g05320 gene.
  • the Ca01g05320 SNP (A instead of G) is located on Chr 1 positioned 9,570,115 bp as indicated in pepper genome Capsicum annuum cv CM334 vl.55 or at position 12,239,886 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI.
  • the SNP causes a change of amino acid in the protein sequence from GLICYNE to SERINE. This change could influence the transcript level and the functionality of the protein and explain the involvement of this gene in parthenocarpy level in the tested F2 population.
  • Tables 1, 2 and 3 show unique molecular markers for QTL1 located on chromosome 1 (i) between positions 09.0-11.0 Mbp relative to Capsicum annuum cv. CM334 reference genome, and (ii) between position 12.0-13.5 as indicated in Capsicum annuum cv Maor genome ASM2707369vl NCBI, associated with increased fruit number and/or fruit weight of the high-yield properties.
  • allelic variations are associated with an increase of about 20-40% in the high-yield properties (see Table 4, for example marker 146357 at position 210564909).
  • This QTL has R-square of 0.4 (the QTL Peak) meaning that QTL2 could explain 40% of the high-yield properties (e.g. marker 146357 at position 210564909 where a change from A to T was found).
  • Tables 1, 2 and 4 show unique molecular markers for QTL2 located on chromosome 10 (i) between positions 204-218 Mbp relative to Capsicum annuum cv. CM334 reference genome, and (ii) between positions 199-214 Mbp relative to Maor genome reference #ASM 2707369vl NCBI, associated with the high-yield properties expressed by or having early fruit setting /setting fruit at high temperature and/or setting elevated percentage of parthenocarpic fruits characteristics.
  • Table 5 Summary of SNPs identified in CA01g05320, CA10gl4270, CA10gl4820 and CA10gl5940 genes in each of the examined genomes, and corresponding primers and SNP positions
  • EXAMPLE 4 YIELD ENHANCEMENT UTILIZING F2 TAIL ANALYSIS WITH MOLECULAR MARKER GENOTYPING
  • Section 1 F2 tail analysis utilizing molecular marker genotyping- yield experiment.
  • Section 2 Percentage of seedless fruit from total fruit - EP level experiment.
  • Section 1 F2 tail analysis utilizing molecular marker genotyping -yield experiment
  • B lines isogenic fertile lines
  • Fig. 1 presents schemes for generating F2 populations derived from a cross between each of the two parental lines CM202-2258, CD222-401.7, with MAOR.
  • the molecular marker (MM) patterns are distinct amongst the tested lines CM202-2258, CD222-401.7 and MAOR.
  • three different molecular marker patterns (haplotypes) are analyzed in the experiments: CM202-2258, CD222-401.7 and MAOR. haplotypes.
  • Group 1 MM pattern corresponding to MAOR (WT) haplotype
  • Group 2 MM pattern corresponding to parental lines CM202-2258 and CD222-401.7 haplotype (EP trait)
  • Each group contained 40 plants, 4 repeats of 10 plants, 80 plants per F2 population, 160 plants in total.
  • Each replica per treatment was measured for weight and number of fruits separately. Thus 4 measurements were performed for each harvesting date per treatment. This provided a total of 8 measurements per treatment across both harvest dates, and 32 measurements for all treatments in the experiment.
  • Table 9 presenting comparative yield assessments among the different haplotype groups derived from the F2 populations. Specifically, the table details the statistical significance of differences in fruit number between the respective haplotypes, as determined by T-test analysis. The data demonstrates the extent to which the presence of specific molecular marker patterns (haplotypes) is associated with variations in fruit yield, thereby supporting the identification of the genetic elements as described above (e.g. in Table 1) contributing to the herein described high-yield phenotypes under different or varying environmental conditions in pepper plants.
  • haplotypes specific molecular marker patterns
  • Table 10 Statistical analysis of yield assessment between CM202-2258 haplotype and CD222-401.7 haplotype derived from the F2 populations
  • Section 2 Percentage of seedless fruits from total fruits -EP level experiment
  • EP Extra Parthenocarpy
  • the EP trait confers the setting of elevated yield properties of parthenocarpic or seedless fruits and/or fruits with seeds, under different environmental conditions, compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking the EP trait.
  • This experiment analyzed the total number of fruits and percentage of parthenocarpic (seedless) fruits from lines CM202-2258 and CD222-401.7 in comparison to MAOR.
  • Fig. 4 presenting the percentage of parthenocarpic fruits for each pepper line: CD222-401.7, CM202-2258 and MAOR.
  • Table 11 which indicates the percentage of parthenocarpic (seedless) fruits from total fruits.
  • Table 11 Percentage of parthenocarpic (seedless) fruits from total fruits
  • the term "average” refers to the mean value as obtained by measuring a predetermined parameter in each plant of a certain plant population and calculating the mean value according to the number of plants in said population.

Landscapes

  • Breeding Of Plants And Reproduction By Means Of Culturing (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un plant ou un graine de poivron fertile cultivé comprenant une région génétique qui confère une mise à fruits à haut rendement. L'invention concerne plus particulièrement des plants et des graines de poivron fertiles comprenant une région génétique comprenant QTL1 située à 9,0-13,5 Mbp sur le chromosome 1 et/ou QTL2 située à 199-218 Mbp sur le chromosome 10, ladite région génétique permettant la production de fruits parthénocarpiques, de fruits sans graines et/ou de fruits avec des graines. L'invention concerne en outre des procédés de production de telles plants de poivron, ainsi que des procédés de culture desdits plants pour obtenir une production de fruits à haut rendement. De plus, l'invention concerne l'utilisation de tels plants et graines et régions génétiques pour la production commerciale de poivrons, et la conception de variétés de poivrons ayant des caractéristiques améliorées de mise à fruits.
PCT/IL2025/050459 2024-05-29 2025-05-28 Procédés pour assurer la productivité en fruits chez le poivron Pending WO2025248527A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202463652906P 2024-05-29 2024-05-29
US63/652,906 2024-05-29
US202463666947P 2024-07-02 2024-07-02
US63/666,947 2024-07-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025248527A1 true WO2025248527A1 (fr) 2025-12-04

Family

ID=97869674

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL2025/050459 Pending WO2025248527A1 (fr) 2024-05-29 2025-05-28 Procédés pour assurer la productivité en fruits chez le poivron

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2025248527A1 (fr)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11072800B2 (en) Parthenocarpic watermelon plants
US10306851B2 (en) Yield QTLs in cucumber plants
AU2023204651B2 (en) Introgression of two yield QTLs in cucumis sativus plants
US10306850B2 (en) Yield QTLs in cucumber plants
US10645890B2 (en) Introgression of a yield QTL in Cucumis sativus plants
US12052971B2 (en) Solanaceous plant capable of stenospermocarpic fruit formation
US20230371453A1 (en) Parthenocarpic watermelon plants
WO2025248527A1 (fr) Procédés pour assurer la productivité en fruits chez le poivron
US20250024809A1 (en) Pepper plant with improved yield
OA21227A (en) Parthenocarpic watermelon plants.