Evaluation of capsicum genotypes for resistance to cucumber mosaic virus

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is one of the most destructive viruses that affect pepper all over the world. Using resistant varieties is one of the most effective ways to control the virus. Identification of new resistance sources is essential for the development of resistant cultivars. In the present study, the reactions of 50 Capsicum genotypes (25 Capsicum baccatum, 15 C. annuum and 10 C. frutescens) were determined against CMV-Sa isolate with mechanical inoculation under controlled conditions in 2020. A 0–4 disease rating scale was used to analyze the genotypes, and the genotypes were categorized as resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible based on disease incidence and disease severity scores. The findings revealed that there were significant (p < 0.01) differences in disease incidence and severity among genotypes. The study demonstrated that one of the 25 tested C. baccatum genotypes (KTB-11) found to be resistant, and three genotypes (KTB-29, KTB-34, KTB-57 and KTB-72) were rated as moderately resistant to CMV. However, it was determined that all tested C. frutescens and C. annuum genotypes were susceptible to CMV. The genotypes identified as resistant and moderately resistant can be used as a source of resistance in pepper breeding studies.