Breeding Capsicum annuum L. ‘Anand Tej’ for Enhanced Yield, Quality, and Leaf Curl Virus Tolerance

Chili (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L.), a crucial Solanaceae crop with significant
economic value in India, faces a major threat from leaf curl disease, particularly during the
kharif season, which can result in total crop loss. A novel genotype was developed through a
cross between 9639 and ACS 01-04, followed by a single backcross to ACS 01-04, using the
pedigree selection method to enhance green fruit yield and leaf curl tolerance. This variety
achieved an average yield of 148.96 q/ha, surpassing controls GVC 111, GAVC 112, GVC
121, and CA 283 by 12.09%, 27.63%, 36.89%, and 64.72%, respectively. The cultivar
exhibits a dense canopy, weak anthocyanin pigmentation at nodes, moderate stem
pubescence, and medium green leaves. The fruit, characterized by its medium color, smooth
surface, high gloss, absence of curvature, and minimal pericarp sinuation, also has a weak
pedicel attachment at the mature unripe stage. The ACS 13-24 line shows higher ascorbic
acid (16.37 mg/100g), total soluble sugars (3.78%), and reducing sugars (0.50%) compared to
controls GVC 111 and GAVC 112. Anand Tej demonstrates reduced leaf curl disease
incidence relative to controls GAVC 112 and JCA 283 and exhibits lower fruit damage from
borers and minimal thrips infestation at the Anand location. DNA fingerprinting using SSR
markers (P459: CaBR82 and P468: CaBR107) confirmed the genetic distinctiveness of ACS
13-24 against reference varieties GVC-101, GVC-111, GAVC-112, and Kashi Anmol. This
cultivar is highly suitable for cultivation in central Gujarat, combining high yield potential,
leaf curl disease tolerance, and an appealing phenotype.