ARS | Publication request: Notice of Release of PA-559, a Root-knot Nematode Resistant, Red-fruited, Habanero-type Pepper

Submitted to: Germplasm Release
Publication Type: Germplasm Release
Publication Acceptance Date: September 18, 2008
Publication Date: September 18, 2008
Citation: Fery, R.L., Thies, J.A. 2008. Notice of Release of PA-559, a Root-knot Nematode Resistant, Red-fruited, Habanero-type Pepper. Germplasm Release. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington, D.C. 20350, September 19, 2008.

Technical Abstract: The USDA has developed a new Habanero-type pepper designated PA-559. The new breeding line is the product of a backcross/pedigree breeding procedure to incorporate a dominant root-knot nematode resistance gene from the Scotch Bonnet-type accession PA-426 into a red-fruited Habanero-type pepper. PA-559 was derived from a single F3(BC4F3 x BC4F3) plant grown in 2005. PA-559 is homozygous for a dominant gene conditioning a high level of resistance to the southern root-knot nematode, the peanut root-knot nematode, and the tropical root-knot nematode. PA-559 has a compact plant habit and produces lantern-shaped, red-colored fruit. Observations of field plantings conducted at Charleston, SC, indicate that the fruit and yield characteristics of PA-559 are comparable to those of currently available Habanero-type cultivars. A typical fruit weighs 7.8 ¿ 8.3 g, is 2.3 - 2.7 cm wide x 4.2 ¿ 4.6 cm long, and is extremely pungent. PA-559 is recommended for use as a parental line by pepper breeders interested in developing root-knot nematode resistant cultivars of Habanero-type peppers. PA-559 is a well-adapted, Habanero-type pepper; it is potentially useful in commercial production without further development.