Rapid Identification of Candidate SNPs and QTLs for Capsicum annuum Chili Fruit Size and Capsaicin Content Using ddRAD-Sequencing and Bulk Segregant Analysis

Fruit size and pungency are key yield and quality traits in chili. This study combines high-throughput genotyping with bulk segregant analysis (BSA) to identify candidate SNPs and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) by analyzing extreme phenotypes from a Ghotki × Chakwal-4 F2 population. The traits were fruit length, diameter, length-to-diameter ratio, and weight, along with capsaicin content. Significant correlations were observed among length, diameter, and length-to-diameter ratio. A total of 534 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers were used to develop genetic maps from 4315 to 6607 cM long. The SNP frequency data was pooled for the 25% of individuals showing extreme values for each measured trait, and bulk segregant analysis (BSA) was performed. BSA identified high-scoring SNPs associated with pungency (SNP 1₄1308232; SNP 12₁04377148), fruit length (SNP 1₉2509300; SNP 6₂18780813), and fruit weight (SNP 6₁00989762 and SNP 6₁38660974). Genetic mapping identified twelve pungency QTLs, three for fruit length, two for fruit diameter, two for the length-to-diameter ratio, and thirteen for fruit weight. Overlapping QTL regions on chromosome 6 influence fruit length, fruit width, and capsaicin content, indicating potential pleiotropy and offering promising targets for multi-trait selection in chili breeding. The study identifies key SNPs and QTLs that simultaneously influence chili fruit size and pungency, providing valuable targets for multi-trait breeding.