Biometric and Molecular Analysis of the Progeny of Twin Plants of Capsicum annuum L

During the germination of seeds of Capsicum annuum L. F₁ hybrids, twin embryos were identified. The aim of this study was to characterize the progeny obtained from five pairs of twin plants of C. annuum using biometric and molecular analyses in order to assess their agronomic performance, genetic variability, and suitability for breeding purposes. The F₂ progeny were evaluated for the most important agronomic traits, including yield, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight without peduncle, fruit length and width, technological weight, pericarp weight, number of locules, fruit wall thickness, and fresh seed weight. Genetic variability was assessed using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers. Fifteen RAPD primers generated a total of 114 amplification products, of which 11 were polymorphic. Nine primers produced polymorphic bands, with the level of polymorphism ranging from 11% to 40%. Genetic distance analysis revealed genetic uniformity in the progeny of twin plants 6SM A and B, 3MS A and B, and 2RL B. In the ISSR analysis, 13 primers generated a total of 94 amplification products, of which 9 were polymorphic. Polymorphic products were obtained with five primers, and the percentage of polymorphism ranged from 13% to 50%. Genetic distance analysis confirmed genetic uniformity in the progeny of genotype 3MS B based on both RAPD and ISSR markers, suggesting its origin through spontaneous diploidization. The combined use of biometric traits and RAPD and ISSR markers proved effective in identifying genetically stable progeny with a high breeding potential. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of molecular markers in the selection of genetically uniform breeding material and provide new insights into the developmental origin and breeding potential of pepper progeny derived from twin plants.