ABSTRACT
Recently, the nuclear genome of Capsicum has been completely sequenced, as well as its mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes. Comparative genomes have been studied among three Capsicum species as well as other solanaceous crops. Capsicum genome sizes vary from 3.06 to 3.9 Gb. Transposable elements, especially long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, are the major components, accounting for over 75% of Capsicum genomes and causing genome expansion. LTR retrotransposons are a major evolutionary force in eukaryotes. Chromosomal translocations among different Capsicum species were identified, which possibly caused speciation. Capsicum origin, distribution, taxonomy, and evolution are also discussed in this chapter. To date, 40 Capsicum species are accepted by the current Plant List, with the exclusion of C. frutescens, although some evidence supports C. frutescens as a distinct species. The Capsicum chromosome numbers are 24 and 26. Karyograms of wild and cultivated Capsicum species are shown. Crossability between different Capsicum species is summarized. Capsicum germplasm resources, genebanks, and germplasm management are discussed. Core collection is a practical approach to handling very large germplasm collections.
