Global range expansion history of pepper ( <i>Capsicum</i> spp.) revealed by over 10,000 genebank accessions
Pasquale Tripodi, M. Timothy Rabanus‐Wallace, Lorenzo Barchi, Sandip M. Kale, Salvatore Esposito, Alberto Acquadro, Roland Schafleitner, Maarten van Zonneveld, Jaime Prohens, María José Díez, Andreas Börner, Jérémy Salinier, Bernard Caromel, Arnaud Bovy, Hatice Filiz Boyacı, Gancho Pasev, Ronny Brandt, Axel Himmelbach, Ezio Portis, Richard Finkers, Sergio Lanteri, Ilan Paran, Véronique Lefèbvre, Giovanni Giuliano, Nils Stein
Abstract
Significance This study provides a deep population genomic analysis of 10,000 Capsicum accessions held in genebanks and representing a frame of the global diversity of the genus. By combining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based data and passport information, we investigated the genomic diversity and population structure of wild and domesticated peppers, tracing back to routes of evolution and providing a model of Capsicum annuum distribution, which reflects human trade and historical/cultural influences. Our results highlight west–east routes of expansion, shedding light on the links between South and Mesoamerica, Africa, and East/South Asia, the latter two constituting important diversification centers of pepper diversity. Finally, we outline a roadmap for genebank management and future direction for better exploitation of germplasm resources.