TSWV-resistant pepper

Abstract

The present invention relates to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), or a plant part, seed or cell thereof, wherein said plant comprises in its genome one or more or all of a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV; a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV; and a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV. The present invention also relates to plants parts, cells, seeds as well as related methods and uses.

Description

TSWV-RESISTANT PEPPERField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to Capsicum plants, seeds and plant parts and related methods and uses.Background

[0002] Pepper (Capsicum sp.), from the Solanaceae family, is one of the most important vegetable crops. Whilst its species are native to the Americas, it is now widely cultivated throughout the warm, temperate, tropical and subtropical countries, in field or greenhouse production. Pepper production is affected by a variety of diseases and parasites, including Tomato Spotted Wilt virus (TSWV). Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) causes important economic damages in many key markets (Spain, Mexico, US, Italy, Israel, South America, for instance). This Tospovirus, ranking second in the list of the most important phytovirus (Scholthof et al., 2011 Molecular plant pathology 12.9 (2011): 938-954), is present worldwide and has a very broad host range (more than 900 species divided into 70 families). This virus induces serious symptoms on plant but also on fruits inducing big economic lost for growers.

[0003] Control of TSWV includes control of thrips populations (vectors of the virus) and prophylactic methods, such as avoiding introducing thrips or TSWV-infected plants, not keeping hold-over plants or creating disease-free buffer around greenhouse. Despite these precautions, TSWV remains very difficult to control and the use of resistant varieties remains the most effective method for growers.

[0004] In Solanaceae crops, different resistance sources to TSWV have been reported (Black 1991 Plant Disease 75.8 (1991); Jahn et al. 2000 Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions 13.6 (2000): 673-682; Saidi et Warade 2008 Czech Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding 44.3 (2008): 83-92). In pepper, a resistance to TSWV based on HR was reported in two C. chinense accessions: PI152225 and PI159236 (Black, 1991). In both accessions the resistance is conferred by the same single dominant gene named Tsw (Moury et al. 1997 Euphytica 94.1 (1997): 45-52; Moury et al. 2000 Genome 43.1 (2000): 137-142; Jahn et al. 2000). The Tsw gene is not effective against the other tospovirus species (Boiteux et Avila, 1994 Euphytica 75.1 (1994): 139-142). Tsw is currently the only known gene conferring a resistance to TSWV on pepper and has been introduced in many pepper varieties.

[0005] The efficiency of the Tsw resistance gene is however highly limited by the presence of resistance breaking (RB) strains of TSWV and this disease remains a real economic problem in markets where RB-strains are present in major Pepper markets (Spain, Italy, Israel, Mexico, US...) (Margaria et al., 2004 Plant Pathology 53.6 (2004); Roggero et al.,2002 Plant Disease 86.9 (2002): 950-954). Currently, no resistance to RB-TSWV strains is present in commercial varieties of pepper.

[0006] Therefore, there remains a strong need to find new loci and sources of resistance to TSWV in pepper, particularly to RB-TSWV.Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), or a plant part, seed or cell thereof, wherein said plant comprises in its genome one or more or all of: a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV; a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV; and a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0008] The invention also relates to a method for identifying and / or selecting a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV, wherein said method comprises detecting one or more markers linked with a QTL selected from: a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV; a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV; and a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0009] The invention also relates to a method for protecting a field, tunnel, greenhouse or glasshouse of pepper from an infection by TSWV comprising growing a Capsicum plant according to the invention.Definitions

[0010] As used herein, the term “pepper”, “pepper plant” or “Capsicum plant” relates to any species, variety, cultivar, or population of the Capsicum spp genus. The Capsicum genus is known to comprise around 20-27 species, five of which are domesticated: Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum chinense, and Capsicum pubescens. The vast majority of commercial varieties of peppers belong to the species Capsicum annuum, which comprises sweet peppers (peppers with no pungency) and hot peppers (peppers with low to high pungency levels). Sweet peppers include bell peppers, which are the fruits of plants in the Grossum cultivar group of the species Capsicum annuum. Sweet pepper plants can be produced in different colors, from immature green color to mature color of red, yellow, orange, white or purple. In particular, the Capsicum plant may be of one of the following types: Dulce Italiano, Lamuyo, Blocky Florida (open field and blocky protected), Ancho, Anaheim, Marconi, Jalapeno, Cayenne, Charleston or Sivri. Exemplary reference Capsicum lines are linesCM334, Maor, Dempsey, UCD10X or Zunla-1. The Capsicum plant may also be from any other line, accession or cultivar.

[0011] As used herein, the term “Tomato spotted wilt virus” or TSWV” refers to a Tospovirus of the family Bunyaviridae. In nature, TSWV is transmitted by thrips in a circulative and propagative manner. The viral genome consists of three single-stranded RNAs. The large RNA is in negative sense while the middle and small RNAs have an ambisense genome organization. TSWV infection is characterized by severe symptoms on the majority of the plant species it infects. On tomato, it causes leaf bronzing, small brown flecks, stunting, and dieback of growing tips; ringspots often appear on green fruit, which turn yellow on mature fruits. In pepper, TSWV causes severe stunting of young plants, and chlorotic mosaic or yellow flecking of the leaves; infections of mature plants cause chlorotic line patterns with necrotic spots. Necrotic spots are also present on pepper fruits, often also displaying ring patterns.

[0012] As used herein, the term “resistant-breaking TSWV” or “RB-TSWV” refers to a TSWV variant virus, in particular a TSWV strain or race which breaks a TSWV resistance conferred by the Tsw resistance gene in pepper (GenBank accession number KT751527.1 , as available on 9thJuly 2024). That is, a pepper plant comprising the Tsw resistance gene may be susceptible to resistant-breaking TSWV variants. Susceptibility can be assessed using the scoring scales described in the present specification. At the same time, a pepper plant comprising the Tsw resistance gene will generally be resistant to non-resistant-breaking TSWV variants, e.g. VE430 (GenBank accession number DQ376184, as available on 9thJuly 2024). Non-limiting examples of RB-TSWV variants are the P1 race and the P330 strain. Non-limiting examples of RB-TSWV variants comprise a sequence encoding the NsS protein as set forth in SEQ ID NO:348 (Genbank accession number CCD61121 .1 , as available on 9thJuly 2024).

[0013] As used herein, a plant “resistant to TSWV” is resistant to at least one TSWV strain and may be resistant to several TSWV strains. In particular, a plant resistant to TSWV may be resistant to RB-TSWV. A plant “resistant to RB-TSWV” is resistant to at least one RB-TSWV strain and may be resistant to several RB-TSWV strains.

[0014] As used herein, the term “plant part” refers to any part of a plant including but not limited to the shoot, root, stem, seeds, fruits, leaves, petals, flowers, ovules, branches, petioles, internodes, pollen, stamen, rootstock, scion and the like.

[0015] As used herein, the term “allele” refers to any of several alternative or variant forms of a genetic unit, such as a gene, which are alternative in inheritance because they are positioned at the same locus in homologous chromosomes. Such alternative or variant forms may be the result of single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions, inversions, translocations or deletions, or the consequence of gene regulation caused, for example, by chemical or structural modification, transcription regulation or post-translational modification / regulation. In a diploid cell or organism such as pepper, the two alleles of agiven gene or genetic element typically occupy corresponding loci on a pair of homologous chromosomes.

[0016] As used herein, the term "genotype" refers to the genetic makeup of an individual cell, cell culture, tissue, organism (e.g., a plant), or group of organisms.

[0017] As used herein, the term "locus" (plural: "loci") refers to any site that has been defined genetically, this can be a single position (nucleotide) or a chromosomal region. A locus may be a gene, a genetic determinant, or part of a gene, or a DNA sequence, and may be occupied by different sequences. A locus may also be defined by a marker, such as a SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism), by several markers (e.g. SNPs), or by two flanking markers (e.g. SNPs).

[0018] As used herein, the term “Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL)” (plural: “Quantitative Trait Loci”) refers to a genomic region that may comprise one or more genes or regulatory sequences. A QTL may for instance comprise one or more genes of which products confer genetic resistance or tolerance. Alternatively, a QTL may for instance comprise regulatory genes or sequences of which products influence the expression of genes on other loci in the genome of the plant thereby conferring the resistance or tolerance. The QTLs of the present invention may be defined by indicating their genetic location in the genome of the respective pathogen-resistant accession using one or more molecular markers. One or more markers, in turn, indicate a specific locus.

[0019] Distances between loci may be measured by frequency of crossing-over between loci on the same chromosome, which is commonly referred to as the “genetic distance”. The farther apart two are, the more likely that a crossover will occur between them. Conversely, if two loci are close together, a cross over is less likely to occur between them. By definition, one centimorgan (cM) is equal to 1 % recombination between loci (markers). When a QTL can be indicated by multiple markers, the genetic distance between the end-point markers is indicative of the size of the QTL. The “physical distance” refers to the number of base pairs present in a DNA segment separating two loci.

[0020] The term “regulatory sequence” refers to a promoter, enhancer, repressor, insulator or any DNA segment that regulates the expression of a gene, generally by the binding of regulatory proteins, e.g. transcription factors, to the regulatory sequence.

[0021] The term “resistance” is as defined by the ISF (International Seed Federation) Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Section for describing the reaction of plants to pests or pathogens, and abiotic stresses for the Vegetable Seed Industry. Specifically, by resistance, it is meant the ability of a plant variety to restrict the growth and development of a specified pest or pathogen and / or the damage they cause when compared to susceptible plant varieties under similar environmental conditions and pest or pathogen pressure. Resistant varieties may exhibit some disease symptoms or damage under heavy pest or pathogen pressure.

[0022] As defined by the ISF (International Seed Federation), “Definition of the Terms Describing the Reaction of Plants to Pests for the Vegetable Seed Industry”, adopted by the ISF Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Section in May 2017, two levels of resistance are defined.

[0023] The term “High resistance” (HR) refers to plant varieties that highly restrict the growth and / or development of the specified pest and / or the damage it causes under normal pest pressure when compared to susceptible varieties. These plant varieties may, however, exhibit some symptoms or damage under heavy pest pressure.

[0024] The term “Intermediate resistance (IR) refers to plant varieties that restrict the growth and / or development of the specified pest and / or the damage it causes but may exhibit a greater range of symptoms or damage compared to highly resistant varieties. Intermediate resistant plant varieties will still show less severe symptoms or damage than susceptible plant varieties when grown under similar environmental conditions and / or pest pressure.

[0025] By “tolerance” is meant the ability of a plant variety to endure biotic or abiotic stress without serious consequences for growth, appearance and yield.

[0026] As used herein, the term “susceptible” refers to a plant that is unable to restrict the growth and development of a specified pest or pathogen.

[0027] As used herein, the term “offspring” or “progeny” refers to any plant resulting as progeny from a vegetative or sexual reproduction from one or more parent plants or descendants thereof. For instance, an offspring plant may be obtained by cloning or selfing of a parent plant or by crossing two parent plants and include selfings as well as the F1 or F2 or still further generations. An F1 is a first-generation offspring produced from parents at least one of which is used for the first time as donor of a trait, while offspring of a second generation (F2) or subsequent generations (F3, F4, etc.) are specimens produced from selfing of F1 's, F2s, etc. An F1 may thus be (and usually is) a hybrid resulting from a cross between two true breeding parents (true-breeding is homozygous for a trait), while an F2 may be (and usually is) an offspring resulting from self-pollination of said F1 hybrids.

[0028] As used herein, the terms “cross”, “crossing” refer to the process by which the pollen of one flower on one plant is applied (artificially or naturally) to the ovule (stigma) of a flower on another plant.

[0029] As used herein, the term “heterozygous” or “heterozygote” refers to the presence of different alleles (forms of a given gene or sequence) at one or more loci in homologous chromosomal regions.

[0030] As used herein, the term “homozygous” or homozygote” refers to the presence of identical alleles (forms of a given gene of sequence) at one or more loci in homologous chromosomal regions.

[0031] As used herein, the term “hybrid” refers to any individual cell, tissue or plant resulting from a cross between parents that differ in one or more genes.

[0032] As used herein, the term “inbred” or “line” refers to a relatively true-breeding strain.

[0033] As used herein, the term “phenotype” refers to the observable characters of an individual cell, cell culture, organism (e.g. a plant), or group of organisms which results from the interaction between that individual genetic makeup (i.e. genotype) and the environment.

[0034] As used herein, the terms “introgression”, “introgressed” and “introgressing” refer to the process whereby genes of one species, variety or cultivar are moved into the genome of another species, variety or cultivar, by crossing those species, varieties or cultivars. The crossing may be natural or artificial. The process may optionally be completed by backcrossing to the recurrent parent, in which case introgression refers to infiltration of the genes of one species, variety or cultivar into the gene pool of another through repeated backcrossing of an hybrid with one of its parents. An introgression may be also described as a heterologous genetic material stably integrated in the genome of a recipient plant.

[0035] As used herein, the term “molecular marker” or “genetic marker” refers to an indicator that is used in methods for detecting differences in characteristics of nucleic acid sequences. Examples of such indicators are restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers, amplification fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertion mutations (InDeis), microsatellite markers (SSRs), sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCARs), cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers or isozyme markers or combinations of the markers described herein which defines a specific genetic and chromosomal location. Mapping of molecular markers in the vicinity of an allele is a procedure which can be performed quite easily by the person skilled in the art using common molecular techniques.

[0036] As used herein, “marker-based selection” or “marker-assisted selection (MAS)” or “marker-assisted breeding (MAB)” or “marker assisted selection program” refers to the use of genetic markers to detect one or more nucleic acids from a plant, wherein the nucleic acid is associated with a desired trait to identify plants that carry genes for desirable (or undesirable) traits, so that those plants can be used (or avoided) in a selective breeding program.

[0037] As used herein, the term “primer” refers to an oligonucleotide which is capable of annealing to the amplification target allowing a DNA polymerase to attach, thereby serving as a point of initiation of DNA synthesis when placed under conditions in which synthesis of primers extension product is induced, i.e., in the presence of nucleotides and an agent for polymerization such as DNA polymerase and at a suitable temperature and pH. The primer is preferably single stranded for maximum efficiency in amplification. Preferably, the primer is an oligodeoxyribonucleotide. The primer must be sufficiently long to prime the synthesis of extension products in the presence of the agent for polymerization. The exact length of the primers will depend on many factors, includingtemperature and composition (A / T and G / C content) of primer. A pair of bi-directional primers consists of one forward and one reverse primer as commonly used in the art of DNA amplification such as in PCR amplification.

[0038] As used herein, a “single nucleotide polymorphism” (SNP) is a DNA sequence variation occurring when a single nucleotide — A, T, C, or G — in the genome (or other shared sequence) differs by substitution between members of a biological species or paired chromosomes of an individual. For example, two sequenced DNA fragments from different individuals, AAGCCTA and AAGCATA, contain a difference in a single nucleotide. In this case there are two alleles: C and A (TOP = A / G et BOT = T / C).

[0039] As used herein, an “InDei” refers to an insertion or deletion of nucleotides in the genome of an organism, in comparison to a reference sequence. For some InDeis, only one nucleotide is inserted or deleted. In other InDeis, several nucleotides are inserted or deleted, for instance AAGCCGTTA, in comparison to AAGCTA. The abbreviations “IN” and “DE” respectively refer to an insertion and a deletion.

[0040] In the context of the invention and unless otherwise specified, DNA strand and allele designation and orientation for the markers (i.e. SNPs) disclosed in the present application are mentioned according to the TOP / BOT method developed by Illumina (https: / / wWw.illumina.com / documents / products / technotes / technote tOpbot.pdf), where applicable.

[0041] In the context of the present application, a chromosomal region delimited by two markers X and Y (e.g. SNPs) refers to the section of the chromosome lying between the positions of these two markers and comprising said markers, therefore the nucleotide sequence of this chromosomal region begins with the nucleotide corresponding to marker X and ends with the nucleotide corresponding to marker Y, i.e. the markers are comprised within the region they delimit.

[0042] By “association”, or “genetic association”, and more specifically “linkage” or “genetic linkage”, it is to be understood that a form of a genetic marker (e.g. a specific allele of the SNP marker) and the phenotype of interest occur simultaneously, i.e. are inherited together, more often than would be expected by chance occurrence, i.e. there is a non-random association of the allele and of the genetic sequences responsible for the phenotype, as a result of their genomic proximity. Linkage may be assessed by methods known by one skilled in the art, e.g Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), Composite Interval Mapping (CIM) or IBD methodology.

[0043] As used herein, “elite” or “commercial” variety or line means a variety or line that has resulted from breeding and selection for superior horticultural performance for use in agriculture. A number of commercial pepper types have been developed, which are agronomically elite and appropriate for commercial cultivation.Sequence listing

[0044] SEQ ID NO:1 to 51 : sequences surrounding QTL markers on chromosome 11 ;

[0045] SEQ ID NO:52 to 79: sequences surrounding QTL markers on chromosome 8;

[0046] SEQ ID NO: 52 to 86: sequence surrounding QTL markers on chromosome 6;

[0047] SEQ ID NO: 87 to 137: forward primers for amplifying resistant alleles on chromosome 11 ;

[0048] SEQ ID NO: 138 to 165: forward primers for amplifying resistant alleles on chromosome 8;

[0049] SEQ ID NO: 166 to 171 : forward primers for amplifying resistant alleles on chromosome 6;

[0050] SEQ ID NO: 172: forward primer for amplifying disfavorable allele on chromosome

[0051] SEQ ID NO: 173 to 223: forward primers for amplifying susceptible alleles on chromosome 11 ;

[0052] SEQ ID NO: 224 to 252: forward primers for amplifying susceptible alleles on chromosome 8;

[0053] SEQ ID NO: 253 to 258: forward primers for amplifying susceptible alleles on chromosome 6;

[0054] SEQ ID NO: 259 to 309: common reverse primers on chromosome 11 ;

[0055] SEQ ID NO: 310 to 337: common reverse primers on chromosome 8;

[0056] SEQ ID NO: 338 to 344: common reverse primers on chromosome 6;

[0057] SEQ ID NO: 345: coding sequence of the Tsw gene

[0058] SEQ ID NO: 346: amino acid sequence of the Tsw protein

[0059] SEQ ID NO: 347: coding sequence of the NSs gene

[0060] SEQ ID NO: 348: amino acid sequence of the NSs proteinSequences are shown in Table 6 and in the appended sequence listing.Legend of the Figures

[0061] Figure 1 shows a scheme of generation of the Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) population.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a Manhattan plot depicting significance of the association of chromosomal regions to RB-TSWV resistance: horizontal dotted line is the significance threshold.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a histogram of the data distribution for observed resistance levels in the RIL population (as fraction of plants with score 7 or higher).

[0064] Figure 4 shows the effect of QTL11 observed in a subset of 58 RILs evaluated for their resistance to RB-TSWV under natural condition ( / .e Greenhouse, adult plants and natural inoculation of the virus by its vector). QTL11_S: RILs carrying the Elite Allele atthe QTL1 1 position. QTL11_D: RILs carrying one of the three donors allele at the QTL11 position. p-value=0.026.

[0065] Figure 5 shows the effect of QTL11 from donor 1 observed in a set of Doubled Haploid (DH) (F1-DH, BC1-DH & BC2-DH) evaluated for their resistance to RB-TSWV under artificial condition. QTL11_S: DHs carrying the Elite Allele at QTL1 1 position. QTL11 _D1 : RILs carrying the donor 1 Allele at the QTL11 position.

[0066] Figure 6 shows the effect of QTL11 from Donor 1 and Donor 2 observed in a set of DH (F1-DH, BC1-DH & BC2-DH) evaluated for their resistance to RB-TSWV under artificial condition. QTL11_S: DHs carrying the Elite Allele at QTL11 position and the Elite Allele at QTL6 & 8 positions. QTL1 1_D1 : DHs carrying the donor 1 Allele at the QTL11 position and the Elite Allele at QTL6 & 8 positions. QTL11_D2: DHs carrying the donor 2 Allele at the QTL1 1 position and the Elite Allele at QTL6 & 8 positions.

[0067] Figure 7 shows the effect of QTL8 observed in a subset of 58 RILs evaluated for their resistance to RB-TSWV under natural condition ( / .e Greenhouse, adult plants and natural inoculation of the virus by its vector). QTL8_S: RILs carrying the Elite Allele at the QTL8 position. QTL8_D: RILs carrying the one of the three donors Allele at the QTL8 position. p-value=0.01

[0068] Figure 8 shows the effect of the combination of QTL 8 and QTL1 1 observed in a subset of 58 RILs evaluated for their resistance to RB-TSWV under natural condition ( / .e Greenhouse, adult plants and natural inoculation of the virus by its vector). QTL8_S_QTL11_S: RILs carrying the Elite alleles at the QTL8 and QTL1 1 position. QTL8_D_QTL11_S: RILs carrying one of the three donors alleles at the QTL8 position and Elite Allele at the QTL11 position. QTL8_S_QTL11_D: RILs carrying the Elite Allele at the QTL8 position and one of the three donors alleles at the QTL1 1 position. QTL8_D_QTL11_D: RILs carrying one of the three donors alleles at the QTL8 and QTL1 1 position.Detailed description of the invention

[0069] According to a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) comprising in its genome one or more or all of: a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV; a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV; and a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0070] The inventors have identified 3 QTLs, respectively on chromosome 11 , 8 and 6, which confer resistance to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), and particularly to resistant breaking (RB)-TSWV.

[0071] The QTLs of the present invention can be introgressed independently from each other into various genetic backgrounds, including elite / commercial plants, thereby conferring resistance to these plants.

[0072] Accordingly, in some embodiments the invention relates to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) comprising in its genome a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0073] In some embodiments, the invention relates to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) comprising in its genome a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0074] In some embodiments, the invention relates to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) comprising in its genome a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0075] The QTLs of the invention can be combined with any of each other.

[0076] In particular, in some embodiments, the invention relates to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) comprising in its genome QTL11 conferring resistance to TSWV and QTL8 conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0077] In some embodiments, the invention relates to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) comprising in its genome QTL11 conferring resistance to TSWV and QTL6 conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0078] In some embodiments, the invention relates to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) comprising in its genome QTL8 conferring resistance to TSWV and QTL6 conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0079] In some embodiments, the invention relates to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) comprising in its genome QTL11 conferring resistance to TSWV, QTL8 conferring resistance to TSWV and QTL6 conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0080] In some embodiments, the invention relates to a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) comprising in its genome at least the QTL11 and one or two QTL selected from QTL6 and QTL8, conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0081] In particular, said QTL(s) is(are) introgressed in the Capsicum plant genome.

[0082] In some embodiments, QTL11 is as present on chromosome 11 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375.

[0083] In some embodiments, QTL8 is as present on chromosome 8 in the genome of representative seeds, deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44375.

[0084] In some embodiments, QTL6 is as present on chromosome 6 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373 or NCIMB 44374. In another embodiment, QTL6 is as present on chromosome 6 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44374.

[0085] In some embodiments, QTL11 is obtainable from the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375.

[0086] In some embodiments, QTL8 is obtainable from the genome of seeds of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44375.

[0087] In some embodiments, QTL6 is obtainable from the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373 or NCIMB 44374. In a particular embodiment, QTL6 is obtainable from the genome of representative seeds deposited at the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44374.

[0088] In some embodiments, the plant of the invention is obtainable from, derivable from and / or is a progeny of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375.

[0089] In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 17043391 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0. In some embodiments, QTL8 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 526397 and 47296783 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1.0. In some embodiments, QTL6 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 201321872 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1.0. Except otherwise specified, all genomic positions referred to in the present specification are provided in reference to the reference genome Maor 1.0 (Genebank assembly GCA_027073695.1 , as available on 9thJuly 2024, also accessible at https: / / solqenomics.net / ftp / genomes / Caps / cum annuum / C.annuum Maor / ) . Any position defined by reference to the Maor 1 .0 genome may also be defined in reference to another Capsicum genome, thus referring to a corresponding chromosomal region in another Capsicum genome.

[0090] In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 15654002 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1.0. In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by 641782 and 11880572 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1.0. QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by 663841 and 11880572 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1.0. In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 3250776 and 11880572 on chromosome 1 1 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

[0091] In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 663841 and 13812910 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1.0. In a particular embodiment, QTL1 1 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 663841 and 6510686 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1.0. Inanother particular embodiment, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 6510686 and 13812910.

[0092] In some embodiments, QTL8 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 1805765 and 47296783 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0. In some embodiments, QTL8 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 1805765 and 34513067 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

[0093] In some embodiments, QTL6 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 200840965 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

[0094] In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 48. In some embodiments, QTL8 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53 and SEQ ID NO: 79. In some embodiments, QTL6 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80 and SEQ ID NO: 84.

[0095] In some embodiments, said QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by any two of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 51. In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 46. In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 36. In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 36. In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 36. In some embodiments, QTL1 1 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:41 . In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:21. In some embodiments, QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO:21 and SEQ ID NO:41 .

[0096] In some embodiments, said QTL8 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by any two of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 to SEQ ID NO: 79. In some embodiments, said QTL8 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by any two of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53 to SEQ ID NO: 76.

[0097] In some embodiments, said QTL6 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by any two of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80 to SEQ ID NO: 85.

[0098] The plant may comprise any of QTL11 , QTL8 and QTL6 homozygously or heterozygously in its genome. Where the plant comprises two or more of the QTLs in combination, the present invention encompasses any combination of homozygous or heterozygous presence of the QTLs. In some embodiments, the QTL(s) present in the plants, is (are) present heterozygously. For instance, QTL8 and QTL11 may be present heterozygously in the plant. In some embodiments, the QTL(s) present in the plants,is(are) present homozygously. For instance, QTL8 and QTL11 may be present homozygously in the plant. In a preferred embodiment, QTL11 is present homozygously.

[0099] In some embodiments, said QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 are linked with one or more genetic markers, in particular one or more SNP or Indel markers. That is, said QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 can be identified by detecting one or more genetic markers associated with the resistance.

[0100] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 51 . In some embodiments, QTL8 is linked with one or more markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 to 79. In some embodiments, QTL6 is linked with one or more markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80 to 85. The sequence of said markers is shown in Table 6 below.

[0101] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 1 to 13, 17 to 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 34, 36 to 38, 40 to 46 and 48. In particular, QTL11 is as present on chromosome 11 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373 or NCIMB 44375.

[0102] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 1 to 13, 17 to 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 34, 36 to 38 and 40 to 46.

[0103] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 1 to 13, 17 to 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 34 and 36.

[0104] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 3 to 13, 17 to 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 34 and 36.

[0105] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 9 to 13, 17 to 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 34 and 36.

[0106] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 3 to 13, 17 to 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 34, 36 to 38, 40 and 41 .

[0107] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 3 to 13 and 17 to 21 .

[0108] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 21 , 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 34, 36 to 38, 40 and 41.

[0109] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31 , 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 and 48, in particular with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 15, 16, 23, 31 and 47. In particular, QTL1 1 is as present on chromosome 11 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372.

[0110] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49 and 51 , in particular with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28, 32, 33, 49 and 51. In particular, QTL11 is as present on chromosome 11 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375.

[0111] In some embodiments, QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO : 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48 and 50, in particular with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14, 25, 30, 35, 39 and 50. In particular, QTL1 1 is as present on chromosome 11 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44373.

[0112] In some embodiments, QTL8 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53, 55, 60, 61 , 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 79.

[0113] In some embodiments, QTL8 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53, 55, 60, 61 , 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75 and 76. In particular, QTL8 is as present on chromosome 8 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44375.

[0114] In some embodiments, QTL8 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53, 54, 55, 58, 60, 61 , 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69,70, 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 79, in particular with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 54, 58 and 70. In particular, QTL8 is as present on chromosome 8 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372.

[0115] In some embodiments, QTL8 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52, 53, 55, 57, 60, 61 , 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69,71 , 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 and 79, in particular with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52, 57 and 78. In particular, QTL8 is as present on chromosome 8 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44375.

[0116] In some embodiments, QTL8 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53, 55, 56, 59, 60, 61 , 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 79, in particular with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 56, 59 and 65.

[0117] In some embodiments, QTL6 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80, 81 , 82 and 84. In particular, QTL6 is as presenton chromosome 6 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373 or NCIMB 44374.

[0118] In some embodiments, QTL6 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80, 81 , 82, 83 and 84, in particular with the marker set forth in SEQ ID NO: 83. In particular, QTL6 is as present on chromosome 6 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372.

[0119] In some embodiments, QTL6 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80, 81 , 82, 84 and 85, in particular with the marker set forth in SEQ ID NO: 85. In particular, QTL6 is as present on chromosome 6 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44374.

[0120] In some embodiments, QTL6 is not as present on chromosome 6 in the genome of representative seeds deposited at NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44373, particularly the marker set forth in SEQ ID NO: 86 is not present.

[0121] In some embodiments, the QTLs are linked to any combination of the listed SNP markers, in particular at least 2, more particularly at least 3, even more particularly at least 4 said markers, most particularly at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34 or 35 of said markers.

[0122] In particular, any of the QTLs can be identified by detecting one or more of the resistant alleles of the molecular markers as disclosed herein.

[0123] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL11 in its genome comprises one or more or all of the following alleles:Table 1

[0124] For each sequence set forth in the SEQ ID, the nucleotide(s) of the resistant allele as listed in Table 1 replace the nucleotide “n” in position 151 of the sequence, as set out in Table 6 and set forth in the “features” section of the respective SEQ ID in the sequence listing.

[0125] The presence of QTL11 in the genome of said plant can be identified by detecting one or more or all of said alleles.

[0126] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 14, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 15, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 16, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 23, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 25, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 28, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 30, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 31 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 32, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 33, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TA of SEQ ID NO: 35, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 39, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 47, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 49, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 50 and allele T of SEQ ID NO: 51 .

[0127] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48.

[0128] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT ofSEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46.

[0129] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GO of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34 and allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36.

[0130] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34 and allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36.

[0131] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL11 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34 and allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36.

[0132] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40 and allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 .

[0133] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20 and allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 .

[0134] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40 and allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41.

[0135] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 15, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 16, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 23, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 31 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 47 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48, in particular one or more or all alleles selected from allele A of SEQ ID NO: 15, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 16, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 23, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 31 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 47.

[0136] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 28, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 32, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 33, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 49 and allele T of SEQ ID NO: 51 , in particular one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 28, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 32, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 33, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 49 and allele T of SEQ ID NO: 51 .

[0137] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL1 1 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 14, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 25, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 30, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TA of SEQ ID NO: 35, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 39, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 50, in particular one or more or all alleles selected from allele A of SEQ ID NO: 14. allele G of SEQ ID NO: 25, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 30, allele TA of SEQ ID NO: 35, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 39 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 50.

[0138] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL8 in the genome of said plant comprises one or more or all of the following alleles:Table 2

[0139] The presence of QTL8 in the genome of said can be identified by detecting one or more or all of said alleles.

[0140] For each sequence set forth in the SEQ ID, the nucleotide(s) of the resistant allele as listed in Table 2 replace the nucleotide “n” in position 151 of the sequence, as set out in Table 6 and set forth in the “features” section of the respective SEQ ID in the sequence listing.

[0141] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL8 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 52, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 54, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 56, alleleG of SEQ ID NO: 57, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 58, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 59, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 65, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 70, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO:72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 78 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79.

[0142] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL8 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77, and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79.

[0143] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL8 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76.

[0144] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL8 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 54, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 58, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 70, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79, in particular one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 54, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 58 and allele C of SEQ ID NO: 70.

[0145] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL8 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 52, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 57, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 78 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79, in particular one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 52, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 57 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 78.

[0146] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL8 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55,allele G of SEQ ID NO: 56, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 59, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 65, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79, in particular one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 56, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 59 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 65.

[0147] In some embodiments a plant comprising QTL6 in its genome comprises one or more or all of the following alleles:Table 3

[0148] The presence of QTL6 in the genome of said can be identified by detecting one or more or all of said alleles.

[0149] For each sequence set forth in the SEQ ID, the nucleotide(s) of the resistant allele as listed in Table 3 replace the nucleotide “n” in position 151 of the sequence, as set out in Table 6 and set forth in the “features” section of the respective SEQ ID in the sequence listing.

[0150] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL6 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 83, allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 85.

[0151] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL6 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82 and allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84.

[0152] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL6 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 83 and allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84, in particular allele A of SEQ ID NO: 83.

[0153] In some embodiments, a plant comprising QTL6 in its genome comprises one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 ,allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82, allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 85, in particular allele A of SEQ ID NO: 85.

[0154] In some embodiments, the plant does not comprise in its genome allele A of SEQ ID NO:86.

[0155] In some embodiments, the QTL(s) comprise any combination of the listed alleles, in particular at least 2, more particularly at least 3, even more particularly at least 4 said alleles, most particularly at Ieast 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34 or 35 of said alleles.

[0156] The resistance to TSWV may be determined by comparison to a susceptible line, preferably a susceptible reference line, for example the Maor line. The resistance is preferably determined as detailed in the Examples. In some embodiments, a plant of the invention shows no TSWV symptoms for 10 days or more, preferably 35 days or more after infection by the TSWV.

[0157] In some embodiments, the plant is resistant to resistant-breaking (RB)-TSWV. In some embodiments, QTL1 1 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 confer resistance to resistant-breaking (RB)-TSWV. In some embodiments, the plant is resistant to at least one, in particular two of TSWV race P0 and TSWV race P1. Preferably, the plant is resistant to TSWV race P1. P1 has been characterized as a Tswgene breaking race of TSWV. In preferred embodiments, the plant is resistant to strain P330 of TSWV. In some embodiments, the plant is resistant to a RB-TSWV variant comprising, in its genome, a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide with the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:348.

[0158] In some embodiments, the plant comprises the Tsw gene in its genome. In some embodiments, the plant comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide with at least 40%, in particular at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 346.

[0159] The Capsicum plant according to the invention may advantageously comprise one or more genes responsible for a trait of agronomic interest such as, but not limited to, genes that confer resistance to pests or diseases, genes that confer resistance or tolerance to an herbicide, genes that control male sterility, genes that affect abiotic stress resistance (e.g., against salt, heavy metal, flooding), and other genes and transcription factors that affect plant growth and agronomic traits such as yield, flowering, plant growth or plant architecture, fruit growth, shape or taste or resistance to a pest or a disease. According to a particular aspect, it comprises at least one resistance to a pathogen selected from Leveillula taurica, insects such as thrips (e.g. Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips parvispinus), viruses such as PMMV, TMV, TSWV, PVY, Geminivirus or CMV, nematodes such as Meloidogyne spp. (Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica, Meloidogyne hapla, and Meloidogyne arenaria), Ralstonia solanacearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Phytophthora capsici, Verticillium albo-atrum, Verticillium dahlia and Xanthomonas campestris. Other resistances that can be present in the plant includeresistance to Colletotrichum spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp and / or Sclerotium rolfsii.

[0160] The Capsicum plant according to the invention can be from any species within the Capsicum genus. In particular, it may be a Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum pubescens or Capsicum chacoense plant. Preferably, the plant according to the invention is a Capsicum annuum plant. In some embodiments, the plant is not a Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum plant. In particular, the plant may be a sweet bell pepper, in particular. In some embodiments, the plant is a blocky or lamuyo pepper. The plant can also be a hot pepper. In some embodiments, the plant is a jalapeno or habanero pepper. The Capsicum plant can also be from any type. In particular, the Capsicum plant may be of one of the following types: Dulce Italiano, Lamuyo, Blocky, Blocky Florida, Ancho, Anaheim, Marconi, Jalapeno, Habanero, Cayenne, Charleston or Sivri.

[0161] In some embodiments, the Capsicum plant according to the invention is an inbred line or a F1 hybrid.

[0162] In some embodiments, the Capsicum plant according to the invention is an elite plant.

[0163] The invention also relates to a population of Capsicum plants according to the invention, wherein said population comprises at least 5 plants, in particular at least 10 plants, more particularly at least 20 plants, even more particularly at least 50, 100, 500 or 1000 plants.

[0164] According to a further aspect, the present invention is directed to one or more parts of a plant according to the invention. Hence, in this aspect, the invention relates to one or more plant parts of a Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), wherein the plant part(s) comprise(s) in its genome one or more or all of: a. a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV; b. a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV; and c. a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0165] All the embodiments detailed in the preceding section in connection with the first aspect of the invention are also embodiments according to this second aspect of the invention. In particular, the different features of said QTLs on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6 that have been defined in relation with the above aspects of the invention apply mutatis mutandis to this aspect of the invention.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the plant part is a seed, explant, reproductive material, scion, cutting, fruit, root, root tip, rootstock, pollen, ovule, embryo, meristem, callus, cotyledon, hypocotyl, protoplast, leaf, anther, stem, petiole or flower. A particularly preferred plant part according to the invention is a seed produced by theplant of the invention. In particular, the seed may comprise homozygously or heterozygously any of the QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 of the invention.

[0167] In some embodiments, the plant part is a plant cell.

[0168] Accordingly one aspect of the invention relates to a cell of a Capsicum plant according to the invention, i.e. a Capsicum plant cell comprising in its genome one or more or all of: a. a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV; b. a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV; and c. a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0169] The different features of said QTLs that have been defined in relation with the above aspects of the invention apply mutatis mutandis to this aspect of the invention.

[0170] A plant cell of the invention may have the capacity to be regenerated into a whole plant.

[0171] The invention is also directed to plant cells which are not regenerable, and thus are not capable of giving rise to a whole plant.

[0172] Preferably, a plant cell according to the invention is derived from a seed, reproductive material, scion, cutting, fruit, root, root tip, rootstock, pollen, ovule, embryo, meristem, callus, cotyledon, hypocotyl, protoplast, leaf, anther, stem, petiole or flower.

[0173] The invention further relates to a seed of a Capsicum plant, giving rise when grown up to a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV as defined above.

[0174] The invention further relates to a seed from a plant of the invention, i.e. produced by such a plant after selfing or crossing. Preferably, said seed is capable of germinating into a plant resistant to TSWV, wherein said resistance is conferred by QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 as defined here above. The invention also provides Capsicum plants grown from the seeds of the invention.

[0175] The invention also relates to a population of Capsicum seeds according to the invention, wherein said population comprises at least 2 seeds, especially at least 10 seeds, particularly at least 100 seeds, even more particularly at least 105or 106seeds.

[0176] The present invention is also directed to an in vitro cell or tissue culture of regenerable cells of the plant as defined above according to the present invention. Preferably, the regenerable cells are derived from a seed, reproductive material, scion, cutting, fruit, root, root tip, rootstock, pollen, ovule, embryo, meristem, callus, cotyledon, hypocotyl, protoplast, leaf, anther, stem, petiole or flower of a plant of the invention, and comprise in their genome the QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 conferring resistance to TSWV as described here above.

[0177] The tissue culture will preferably be capable of regenerating plants having the physiological and morphological characteristics of the foregoing Capsicum plant, and of regenerating plants having substantially the same genotype as the foregoing Capsicum1 plant. The present invention also provides Capsicum plants regenerated from the tissue cultures of the invention.

[0178] The invention also provides a protoplast of the plant defined above, orfrom the tissue culture defined above, said protoplast comprising in its genome the QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 conferring resistance to TSWV as described here above.

[0179] The present invention also encompasses asexual processes of propagation. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV, comprising: obtaining a part of a plant according to the invention, such as a cutting; and vegetatively propagating said plant part to generate a Capsicum plant from said plant part; wherein said Capsicum plant comprises in its genome one or more QTLs on chromosome 11 , chromosome 8 and / or chromosome 6 conferring to the plant resistance to TSWV.

[0180] All the embodiments detailed above in connection with the first aspect of the invention are also embodiments according to this aspect of the invention, especially with regard to the features of the QTLs conferring the phenotype of interest.

[0181] According to another aspect, the present invention is also directed to the use of a Capsicum plant as detailed according to the first aspect of the invention, as a breeding partner in a breeding program for obtaining Capsicum plants resistant to TSWV. Indeed, such a Capsicum plant according to the first aspect harbors in its genome at least one QTL on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6, as defined here above conferring said resistance. By crossing this plant with a plant having a different genotype, for instance a susceptible or less resistant plant, it is possible to transfer the one or more QTLs, conferring the desired phenotype, to the progeny. A plant according to the invention can thus be used as a breeding partner for introgressing the QTL(s) conferring the desired phenotype into a Capsicum plant or germplasm. The invention is also directed to the same use with plants or seeds, representative seeds of which have been deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375, or with progeny of such plants or seeds.

[0182] In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of producing a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV, comprising:(a) crossing a Capsicum plant according to the invention with itself or with a second Capsicum plant, preferably of a different genotype, to produce one or more progeny plants;(b) selecting a progeny plant comprising QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 in its genome, wherein each of QTL11 , QTL8 and QTL6 confers resistance to TSWV; and(c) optionally self-pollinating and / or backcrossing one or several times the plant selected at step b) and selecting in the progeny thus obtained a plant comprising QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 in its genome, conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0183] In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV, comprising the steps of: a) providing a population of Capsicum plants; b) detecting at least one molecular marker linked to a QTL of resistance to TSWV, wherein said molecular marker is located within:- a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 17043391 on chromosome11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0;- a chromosomal region delimited by positions 526397 and 47296783 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; and / or- a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 201321872 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0. c) selecting a Capsicum plant comprising an allele of said marker linked to the QTL of resistance to TSWV; d) crossing said Capsicum plant with a second Capsicum plant, preferably of a different genotype to produce one or more progeny plants; e) optionally self-pollinating and / or backcrossing one or several times the plant selected at step c) and selecting in the progeny thus obtained a plant comprising the QTL on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6 conferring the resistance to TSWV.

[0184] In such method, the chromosomal region(s) in which said molecular marker is located may also be any one of the chromosomal regions defined in the present specification.

[0185] In such methods, the selection of the progeny displaying the desired phenotype, or bearing sequences linked to the desired phenotype, can advantageously be carried out on the basis of the allele of the markers disclosed in the present specification. Selecting the progeny may for instance comprise the detection of markers selected from any one of SEQ ID NO: 1 to 85, e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 to 51 for QTL11 , SEQ ID NO:52 to 79 for QTL8 and SEQ ID NO:80 to 85 for QTL6. Any combination of marker can be used, in particular any of the combinations of markers disclosed in the present specification.

[0186] The selection of the progeny having the desired phenotype can also be made by assessing the resistance phenotype of the progeny plants in conditions of a TSWV infection. Such assessment is disclosed inter alia in the Examples or with other tests well-known to the skilled reader.

[0187] A plant according to the invention, in particular a plant, representative seeds of which have been deposited at NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375, is thus particularly valuable in a marker assisted selection program for obtaining commercial Capsicum lines and varieties resistant to TSWV.

[0188] The invention is also directed to the use of said plants in a program aiming to identify, sequence and / or clone the genetic sequences conferring the desired phenotype.

[0189] Any specific embodiment described for the previous aspect of the invention is also applicable to this aspect of the invention, especially with regard to the features of the QTL(s) conferring the phenotype of interest.

[0190] According to another aspect, the invention also concerns methods forthe production of Capsicum plants resistant to TSWV, especially commercial / elite plants.

[0191] In one embodiment, a method for the production of resistant plants to TSWV comprises the following steps:(a) crossing a Capsicum plant according to the invention with itself or with a second Capsicum plant, preferably of a different genotype, to produce one or more progeny plants;(b) selecting a progeny plant comprising QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 in its genome, wherein each of QTL11 , QTL8 and QTL6 confers resistance to TSWV; and(c) optionally self-pollinating and / or backcrossing one or several times the plant selected at step (b) and selecting in the progeny thus obtained a plant comprising QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 in its genome, conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0192] In some embodiments, the plant produced by the method is a hot pepper such as a Jalapeno or Habanero pepper, or a sweet bell pepper, such as a blocky pepper. In some embodiments, the selected plant is one of the following types: Dulce Italiano, Lamuyo, Blocky, Blocky Florida, Ancho, Anaheim, Marconi, Jalapeno, Habanero, Cayenne, Charleston or Sivri.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first plant is a Capsicum annuum plant, representative seeds of which have been deposited under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375, or a progeny of said plant.

[0194] The self-pollination and backcrossing steps may be carried out in any order and can be intercalated, for example a backcross can be carried out before and after one or several self-pollinations, and self-pollinations can be performed before and after one or several backcrosses.

[0195] In some embodiments, such a method is advantageously carried out by detecting the markers linked to the QTL on chromosome 11 , the QTL on chromosome 8 and / or the QTL on chromosome 6 as described in the present specification, for one or more of the selections carried out at step (b) and / or (c) for selecting plants comprising the QTL on chromosome 11 , the QTL on chromosome 8 and / or the QTL on chromosome 6.

[0196] In some embodiments, the selection at step (b) and / or (c) is carried out by detecting one or more markers of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 85, in particular any marker or combination of markers described in the present specification.

[0197] In particular, the selection at step (b) and / or (c) comprise detecting one or more of the resistant alleles of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 85, wherein said alleles are shown in Tables 1 , 2 and 3, in particular any allele or combination of alleles described in the present specification.

[0198] Any marker linked to the markers disclosed in the present specification as associated with the QTL(s) and / or present within the boundaries defined for said QTL(s), can also be used for marker-assisted selection, e.g. at step (b) and / or (c) of the method. For instance, a marker within 40 cM, 35 cM, 20 cM, 10 cM, 5 cM, 2 cM, 1 cM, 0.5 cM, 0.2 cM or 0.1 cM of a marker associated with the QTL(s) of TSWV resistance on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6 as disclosed in the present specification can be used for marker-assisted selection. In some embodiments, a marker within 10 Mb, 5 Mb, 2 Mb, 1 Mb, 500 kb, 200 kb, 100 kb, 90 kb, 50 kb, 20 kb or 10 kb of a marker associated with the QTL(s) of TSWV resistance on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6 as disclosed in the present specification can be used for marker-assisted selection.

[0199] The selection carried out at steps b) and / or (c) can also be made using any type of genetic marker linked to the QTL(s) according to the invention on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6, in particular restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), simple sequence repeats (SSRs), simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertion / deletion polymorphisms (Indels), variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), isozymes, and other markers known to those skilled in the art.

[0200] The selection of the progeny having the desired phenotype can also be made on conditions of disease infection, as disclosed inter alia in the Examples or with other tests well-known to the skilled reader.

[0201] The method used for allele detection can be based on any technique allowing the distinction between two different alleles of a marker, on a specific chromosome. Detection of a polymorphism can be made by electrophoretic techniques including a single strand conformational polymorphism (Orita, et al. (1989)), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (Myers (1985) EPO 0273085), or cleavage fragment length polymorphisms (Life Technologies, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.), but the widespread availability of DNA sequencing often makes it easier to simply sequence amplified products directly. Once the polymorphic sequence difference is known, rapid assays for the detection of a polymorphism can be designed for progeny testing, generally involving some version of PCR amplification of specific alleles (PASA; Sommer, et al. (1992)), or PCR amplification of multiple specific alleles (PAMSA; Dutton and Sommer (1991) Biotechniques, 11 (6), 700-7002). In particular examples, PCR detection and quantification is carried out using two labeled fluorogenic oligonucleotide forward primers and an unlabeled common reverse primer, for example, KASPar™ (KBiosciences). Detection of a polymorphism can also be made by electrophoretic techniques including a single strand conformational polymorphism (Orita, et al. (1989)), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (Myers (1985) EPO 0273085), or cleavage fragment length polymorphisms (Life Technologies, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.). The widespread availability of DNA sequencing often also enables to sequence amplified products directly.

[0202] The present invention also concerns a Capsicum plant obtained or obtainable by the methods described herein. Such a plant is a Capsicum plant that comprises in its genome a QTL on chromosome 11 , a QTL on chromosome 8 and / or a QTL on chromosome 6 conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0203] According to a further aspect, the present invention is also directed to a hybrid Capsicum plant obtainable by crossing a first Capsicum plant according to the first aspect of the invention with a second Capsicum plant having a different genotype. The second plant can also be a plant according to the invention, comprising the QTL on chromosome 11 , the QTL on chromosome 8 and / or the QTL on chromosome 6 in its genome. The first plant and / or the second plant can also be a plant obtainable by the methods of the present invention. In some aspects, the hybrid Capsicum plant obtainable is a progeny of a Capsicum annuum plant, representative seeds of which have been deposited under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375.

[0204] The second Capsicum plant can also be a plant susceptible to TSWV, or a plant with a different level of resistance to TSWV than the first Capsicum plant, e.g. a lower level of resistance. A particularly preferred hybrid Capsicum plant is a plant which displays any trait or phenotype of agronomical interest, in addition to the resistance to TSWV.

[0205] Also provided are methods for producing Capsicum plants seeds. In some embodiments, the methods comprise crossing a first Capsicum plant according to the invention with itself or with a second Capsicum plant of a different genotype and harvesting the resultant seeds. In one embodiment, the second Capsicum plant also comprises the QTL on chromosome 11 , the QTL on chromosome 8 and / or the QTL on chromosome 6 conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0206] In addition to the introgression of the QTL associated to resistance to TSWV, as detailed in the methods of the invention, said sequences can also be introduced into Capsicum background by different processes, in particular technical processes such as mutagenesis, e.g. chemical mutagenesis or UV mutagenesis, or genetic engineering such as guided recombination. Accordingly, the Capsicum plants of the invention are not exclusively obtained by means of an essentially biological process.

[0207] According to such an aspect, the invention relates to a Capsicum plant or seed, preferably a non-naturally occurring Capsicum plant or seed, which may comprise one or more mutations in its genome, which provides the mutant plant a resistance to TSWV. Preferably, said mutation is as present, in the genome of plants of which representative seeds were deposited at the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375.

[0208] The mutations can have a natural cause (spontaneous mutations) or can be induced via methods such as mutagenesis. Mutagenesis methods are known in the art and include chemical mutagenesis using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). Other chemical mutagenic agents include but are not limited to, diethyl sufate (des), ethyleneimine (ei),propane sultone, N-methyl-N-nitrosourethane (mnu), N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU), N- ethyl-N-nitrosourea(enu), and sodium azide.

[0209] Alternatively, the mutations can be induced by means of irradiation, which is for example selected from x-rays, fast neutrons, UV radiation.

[0210] Mutagenesis techniques can be followed by an identification method such as TILLING. TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) is a general reverse genetics technique that uses traditional chemical mutagenesis methods to create libraries of mutagenized individuals that are later subjected to high-throughput screens for the discovery of mutations. TILLING combines chemical mutagenesis with mutation screens of pooled PCR products, resulting in the isolation of missense and non-sense mutant alleles of the targeted genes. Thus, TILLING uses traditional chemical mutagenesis (e.g. EMS or MNU mutagenesis) or other mutagenesis methods (e.g. radiation such as UV) followed by high-throughput screening for mutations in specific target genes. S1 nucleases, such as CEL1 or ENDO1 , are used to cleave heteroduplexes of mutant and wild type target DNA and detection of cleavage products using e.g. electrophoresis such as a LI-COR gel analyzer system, see e.g. Henikoff et al. Plant Physiology 2004, 135: 630-636. TILLING has been applied in many plant species, including pepper (Kang, H.S., Kim, S.H., Lee, S.W. et al. Hortic. Environ. Biotechnol. (2018) 59: 447). Also EcoTILLING, whereby mutants in natural populations are detected, has been widely used, see Till et al. 2006 (Nat Protoc 1 : 2465-77) and Comai et al. 2004 (Plant J 37: 778-86).

[0211] Preferably, the mutation(s) is(are) the integration of one or more QTL conferring resistance to TSWV, wherein said one or more QTL is present on chromosome 11 , chromosome 8 and / or chromosome 6, in replacement of the homologous sequences of a Capsicum plant. Even more preferably, the mutation is the substitution of any one of the sequence delimited by positions 641782 and 17043391 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1.0, the sequence delimited by positions 526397 and 47296783 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0 and / or the sequence delimited by positions 192889591 and 201321872 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0 of a target Capsicum plant, or a fragment of said sequence(s), by the homologous sequence on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6 present in the genome of a plant, representative seeds of which were deposited at the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375, wherein the introduced sequence or fragment confers resistance to TSWV when present in the genome of the target Capsicum plant. Any of the chromosomal regions described in the present specification, or fragments) thereof, can be substituted by homologous sequences as present in the genome of a plant, representative seeds of which were deposited at the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375, as described in the present paragraph.

[0212] In an embodiment, the invention relates to a method for obtaining a Capsicum plant or seed carrying one or more mutations in its genome, which provides the plant with a resistance to TSWV. Such a method is illustrated in the Examples and may comprise: a) treating MO seeds of a Capsicum plant to be modified with a mutagenic agent to obtain M1 seeds; b) growing plants from the thus obtained M1 seeds to obtain M1 plants; c) producing M2 seeds by self-fertilisation of M1 plants; and d) optionally repeating step b) and c) n times to obtain M2+n seeds.

[0213] The M2+n seeds are grown into plants and submitted to TSWV infection. The surviving plants, or those with the milder symptoms of TSWV infection, are multiplied one or more further generations while continuing to be selected for their resistance to TSWV. In this method, the M1 seeds of step a) can be obtained via chemical mutagenesis such as EMS mutagenesis. Other chemical mutagenic agents include but are not limited to, diethyl sufate (des), ethyleneimine (ei), propane sultone, N-methyl-N- nitrosourethane (mnu), N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU), N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea(enu), and sodium azide. Alternatively, the mutations are induced by means of irradiation, which is for example selected from x-rays, fast neutrons, UV radiation.

[0214] In another embodiment of the invention, the mutation(s) is(are) induced by means of genetic engineering. Such mutations also include the integration of sequences conferring the resistance to TSWV, as well as the substitution of residing sequences by alternative sequences conferring the resistance to TSWV.

[0215] The genetic engineering means which can be used include the use of all such techniques called New Breeding Techniques which are various new technologies developed and / or used to create new characteristics in plants through genetic variation, the aim being targeted mutagenesis, targeted introduction of new genes or gene silencing (RdDM). Example of such new breeding techniques are targeted sequence changes facilitated through the use of Zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology (ZFN-1 , ZFN-2 and ZFN-3, see U.S. Pat. No. 9,145,565, incorporated by reference in its entirety), Oligonucleotide directed mutagenesis (ODM), Cisgenesis and intragenesis, RNA- dependent DNA methylation (RdDM, which does not necessarily change nucleotide sequence but can change the biological activity of the sequence), Grafting (on GM rootstock), Reverse breeding, Agro-infiltration (agro-infiltration "sensu stricto", agroinoculation, floral dip), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,586,363 and 9,181 ,535, incorporated by reference in their entireties), the CRISPR / Cas system (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,697,359; 8,771 ,945; 8,795,965; 8,865,406; 8,871 ,445; 8,889,356; 8,895,308; 8,906,616; 8,932,814; 8,945,839; 8,993,233; and 8,999,641 , which are all hereby incorporated by reference), engineered meganuclease re-engineered homing endonucleases, DNA guided genome editing (Gaoet al., Nature Biotechnology (2016), doi: 10.1038 / nbt.3547), and Synthetic genomics. A major part of today’s targeted genome editing, another designation for New Breeding Techniques, is the application to induce a DNA double strand break (DSB) at a selected location in the genome where the modification is intended. Directed repair of the DSB allows for targeted genome editing. Such applications can be utilized to generate mutations (e.g., targeted mutations or precise native gene editing) as well as precise insertion of genes (e.g., cisgenes, intragenes, or transgenes). The applications leading to mutations are often identified as site-directed nuclease (SDN) technology, such as SDN1 , SDN2 and SDN3. For SDN1 , the outcome is a targeted, non-specific genetic deletion mutation: the position of the DNA DSB is precisely selected, but the DNA repair by the host cell is random and results in small nucleotide deletions, additions or substitutions. For SDN2, a SDN is used to generate a targeted DSB and a DNA repair template (a short DNA sequence identical to the targeted DSB DNA sequence except for one or a few nucleotide changes) is used to repair the DSB: this results in a targeted and predetermined point mutation in the desired gene of interest. As to the SDN3, the SDN is used along with a DNA repair template that contains new DNA sequence (e.g. gene). The outcome of the technology would be the integration of that DNA sequence into the plant genome. The most likely application illustrating the use of SDN3 would be the insertion of cisgenic, intragenic, or transgenic expression cassettes at a selected genome location. A complete description of each of these techniques can be found in the report made by the Joint Research Center (JRC) Institute for Prospective Technological Studies of the European Commission in 2011 and titled “New plant breeding techniques - State-of-the-art and prospects for commercial development”, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0216] Applications of gene-editing techniques in pepper have been reported, e.g. in Kim, Hyeran, Jisun Choi, and Kang-Hee Won, BMC Plant Biology 20.1 (2020): 1-12 and Mishra, Rukmini, et al, Planta 254.1 (2021): 1-17.

[0217] The present invention also provides methods for identifying, detecting and / or selecting a Capsicum plant that is resistant to TSWV.

[0218] In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method for identifying and / or selecting a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV, in particular RB-TSWV, wherein said method comprises detecting one or more markers linked with a QTL selected from: a. a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV, in particular RB-TSWV; b. a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV, in particular RB-TSWV; and c. a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV, in particular RB-TSWV.

[0219] In some embodiments, said method comprises detecting one or more markers linked to QTL11 , one or more markers linked to QTL8 and / or one or more markers linked to QTL6. In some embodiments, the method comprises detecting any combination of the listed SNP markers, in particular at least 2, more particularly at least 3, even more particularly at least 4 said markers, most particularly at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34 or 35 of said markers linked to QTL11 , QTL8 or QTL6.

[0220] In some embodiments, said marker is located within 40 cM of any of:- a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 17043391 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0;- a chromosomal region delimited by positions 526397 and 47296783 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; and- a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 201321872 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.Said chromosomal region(s) may also be any of the chromosomal regions defined in the present specification.

[0221] In some aspects, said marker is located within 40 cM, 35 cM, 20 cM, 10 cM, 5 cM, 2.5 cM, 1 cM, 0.5 cM, 0.25 or 0.1 cM from any of said chromosomal regions.

[0222] In some embodiments, said marker is located within 10 Mb, 5 Mb, 2 Mb, 1 Mb, 500 kb, 200 kb, 100 kb, 90 kb, 50 kb, 20 kb or 10 kb from any of:- a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 17043391 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0;- a chromosomal region delimited by positions 526397 and 47296783 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; and- a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 201321872 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.Said chromosomal region(s) may also be any of the chromosomal regions defined in the present specification.

[0223] In some embodiments, said marker is located within: a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 17043391 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; a chromosomal region delimited by positions 526397 and 47296783 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; and / or a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 201321872 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.In some embodiments, said chromosomal region(s) may also be any of the chromosomal regions defined in the present specification.

[0224] In some embodiments, said marker is linked to:- one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 51 ;- one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 to 79; and / or- one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80 to 85.Said marker may also be linked to any of the markers or marker combinations defined in the present specification.

[0225] Preferably the linkage is with a p-value of less than 0.05, and most preferably less than 0.01.

[0226] In some aspects, said marker is located within 40 cM, 35 cM, 20 cM, 10 cM, 5 cM, 2.5 cM, 1 cM, 0.5 cM, 0.25 or 0.1 cM from any of the markers respectively set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 51 , SEQ ID NO: 52 to 79 and SEQ ID NO: 80 to 85, in particular from any marker or marker combinations defined in the present specification.

[0227] In some aspects, said marker is located within 10 Mb, 5 Mb, 2 Mb, 1 Mb, 500 kb, 200 kb, 100 kb, 90 kb, 50 kb, 20 kb or 10 kb from any of the markers respectively set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 51 , SEQ ID NO: 52 to 79 and SEQ ID NO: 80 to 85, in particular from any of the markers or marker combinations defined in the present specification.

[0228] In some embodiments, said marker is selected from: the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 51 ; the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 to 79; and / or the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80 to 85, or from any of the marker or marker combinations described in the present specification.

[0229] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more of the resistant alleles set forth in Table 1 , Table 2 and / or Table 3, or any of the resistant alleles or combination of resistant alleles described in the specification.

[0230] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 14, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 15, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 16, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 23, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 25, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 28, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 30, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 31 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 32, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 33, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TA of SEQ ID NO: 35, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 39, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, alleleCGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 47, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 49, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 50 and allele T of SEQ ID NO: 51 .

[0231] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48.

[0232] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46.

[0233] In some embodiments , the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34 and allele TT of SEQ ID NO:

[0234] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34 and allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36

[0235] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 1 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34 and allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36.

[0236] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40 and allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 .

[0237] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20 and allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21.

[0238] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40 and allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41.

[0239] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 15, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 16, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 23, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 31 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 47 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48, in particular one or more or all alleles selected from allele A of SEQ ID NO: 15, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 16, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 23, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 31 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 47.

[0240] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 28, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 32, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 33, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 49 and allele T of SEQ ID NO: 51 , in particular one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 28, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 32, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 33, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 49 and allele T of SEQ ID NO: 51.

[0241] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 14, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G ofSEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 25, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 30, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TA of SEQ ID NO: 35, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 39, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 50, in particular one or more or all alleles selected from allele A of SEQ ID NO: 14. allele G of SEQ ID NO: 25, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 30, allele TA of SEQ ID NO: 35, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 39 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 50.

[0242] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 52, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 54, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 56, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 57, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 58, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 59, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 65, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 70, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 78 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79.

[0243] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77, and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79.

[0244] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76.

[0245] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 54, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 58, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C ofSEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 70, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO:72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79, in particular one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 54, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 58 and allele C of SEQ ID NO: 70.

[0246] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 52, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 57, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO:73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 78 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79, in particular one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 52, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 57 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 78.

[0247] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 56, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 59, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 65, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79, in particular one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 56, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 59 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 65.

[0248] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 83, allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 85.

[0249] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82 and allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84.

[0250] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 83 and allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84, in particular allele A of SEQ ID NO: 83.

[0251] In some embodiments, the method comprises the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A ofSEQ ID NO: 82, allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 85, in particular allele A of SEQ ID NO: 85.

[0252] Any of these markers and alleles, along with any linked markers or alleles, can be used to identify and select a plant resistant to TSWV, in particular RB-TSWV. The skilled person will understand that such markers can be combined. In particular, any of the “generic” markers (gen) described in Table 6, and / or linked markers, can be combined with any of the donor-specific markers (D1 , D2 or D3) described in Table 6, and / or linked markers, to identify a plant comprising a QTL on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6.

[0253] Markers which can be used for selecting a Capsicum plant comprising in its genome a QTL conferring resistance to TSWV can be identified in representative seeds deposited at the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375.

[0254] Accordingly, in one aspect, the method comprises detecting: at least one marker linked with a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV, wherein said marker is present in representative seeds deposited at the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375; at least one marker linked with a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV, wherein said marker is present in representative seeds deposited at the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44375; and / or at least one marker linked with a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV, wherein said marker is present in representative seeds deposited at the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373 or NCIMB 44374, preferably in representative seeds deposited at the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44374.

[0255] Any of the features described in relation to the plant or methods for producing plants, in particular relating to the markers and alleles, apply to the methods for detecting, identifying, selecting and / or obtaining plants as described herein.

[0256] In some embodiments, the method comprises one or more steps of crossing the selected plant with another plant and obtaining progeny plants. In some embodiments, the method comprises selecting a progeny plant comprising in its genome a QTL on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6 conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0257] In some aspects, the invention relates to a method for identifying a molecular marker linked with a QTL conferring a resistance to TSWV, comprising: a. identifying a molecular marker in the Capsicum genome, in a chromosomal region selected from : a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 17043391 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0;a chromosomal region delimited by positions 526397 and 47296783 on chromosome8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; and a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 201321872 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0, or a corresponding chromosomal region in another Capsicum genome; b. determining whether an allele or state of said molecular marker is associated with resistance to TSWV in a segregating population comprising Capsicum plants exhibiting said resistance.The chromosomal region(s) may also be any of the chromosomal regions defined in the present specification.

[0258] In a specific embodiment, said molecular marker is identified in a chromosomal region corresponding to:- QTL1 1 as present in seeds deposited with the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375;- QTL8 as present in seeds deposited with the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44375; and / or- QTL6 as present in seeds deposited with the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373 or NCIMB 44374, preferably seeds deposited with the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44374.

[0259] The molecular marker is preferably associated with said QTL with a p-value of 0.05 or less, preferably less than 0.01. The QTL is preferably to be found in the deposited seeds NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375. Preferably, the marker is identified within a population derived from a Capsicum annuum plant, representative seeds of which have been deposited under accession number NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375, exhibiting the resistance to TSWV as described in the invention.

[0260] In some aspects, the invention relates to the use a molecular marker linked to any one of QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL6 as described herein, in particular any one of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 to 85, or any marker linked to a marker set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 85, for identifying a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV. In particular, said marker is linked to any one of the resistant alleles set forth in any of Table 1 , Table 2 and / or Table 3. In some aspects, the invention relates to the use of a molecular marker consisting of any one of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 to 85, for identifying a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV. Any marker or combination of markers disclosed herein can be used. Preferably the linkage is with a p-value of preferably less than 0.05, and most preferably less than 0.01 or even less.

[0261] In some aspects, said molecular marker is located within 40 cM, 35 cM, 20 cM, 10 cM, 5 cM, 2.5 cM, 1 cM, 0.5 cM, 0.25 or 0.1 cM from any of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 85.

[0262] In some aspects, said molecular marker is located within 10 Mb, 5 Mb, 2 Mb, 1 Mb, 500 kb, 200 kb, 100 kb, 90 kb, 50 kb, 20 kb or 10 kb from any of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 85.

[0263] In some embodiments, detection of the markers described in the application is performed by amplification, e.g. by PCR, using, for each marker, one forward primer which can be used for amplifying the resistant allele, one forward primer which can be used for amplifying the susceptible allele and one common reverse primer, for example using the KASPar (KBiosciences) technology. In particular, the primers for amplifying each of said markers may have the sequences as described in the first aspect of the invention. In some embodiments, said detection of a marker on chromosomes 11 , 8 and / or 6 is performed using two forward primers, one being specific for the resistant allele and one being specific for the susceptible allele, and one common reverse primer, for instance as shown in Table 6 which shows combination of primers suitable for detecting molecular markers of the invention. Said primers may be selected so as to enable amplifying a nucleic acid comprising or consisting respectively of SEQ ID NO: 1 to 85. Using these 3 primers for each marker, detection of the resistant allele rather than the susceptible allele, as indicated in Table 6, indicates the presence of the QTL on chromosomes 1 1 , 8 and / or 6 conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0264] In a preferred embodiment, the amplification is as described in the examples. In a still preferred embodiment, the amplification is performed using a two-step touchdown method in which the elongation and annealing steps are incorporated into a single step. The temperature used for the annealing stage determines the specificity of the reaction and hence the ability of the primers to anneal to the DNA template. A touchdown PCR involves a first step of Taq polymerase activation, followed by a second step called the touchdown step that involves a high annealing temperature and incrementally decreasing the annealing temperature in each PCR cycle, and a third step of DNA amplification. The higher annealing temperatures in the early cycles of a touchdown ensure that only very specific base pairing will occur between the DNA and the primer, hence the first sequence to be amplified is most likely to be the sequence of interest. The annealing temperature is gradually decreased to increase the efficiency of the reaction. The regions that were originally amplified during the highly specific early touchdown cycles will be further amplified and outcompete any non-specific amplification that may occur at the lower temperatures.

[0265] In another embodiment, the amplification of SNP markers is performed as recommended in the KASPar assay and illustrated in the examples, namely by PCR cycles, comprising a first denaturation step at 94°C during around 15 minutes, at least 10 cycles of around 20 seconds at 94°C followed by around 60 second at a decreasing temperature from 65°C for the 1stcycle to 57°C for the last cycle, and around 35 cycles of around 20 seconds at 94°C followed by around 60 seconds at 57°C. This protocol can easily be adapted by a skilled person, depending on the type of primers used.

[0266] According to a further aspect, the present invention also provides one or more molecular markers that are linked to the QTL(s) on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6, as defined here above conferring the resistance to TSWV.

[0267] The sequences of the markers as mentioned above are described in Table 6 below.

[0268] A molecular marker and the resistance phenotype are inherited together in preferably more than 90% of the meiosis, preferably more than 95%, even more preferably 98% or 99%.

[0269] In a further aspect, the invention relates to method for the production of Capsicum plantlets or plants resistant to TSWV, which method comprises: i. culturing in vitro an isolated cell or tissue of the Capsicum plant according to the invention to produce Capsicum micro-plantlets resistant to TSWV, and ii. optionally further subjecting the Capsicum micro-plantlets to an in vivo culture phase to develop into Capsicum plants resistant to TSWV.

[0270] The isolated cell or tissue used to produce a micro-plantlet is an explant obtained under sterile conditions from a Capsicum parent plant of the invention to be propagated. The explant comprises or consists, for instance, of a cotyledon, hypocotyl, stem tissue, leaf, embryo, meristem, node bud, shoot apice, or protoplast. The explant can be surface sterilized before being placed on a culture medium for micropropagation.

[0271] Conditions and culture media that can be suitably used in plant micropropagation are well known to those skilled in the art of plant cultivation and are described, for example, in "Plant Propagation by Tissue Culture, Handbook and Directory of Commercial Laboratories, eds. Edwin F George and Paul D Sherrington, Exegetics Ltd, 1984".

[0272] Micropropagation typically involves: i. axillary shoot production: axillary shoot proliferation is induced by adding cytokinin to the shoot culture medium, to produce shoots preferably with minimum callus formation; ii. adventitious shoot production: addition of auxin to the medium induces root formation, in order to produce plantlets that are able to be transferred into the soil. Alternatively, root formation can be induced directly into the soil.

[0273] Plantlets can be further subjected to an in vivo culture phase, by culture into the soil under lab conditions, and then progressive adaptation to natural climate, to develop into Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV.

[0274] In view of the ability of the resistant plants of the invention to restrict the damages caused by TSWV, they are advantageously grown in an environment infested or likely to be infested or infected by TSWV; in these conditions, the resistant plants of the invention produce more marketable peppers than susceptible plants. Heavily galled roots of susceptible plants under pest pressure, provide minimal resources for the rest of the plant, resulting in reduced yield or non-harvestable or unmarketable fruits.

[0275] The invention is thus also directed to a method for improving the yield of Capsicum plants and / or fruits or for increasing the number of harvestable Capsicum fruits, in an environment infested by TSWV comprising growing in said environment Capsicum plants resistant to TSWV as defined, comprising on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6 the QTLs or sequences according to the invention and conferring to said plants resistance to TSWV. The invention is also directed to the use of the Capsicum plants of the invention for improving the yield of Capsicum plants and / or fruits, and / or for increasing the number of harvestable Capsicum fruits, in an environment infested by TSWV.

[0276] Preferably, the method comprises a first step of choosing or selecting a Capsicum plant comprising said sequences of interest conferring to said plants resistance to TSWV. The method can also be defined as a method of increasing the productivity of a Capsicum field, tunnel or glasshouse, or as a method of reducing the intensity or number of chemical or fungicide applications in the production of peppers.

[0277] The invention is also directed to a method for reducing the loss on Capsicum production in condition of TSWV infection, comprising growing a Capsicum plant as defined above.

[0278] The resistant plants of the invention are also able to restrict the growth of the pathogens responsible for TSWV, thus limiting the infection of further plants and the propagation of the pathogens. Accordingly, the invention is also directed to a method for protecting a field, tunnel or glasshouse, or any other type of plantation, from TSWV infection, or of at least limiting the level of infection or limiting the spread of TSWV. Such a method preferably comprises the step of growing a resistant or tolerant plant of the invention, i.e. a plant comprising on chromosome 11 , 8 and / or 6 the sequences conferring resistance to TSWV.

[0279] The invention also concerns the use of a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV, according to the invention, in a field, tunnel or glasshouse, or other plantation. Preferably, the invention concerns the use of a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV according to the invention for controlling infection in a field, tunnel, glasshouse or any other plantation, by TSWV.

[0280] All the preferred features of the QTL are as defined in connection with the other aspects of the invention, in particular it is preferably as present in Capsicum annuum plants, representative seeds which have been deposited under accession number NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375. Preferably, the QTL is identifiable by the markers as defined according to the present invention.

[0281] The present invention is also directed to a method for improving the yield of Capsicum plants in an environment infested by TSWV comprising:(a) identifying Capsicum plants resistant to TSWV comprising in their genome at least one QTL conferring resistance to TSWV, wherein said at least one QTL is present on chromosome 11 , chromosome 8 and / or chromosome 6, and(b) growing said resistant Capsicum plants in said infested environment.

[0282] By this method, the yield of the Capsicum plants is increased, inter alia more marketable peppers can be harvested, or more seeds are obtained.

[0283] In still a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of producing pepper fruits comprising:(a) growing a Capsicum plant of the invention, as defined previously;(b) allowing said plant to set fruit; and(c) harvesting fruit of said plant, preferably at maturity and / or before maturity.

[0284] All the preferred embodiments regarding the Capsicum plant are already disclosed in the context of the previous aspects of the invention.

[0285] The method may advantageously comprise a further step of processing said peppers into a processed food.

[0286] The present invention also relates to a method of producing a food product, comprising mixing a pepper fruit of the invention, or part thereof, with one or more food ingredients. Optionally, the method comprises cooking and / or processing the pepper fruit of the invention, alone or in mixture with the one or more food ingredients. Examples of food products that comprise pepper in raw, cooked or otherwise processed form include powders, soups, sauces, salsas, pastas, condiments, pastries, sweets and salads.

[0287] The present invention also relates to a food product made of a pepper fruit of the invention or parts thereof, optionally in processed form.

[0288] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a Capsicum plant according to the invention or a fruit thereof in the fresh cut market or for food processing. Techniques for using pepper in food processing are well known from the skilled person, e.g. as an ingredient in a food product such as powders, soups, sauces, salsas, pastas, condiments, pastries, sweets and salads, and described, for instance, in Handbook of Food Science, Technology and Engineering, vol. 4, Y. H. Hui, Frank Sherkat. CRC Press.

[0289] Throughout the instant application, the term “comprising” is to be interpreted as encompassing all specifically mentioned features as well optional, additional, unspecified ones. As used herein, the use of the term “comprising” also discloses the embodiment wherein no features other than the specifically mentioned features are present (i.e. “consisting of’).Seed deposit

[0290] A representative sample of seeds from seeds from Capsicum annuum 21 PBP661- 74 plant comprising donor alleles (donor 1) for QTL 6, QTL8 and QTL11 has been deposited by Vilmorin & Cie, 4 quai de la Megisserie, 75001 Paris, France, pursuant to, and in satisfaction of, the requirements of the Budapest Treaty on the InternationalRecognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure (the “Budapest Treaty”) with the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria (NCIMB), NCIMB Ltd., Wellheads Place, Dyce, Aberdeen, AB21 7GB Scotland, on 22ndMarch 2024, under accession number NCIMB 44372.

[0291] A representative sample of seeds from seeds from Capsicum annuum 19HDLC09- 25 plant comprising donor alleles (donor 2) for QTL 6 and QTL11 has been deposited by Vilmorin & Cie, 4 quai de la Megisserie, 75001 Paris, France, pursuant to, and in satisfaction of, the requirements of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure (the “Budapest Treaty”) with the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria (NCIMB), NCIMB Ltd., Wellheads Place, Dyce, Aberdeen, AB21 7GB Scotland, on 22ndMarch 2024, under accession number NCIMB 44373.

[0292] A representative sample of seeds from seeds from Capsicum annuum 17BEN6110006 plant comprising donor alleles (donor 3) for QTL6 and QTL11 has been deposited by Vilmorin & Cie, 4 quai de la Megisserie, 75001 Paris, France, pursuant to, and in satisfaction of, the requirements of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure (the “Budapest Treaty”) with the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria (NCIMB), NCIMB Ltd., Wellheads Place, Dyce, Aberdeen, AB21 7GB Scotland, on 22ndMarch 2024, under accession number NCIMB 44374.

[0293] A representative sample of seeds from seeds from Capsicum annuum 17BEN6110002 plant comprising donor alleles (donor 3) for QTL8 and QTL11 , has been deposited by Vilmorin & Cie, 4 quai de la Megisserie, 75001 Paris, France, pursuant to, and in satisfaction of, the requirements of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure (the “Budapest Treaty”) with the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria (NCIMB), NCIMB Ltd., Wellheads Place, Dyce, Aberdeen, AB21 7GB Scotland, on 22ndMarch 2024, under accession number NCIMB 44375.

[0294] Deposits of the 21 PBP661-74, 19HDLC09-25, 17BEN6110006 and 17BEN6110002 seeds are maintained by Vilmorin & Cie, 4 quai de la Megisserie, 75001 Paris, France.EXAMPLESExample 1 : Materials and methodsA. Isolate, Maintenance, multiplication and retrieval

[0295] RB-TSWV strain P330 is used. Strain is maintained in -80°C, from N. benthamiana infected leaves which is put into a microtube. The RB-TSWV strain is multiplied on Tsw pepper and on N. Benthamiana.

[0296] Inoculation of plants for virus retrieval: N. benthamiana plants are inoculated at 2-3 leaves stage (16-20 days after transplant) with an inoculum prepared from at least 2 different tubes (two dates) of -80°C conservation. Inoculum is prepared using classical buffer for mechanical inoculation (0.03 M Phosphate buffer (pH 7-7.2) + 0.2% DIECA. For 100 ml: 0.53 g Na2HPC>4l2H2O + 0.2 g DIECA). 1g of infected leaves into 4mL of buffer + 0.1g of charcoal (25 mg / ml) + 0.1g of carborundum (25 mg / ml). Plants are mechanically inoculated with the inoculum. Inoculum is kept in ice during all the inoculation step. Plants are put in growth chamber at 25°C night - 28°C and 14 hours light for 10 days.B. Test

[0297] Sowing: Plants were sown in sowing trays with potting mix, maximum 60 plants per tray. 3 repetitions of 20 plants per genotype (for a fixed line). Susceptible controls were Maor and two other susceptible lines. Resistant controls were the three donor lines D1 , D2 and D3.

[0298] Inoculum preparation: Fresh infected leaves are taken from the first virus multiplication

[0297] , N. Benthamiana leaves are used and could be completed by pepper infected leaves. 1g of infected leaves into 4mL of buffer + 0.1g of charcoal (25 mg / ml) + 0.1g of carborundum (25 mg / ml).

[0299] Inoculation: Plants were grown in a greenhouse or growth chamber (25°C night - 28°Cday and 14 hours light). The plants were inoculated at a stage of 3-4 leaves fully expanded, ~ 25-35 days after sowing. The cotyledons were rubbed gently with the virus solution (wear gloves). Inoculum is kept in ice during all the inoculation step.C. Scoring

[0300] The guantitative resistance is characterized by a % of resistant plants in a fixed genotype. To be sure to capture the resistant phenotype, several scoring dates were planned. Scoring dates were also adapted to controls behavior.

[0301] The plants were scored according to the below scale.Scale:Table 4: scoring scale (R= resistant; S=susceptible).For each line, the % of resistant was calculated and compared to the resistant parent (and / or previous generation).Example 2 : Identification of resistance donors

[0302] Capsicum sp. accessions have been screened for RB-TSWV resistance using the methodology described in example 1 .

[0303] Three accessions of Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum from USA & Mexico showing more than 60% of resistant plants in several independent tests have been selected for genetic characterization and resistance introgression: D1 , D2 and D3.Example 3: Construction of a genotyping and mapping population

[0304] A multiparental RIL (recombinant inbred line) population has been obtained according to the breeding scheme shown in Figure 1. A first cross was carried out between each donor and a susceptible Elite line (Elite S). The three obtained F1 s were then intercrossed two times. After the intercrosses steps, 3 cycles of fixations were carried out. After the 3 cycles of fixation, each seeds lots were genotyped and next generation was produced. A total of more than 250 RILs have been produced and genotyped with neutral markers along the genomes.Example 4: Phenotyping

[0305] A subset of 140 RILs have been selected for QTLs mapping based on their genotyping data in order to maximize the genetic diversity and ensure an equal representation of the different donors and the susceptible elite. The 140 RILs were studied after mechanical inoculation with RB-TSWV strain at 3-4 leaves stage. The experiments were performed in greenhouse facility. The experience was repeated 4 times (4 repetitions) to obtain consistent data. The experiments were performed using two susceptible controls (included Elite S), the 3 donors as resistant controls (D1 , D2 and D3), 5 DH lines as susceptible and resistant controls and the 140 RILs. For each experiment, an average of 20 plants per genotype were scored individually at t= 10 dpi, 2 wpi, 3 wpi and 4 wpi. Resistance is expressed as % of R plants ([nb of {7;9} scores / nb of tested plants] * 100). The scores at each scoring date were checked for consistency, using the correlation factor of controls, allowing to combine the scoring dates.Example 5: QTL mapping using IBP Methodology

[0306] QTL mapping was performed based on the phenotypic scores obtained on the RIL population. The identity-by-descent methodology was used (Chaozhi Zheng, Martin P Boer, Fred A van Eeuwijk, Reconstruction of Genome Ancestry Blocks in Multiparental Populations, Genetics, Volume 200, Issue 4, 1 August 2015, Pages10731087, https: / / doi.Org / 10.1534 / genetics.115.177873; Li, W„ Boer, M.P., Zheng, C. et al. An IBD-based mixed model approach for QTL mapping in multiparental populations. TheorAppi Genet 134, 3643-3660 (2021). https: / / doi.org / 10.1007 / s00122- 021-03919-7;

[0307] The use of IBD fragments, instead of classical allelic values, as regressors to phenotypic scores enables to capture marker-level effects at a finer scale; each marker being described by 4 IBD probabilities instead of two alleles. At each marker, simple random parental effects are estimated and significance of the associated genetic variance component is tested via a Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT) comparing marker model to a reference null model.LRT, in this context, relies on a balanced mixture of x2distributions of degrees of freedom 0 & 1 to produce p-values.Fig. 2 shows a Manhattan plot for the QTL mapping. 3 loci were identified by the QTL mapping, on chromosomes 6, 8 and 11. As expected, the recurrent, being susceptible, is always detected with negative contribution to resistance.IBD probabilities were used to estimate an effect size for QTL6, QTL8 and QTL11 from each source (D1 , D2 and D3) as well as S parent. Results are shown in Table 5 below.Table 5 : Estimated size effect for each allele from sources D1 , D2 and D3 and S parent.Example 6: Donor Reseguencing and specific markers development

[0308] Donors were resequenced with short-reads at medium depth (20X) and mapped onto Maor 1.0 (Capsicum annuum) & Chiltepin 1.0 (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) to identify specific molecular markers (discriminating both elite against donors & donors among themselves).

[0309] 86 markers, covering the QTL regions of Example 5, were identified, as shown in Table 6. Generic markers (gen) are common to all donors, whereas specific markers were identified on one of the donors.Table 6 - Markers at QTLs 11,8 and 6.Example 7: Validation of QTLs effect in a panel of selected RILs at adult plants stage and in bi-parental PH lines.

[0310] To validate the QTLs effects observed during artificial tests, evaluations were carried out by using adult plants inoculated via natural infections by thrips.

[0311] In total, several genotypes were assessed for their resistance to RB-TSWV inoculated via thrips, including two susceptible controls (Elite S and another Elite S2_Tsw), one resistant control and 58 RILs selected in the total population based on their QTLs profiles for the QTLs previously detected in example 5.

[0312] The experiment was performed in greenhouse in Spain with natural inoculation by the vector ( / .e Frankliniella occidentalism. Each genotype has been evaluated with 5 to 9 plots of 10 plants. To ensure the homogeneity of the RB-TSWV pressure, the first plant of each plot was mechanically inoculated with a local RB-TSWV strain and was removed from the analysis.

[0313] Simultaneously, introgression of QTLs in Elite germplasm have been done donor per donor using Backcrosses followed by DH production. The Elite S line was first crossed with D1 , DHs were produced from the F1 seeds obtained. All DHs were then evaluated for their resistance level to RB-TSWV using the protocol described in example 1 . The most resistant DH were crossed again with the Elite S and DH were produced on the BC1 seeds and then the selection cycle continued.

[0314] For QTLs validation purpose, DHs lines produced for the introgression have been genotyped and some DHs with different QTLs combinations have been selected for QTLs validation tests using the protocol described in example 1 .

[0315] Figure 4 shows that, for QTL1 1 , the donor alleles (all sources) provide a significant effect compared to the Elite S allele (binary comparison). As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a significant effect is obtained in donor alleles D1 and D2, for QTL11 , in comparison to the Elite S allele. Results are summarized in Table 7.Table 7: Summary of results obtained on DH lines (F1-DH, BC1-DH & BC2-DH) from the cross between Elite S * Donor 1 and Elite S * Donor 2. Results are presented by QTLs combination. QTL11_S: DHs carrying the Elite Allele at QTL1 1 position and the Elite Allele at QTL6 & 8 positions. QTL11 _D1 : DHs carrying the donor 1 Allele at the QTL1 1 position and the Elite Allele at QTL6 & 8positions. QTL11_D2: DHs carrying the donor 2 Allele at the QTL11 position and the Elite Allele at QTL6 & 8 positions.(1)T ukey’s test groups.

[0316] Figure 7 shows that, for QTL8, the donor alleles (all sources) provide a significant effect compared to the Elite S allele (binary comparison).

[0317] The combination of QTL11 and QTL8 was also evaluated. Figure 8 shows that the combination provides a synergistic increase in the resistance to TSWV, in comparison to the presence of QTL11 or QTL8 alone.Example 8: Fine-mapping of QTL11 in biparental segregating populations

[0318] To reduce the size of QTL11 , segregating populations were created from the cross of a susceptible line & a BC2-DH line descending from donor D2 and carrying QTL1 1 only.

[0319] Due to the nature of the trait considered, population percent of resistant plants, the obtained F1 cross had to be further selfed to F2 then F3 generations before phenotyping could be done as described in Example 1.B & Example 1.C.

[0320] To minimize noise during the final phenotypic evaluation, fixed fragments of the QTL were prioritized as much as possible during the selection of plants at F2 stage but background, and part of the QTL for some families, is left segregating in the evaluated F3 material.

[0321] In total, 16 F3 populations were obtained, representing 4 different haplotypes described in Table 8.

[0322] Resistance levels brought by the 7 haplotypes observed on F2 plants were evaluated on their F3 selfing progeny. Since large populations were considered for each haplotype, the residual segregation can be averaged out in the final analysis.

[0323] After adjusting for relevant cofactors, such as the experimental design, the haplotypes could be divided into two groups: a susceptible group and a resistant group. Contrasting the molecular profiles of the two groups enables to reduce the size of the QTL to a region spanning around 8.6Mbp on the Maor 1 .0 reference and corresponding to Haplotype 6 in Table 8.Table 8: Intervals of haplotypes considered for fine-mapping of QTL11Example 9: Genetic Modification of Capsicum Seeds by Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (EMS)

[0324] Seeds of Capsicum plants are to be treated with EMS by submergence of approximately 2000 seeds into an aerated solution of either 0.5% (w / v) or 0.7% EMS for 24 hours at room temperature.

[0325] Approximately 1500 treated seeds per EMS dose are germinated and the resulting plants are grown, preferably in a greenhouse to produce seeds.

[0326] Following maturation, M2 seeds are harvested and bulked in one pool per variety per treatment. The resulting pools of M2 seeds are used as starting material to identify the individual M2 seeds and the plants resistant to TSWV.Example 10: Validation of QTLs in natural infection trialA. Isolate, Maintenance, multiplication and retrieval

[0327] RB-TSWV strain from Spain (Almeria, 2021) is used. Strain is maintained in -80°C, from N. benthamiana infected leaves which is put into a microtube. The RB-TSWV strain is multiplied on Tsw pepper and on N. Benthamiana.

[0328] Inoculation of plants for virus retrieval: N. benthamiana plants are inoculated at 2-3 leaves stage (16-20 days after transplant) with an inoculum prepared from at least 2 different tubes (two dates) of -80°C conservation. Additionally, resistant Tsw pepper plants are inoculated at cotyledon stage (16-20 days after sowing). Inoculum is prepared using classical buffer for mechanical inoculation (0.03 M Phosphate buffer (pH 7-7.2) + 0.2% DIECA. For 100 ml: 0.53 g Na2HPO412H2O + 0.2 g DIECA). 1g of infected leaves into 4mL of buffer + 0.1g of charcoal (25 mg / ml) + 0.1g of carborundum (25 mg / ml). Plants are mechanically inoculated with the inoculum. Inoculum is kept in ice during all the inoculation steps. Plants are put in growth chamber at 25°C night - 28°C and 14 hours light for 10 days.B. Test

[0329] Sowing: Sowing is performed using sowing trays with individual potting. At least 3 repetitions of 8 plants per genotype (for a fixed line) are required. Susceptible controlswere susceptible elite parental lines. No resistant controls were sowed. Additionally, 200 spreader and border plants were sown.

[0330] Planting and trail design: planting occurs at the 4- to 6- leaf stage, at least (~ 6 weeks after sowing). In each tunnel, a single row is planted at the sides and 3 double rows are planted in the middle for a total of 8 rows. Each single row or double row is separated by 80-90 cm, at least. All plants are covered by a plastic sheet to prevent the growing of weeds. Pepper and spreader plants from the same row are separated by 40 cm.

[0331] Experimental design: The trial is performed in three tunnels in Fondi (Italy). One large tunnel is composed of 104 plots while the other 2 smaller tunnels contain 88 plots for a total of 280 plots. A serpentine design has been used to facilitates readings. Moreover, each tunnel has border plants in extremities. Spreader plants are evenly distributed inside the tunnels (every 2 or 3 plots).

[0332] Inoculum preparation: Fresh infected leaves are taken from the first virus multiplication

[0329] . 1g of infected N. Benthamiana leaves for 4mL of buffer + 0.1g of charcoal (25 mg / ml) + 0.1g of carborundum (25 mg / ml) are grinded.

[0333] Inoculation of spreaders: Spreader plants are grown in a greenhouse. The plants are inoculated 4 weeks after sowing, on the 4thtrue leaf. Inoculum is kept in ice during all the inoculation steps..C. Scoring

[0334] The quantitative resistance is characterized by a % of resistant plants in a fixed genotype. To be sure to capture the resistant phenotype, several scoring dates were planned. Scoring dates were also adapted to controls behavior.

[0335] The plants were scored according to the below scale.Scale:Table 9: scoring scale (R= resistant; S=susceptible).

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A Capsicum plant resistant to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), or a plant part, seed or cell thereof, wherein said plant comprises in its genome one or more or all of: a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV; a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV; and a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV.

2. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to claim 1 , wherein:QTL11 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 51 ; and / orQTL8 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 to 79; and / orQTL6 is linked with one or more or all markers selected from the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80 to 85.

3. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 17043391 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; and / orQTL8 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 526397 and 47296783 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; and / orQTL6 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 201321872 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

4. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to claim 1 to 3, wherein the QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 15654002 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

5. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to claim 4, wherein the QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 11880572 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0, preferably the QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by 663841 and 11880572 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1.0, more preferably the QTL1 1 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 3250776 and 11880572 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

6. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to claim 4, wherein the QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 663841 and 13812910 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

7. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to claim 6, wherein the QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 663841 and 65106813812910 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .06.

8. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to claim 6, wherein the QTL11 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 6510686 and 1381291013812910 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

9. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the QTL8 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 1805765 and 34513067 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

10. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the QTL6 is located within a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 200840965 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

11. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:QTL11 is obtainable from a Capsicum annuum plant, representative seeds of which were deposited with the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373, NCIMB 44374 or NCIMB 44375; and / orQTL8 is obtainable from a Capsicum annuum plant, representative seeds of which were deposited with the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44375; and / orQTL6 is obtainable from a Capsicum annuum plant, representative seeds of which were deposited with the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372, NCIMB 44373 or NCIMB 44374.

12. The plant part, seed or cell according to claim 11 , wherein QTL6 is obtainable from a Capsicum annuum plant, representative seeds of which were deposited with the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 44372 or NCIMB 44374.

13. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plant comprising one or more or all of QTL11 , QTL8 and QTL6 in its genome, comprises one or more or all of the following alleles, respectively:

14. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein QTL11 , QTL8 and / or QTL8 is present homozygously or heterozygously in the plant.

15. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to claim 14, wherein QTL1 1 is present homozygously in the plant.

16. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to any one of the preceding claims comprising in its genome a QTL combination selected from:QTL6 and QTL8,QTL6 and QTL11 ,QTL8 and QTL11 , andQTL6, QTL8 and QTL11 , in particular the combination of QTL8 and QTL11 .

17. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to any one of the preceding claims comprising in its genome at least the QTL11 and one or two QTL selected from QTL6 and QTL8.

18. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plant is a Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum pubescens or Capsicum chacoense plant, preferably a Capsicum annuum plant.

19. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plant is an inbred line or a F1 hybrid.

20. The plant, plant part, seed or cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plant is resistant to TSWV race P0 and / or race P1 , preferably race P1 .

21. A Capsicum seed, which can be grown into a Capsicum plant according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A method for identifying and / or selecting a Capsicum plant resistant to TSWV, wherein said method comprises detecting one or more markers linked with a QTL selected from: a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 11 (QTL11) conferring resistance to TSWV; and / or a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 8 (QTL8) conferring resistance to TSWV; and / or a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6 (QTL6) conferring resistance to TSWV.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said marker is linked to one or more of the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 85 and / or wherein said marker is located within 40 cM of any of: a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 17043391 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; a chromosomal region delimited by positions 526397 and 47296783 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; and a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 201321872 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said marker is selected from: the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 51 ; the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 to 79; and / or the markers set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80 to 85.

25. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 14, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 15, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 16, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 23, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 25, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 28, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 30, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 31 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 32, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 33, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TA of SEQ ID NO: 35, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 39, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 47, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 49, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 50 and allele T of SEQ ID NO: 51 .

26. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46.

27. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34 and allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36.

28. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 1 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34 and allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36.

29. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34 and allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36.

30. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40 and allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 .

31. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20 and allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 .

32. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40 and allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 .

33. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 15, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 16, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 23, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 31 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 47 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48, in particular one or more or all alleles selected from allele A of SEQ ID NO: 15, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 16, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 23, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 31 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 47.

34. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 28, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 32, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 33, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 49 and allele T of SEQ ID NO: 51 , in particular one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 28, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 32, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 33, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 49 and allele T of SEQ ID NO: 51.

35. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 1 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 2, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 3, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 4, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 5, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 6, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 7, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 8, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 9, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 10, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 11 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 12, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 13, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 14, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 17, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 18, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 19, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 20, allele GC of SEQ ID NO: 21 , allele T of SEQ ID NO: 22, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 24, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 25, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 26, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 27, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 29, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 30, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 34, allele TA of SEQ ID NO: 35, allele TT of SEQ ID NO: 36, allele AAAG of SEQ ID NO: 37, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 38, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 39, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 40, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 41 , allele G of SEQ ID NO: 42, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 43, allele CGTACTCAATGTA of SEQ ID NO: 44, allele AAT of SEQ ID NO: 45, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 46, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 48 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 50, in particular one or more or all alleles selected from allele A of SEQ ID NO:

14. allele G of SEQ ID NO: 25, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 30, allele TA of SEQ ID NO: 35, allele T of SEQ ID NO: 39 and allele G of SEQ ID NO: 50.

36. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 52, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 54, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 56, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 57, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 58, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 59, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 65, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 70, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72,allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 78 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79.

37. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77, and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79.

38. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76.

39. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 54, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 58, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 70, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79, in particular one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 54, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 58 and allele C of SEQ ID NO: 70.

40. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 52, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 57, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 78 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79, in particular one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 52, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 57 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 78.

41. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 53, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 55, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 56, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 59,allele G of SEQ ID NO: 60, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 61 , allele C of SEQ ID NO: 62, allele C of SEQ ID NO: 63, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 64, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 65, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 66, allele GA of SEQ ID NO: 67, allele TGA of SEQ ID NO: 68, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 69, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 71 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 72, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 73, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 74, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 75, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 76, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 77 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 79, in particular one or more or all of allele G of SEQ ID NO: 56, allele G of SEQ ID NO: 59 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 65.

42. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 83, allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 85.

43. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82 and allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84.

44. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 83 and allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84, in particular allele A of SEQ ID NO: 83.

45. The method of claim 24, comprising the detection of one or more or all alleles selected from allele G of SEQ ID NO: 80, allele A of SEQ ID NO: 81 , allele A of SEQ ID NO: 82, allele TC of SEQ ID NO: 84 and allele A of SEQ ID NO: 85, in particular allele A of SEQ ID NO: 85.

46. A method for identifying a molecular marker linked with a QTL conferring a resistance to TSWV, comprising: a. identifying a molecular marker in the Capsicum genome, in a chromosomal region selected from : a chromosomal region delimited by positions 641782 and 17043391 on chromosome 11 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; a chromosomal region delimited by positions 526397 and 47296783 on chromosome 8 of reference genome Maor 1 .0; and a chromosomal region delimited by positions 192889591 and 201321872 on chromosome 6 of reference genome Maor 1 .0, or a corresponding chromosomal region in another Capsicum genome; b. determining whether an allele or state of said molecular marker is associated with resistance to TSWV in a segregating population comprising Capsicum plants exhibiting said resistance.

47. A method for protecting a field, tunnel, greenhouse or glasshouse of pepper from an infection by TSWV comprising growing a Capsicum plant according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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