Project Objectives :-

    Despite recent progress , still there is no general regeneration and transformation protocol available , which is robust enough to be applied to different pepper cultivars.
Such a protocol would open up new possibilities to improve the conditions for the genetic engineering of pepper , e.g. identifying suitable pepper cultivars or explant's tissues susceptible to such modification.

     The main purpose of this study is improvement of antioxidant content in pepper.
In this context it will be essential to evaluate different genotypesof pepper for their antioxidant content and develop methods for in virto regeneration and transformatin of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)applicable to a wide range of genotypes. Therefor, several parameters that may significantly affect the efficiency of regeneration and transformation using different genotypes and explant's tissues will be examined:
(1) Screenig for "suitable" genotypes.
(2) Development of a suitable high efficiency regeneration system .
(3) Development of a suitable transformation system for pepper using A. tumefaciens or particle bombardment.
(4) Engineering carotenoid content in Capsicum fruit
        -Over expression of Lycopene B cyclase (LCY).
        -Antisense of Capsanthin Capsorubin synthese (CCS).
        -Introducing the LCY and CCS antisense genes in pepper genome .
(5) Segrated T1 transgenic pepper line.
(6) Evaluation of transgenic pepper plants for their antioxidant conten.