Both common and specific genetic factors are involved in polygenic resistance of pepper to several potyviruses.

Absolute resistance to potato virus Y pathotype 0 (PVY 0), potyvirus E and chili veinal mottle virus (CVMV) and a partial resistance to potato virus Y pathotype 1,2 (PVY 1,2) were found in an Indian pepper line, 'Perennial'. In the doubled haploid (DH) progeny from the F1 of a cross 'Perennial' by 'Yolo Wonder', resistance to CVMV was confered by two independent genes, one with a clear dominant effect. Resistance to PVY and potyvirus E was quantitatively expressed and controlled by several recessive genetic factors. Genetic analysis showed that fewer resistance factors were necessary to explain resistance to PVY (0) and potyvirus E than resistance to PVY(1,2). Genetic correlations between resistances to the different potyviruses in the DH progeny showed that most of genetic factors involved in PVY(0) resistance appear to be also involved in potyvirus E resistance, and some of these polyvalent factors may be also involved in PVY(1,2) resistance but, in this case, additional specific genes were necessary. One of the two CVMV resistance genes seems to be implicated in potyvirus E resistance. Thus, the polygenic resistance of 'Perennial' to these potyviruses was due both to polyvalent genetic factors, i.e. factors that apparently interact with several viruses, and strain-specific genetic factors.