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Abstract
Pepper (Capsicum spp.) breeding has evolved through pure line selection of local landraces to hybrid development. This review highlights recent achievements in pepper breeding and the outlook for genetic manipulation and breeding strategies. The scope of the discussion addresses genetic resources, mating systems, breeding methods, breeding objectives, gene symbols and genetic mapping. A forum for international networking is presented. Breeding methods will be refined by improvements to mating schemes. Selection efficiency should improve with the adoption of indices to avert negative effects of selection on fruit shape or quality traits. Selection for yield and yield stability through disease and pest resistance and adaptation to abiotic stress may have a greater impact on the development of new varieties than exploiting yield potential through selection of yield components alone. With a view to continuing to reduce pesticide use in vegetable production, breeding for host resistance to pests and diseases continues to merit attention. [AS]