Tehran – Iranian researchers have successfully produced and genetically evaluated pure pepper lines, marking a critical first step toward developing high-yield, high-quality hybrid varieties adapted to the country's diverse climate.

 

According to Sasan Keshavarz, a researcher at the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, the process uses reverse engineering and genetic purification of existing hybrid seeds.

 

“The achievement is expected to reduce reliance on hybrid seed imports, save foreign currency, boost farmers' incomes, and strengthen Iran's long-term food security.”

 

Keshavarz explained that creating pure lines and rigorously assessing their quantitative and qualitative traits is the foundation of breeding programs for superior hybrids.

 

Since peppers are not native to Iran and the country lacks a rich genetic resource for this crop, reverse engineering has become an essential strategy for obtaining desirable pure lines, the official said.

 

The researcher noted that “this project—along with similar initiatives—will deliver significant economic and social benefits, including reduced seed import dependence, foreign currency savings, improved farmer livelihoods through high-quality marketable produce, support for food processing industries, and a more resilient seed sector contributing to sustainable food security in Iran.”