Pan-genome landscape of the JAZ family in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): core-variable architecture and hormone crosstalk in leaves

serving as multi-hormone integrators. This study provides the first pan-genome atlas of the pepper JAZ family, revealing that structural variation (PAV/CNV/motif anomalies) and promoter architecture underlie adaptive diversification. The identification of core versus variable haplotypes offers precise genetic targets for breeding climate-resilient pepper varieties with optimized growth-defense trade-offs.