Estimation of heterosis for yield and quality components in chilli (<i>Capsicum annuum</i> L.)

Abstract

Ten genotypes including five lines (Kashi Anmol, Pant C-1, Japani Longi, Kashi Sinduri and Pusa Jwala) and five testers (R-Line, VR-339, AKC-89/38, DC-16 and Punjab Lal) of chilli were crossed to derive 25 F₁ hybrids. The 35 genotypes (10 parents and 25 F₁ hybrids) were evaluated for yield and quality (capsaicin and oleoresin) traits. Highly significant correlation was observed between fruit yield per plant and average fruit weight (g). The direct and indirect effect on yield revealed that the maximum direct effect was exhibited by average fruit weight followed by number of fruits per plant via yield per plant. The crosses Pusa Jwala × VR-339, Pusa Jwala × DC-16 and Pant C-1 × VR-339 exhibited higher level of heterobeltiosis for most of the traits. The higher specific combing ability (SCA) for yield was obtained in crosses Kashi Sinduri × Punjab Lal followed by Pant C-1 × VR-339 and Pusa Jwala × VR-339. Among the hybrids, Pusa Jwala × VR-339 had higher yield as well as capsaicin content, moreover, Kashi Sinduri × AKC-89/38 exhibited highest oleoresin content. These best hybrids (Pusa Jwala × VR-339, Kashi Sinduri × Punjab Lal and Pant C-1 × VR-339) might be utilized for further chilli improvement programme.

Key words: Chilli, heterosis, correlation, combining ability, capsaicin, oleoresin.