Estimation of genetic variability parameters for yield and yield components in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

The study was carried out during kharif 2014-15 at Horticultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur with 71 genotypes (54 F1 hybrids, 15 parents and two commercial checks) of chilli in a randomized block design with three replications to estimate the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for twelve yield and yield attributing traits. Analysis of variance revealed the significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied indicating the presence of sufficient variability in the studied material. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was slightly higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters indicating the some degree of environment influence on their genetic expression. Numbers of fruits per plant and dry fruit yield per plant have registered high estimates of PCV and GCV, whereas no. of seeds per fruit recorded high PCV. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as % of mean was observed for days to 50% flowering, no. of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, average dry fruit weight, no. of seeds per fruit and dry fruit yield per plant. The characters viz. no. of fruits per plant, no. of seeds per fruit and dry fruit yield per plant exhibited high values of PCV, GCV and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as % of mean suggesting that existence of wide range of genetic variability, broad genetic base, less environmental influence, predominance of additive gene action and selection for these traits based on phenotypic would be rewarding.