Studies on genetic divergence in chilli genotypes (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Sixteen genotypes of chilli were tested for genetic divergence using D2 analysis in order to ascertain the nature and magnitude of genetic diversity present in the material. Genetic divergence among sixteen genotypes based on fruit yield and its component characters were were grouped into three clusters. The maximum number of nine genotypes was included in cluster-III followed by five genotypes in cluster-I. The highest inter-cluster divergence was observed between the clusters II and III (5.531) which indicated maximum exploitation of heterosis on hybridization. The contribution of various characters towards the total divergence was recorded the highest for fruit girth (40.83 per cent), dry weight of fruits (21.66 per cent), fruit yield per plant (10.83 per cent) and dry matter % of fruits (11 per cent). Thus, it can be concluded that, selection for these traits will be beneficial for future improvement programme of chilli.