Heterosis study for different growth and yield traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the extent of heterosis for yield and its contributing traits in 28 F₁ hybrids derived from half diallel crosses among eight genetically diverse chilli genotypes. Among 28 F1 hybrids, hybrid P2 X P3, P3 X P5, P3 X P8, P6 X P7, P6 X P8, P7 X P8 exhibited highest per cent of positive heterosis over better parent, top parent and standard check hybrid and were found to be most promising for fruit yield and other desirable traits. These hybrids demonstrated significant potential for heterosis exploitation and are recommended for further multilocational evaluation and selection. They may also serve as valuable genetic resources in future breeding programmes aimed at developing high yielding and agronomically desirable chilli cultivars.