Genetic variation and association among quantitative and qualitative traits to design breeding strategy in red ripe chili (Capsicum annuum L.) under North-Western Himalayas

Abstract

An attempt was made to determine the degree of genetic variability, the association between different characters, direct and indirect effects of component traits on red ripe fruit yield of chili based on the evaluation of thirty-two genotypes during the summer-rainy season 2020. The analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes differed significantly among themselves for all the traits. Based on mean performance, nine genotypes significantly out yielded standard check ‘Him Palam Mirch-2’ for red ripe fruit yield while only three genotypes viz., ‘DPCH-32-11’ (96.16 g) followed by ‘DPCH-40-2’ (87.32 g) and ‘DPCH-38-121’ (75.75 g) recorded significantly highest dry fruit yield compared to ‘Him Palam Mirch-2’. High phenotypic, genotypic coefficient of variation, and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance were recorded for dry fruit yield per plant, marketable red ripe fruits per plant, and red ripe fruit yield per plant indicating that these traits have a strong potential for effective selection. Red ripe fruit yield per plant had a positive association with dry fruit yield per plant, percent marketable red fruits per plant, marketable red fruits per plant, total red fruits per plant, average red fruit weight, average dry fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit and fruit length, thereby emphasizing a special focus on these traits for the improvement of yield. Path analysis further confirmed to focus on these traits to achieve genetic gain and yield advantage in red ripe chili.