Combining ability analysis for green fruit yield and its component traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Chilli is classified under self pollinated crop, natural cross pollination takes place up to the extent of 7 to 60 % (Aiyadurai, 1996). Patel et al. (2001) reported that with natural out crossing the average fruit set with male sterile plants varied from 30.22 to 35.99 per cent and on an average it was 32.79 per cent, which was about 118.60 per cent higher than per cent fruit set on GMS lines with hand pollination (14.44 %). Therefore, greater amount of variability is observed in this crop. Combining ability analysis is used in crop plants for identifying the superior parents for obtaining superior hybrid combinations. Besides, it also helps in characterization of nature and magnitude of gene action for various characters of economic importance. The concept of general and specific combining ability is an especially useful testing procedure that involves the study and comparison of the performance of homozygous inbred lines in cross combinations. The knowledge of gene action for characters helps in employing suitable breeding methodology for their improvement.