Evaluation, genetic variability, correlation and path analysis studies in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes

The experimental materials comprising of fourteen chilli genotypes including ‘Surajmukhi’ as standard check were evaluated to examine the nature of variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and association of various traits with marketable yield. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes in terms of both quantitative and qualitative traits. The yield potential of two genotypes, Him Palam Mirch-2 and DPCh-101 was significantly higher than that of check ‘Surajmukhi’. High PCV and GCV was recorded for average green fruit weight, marketable green fruits per plant, non-marketable green fruits per plant and total green fruits per plant. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for primary branches per plant, internodal length, secondary branches per plant, fruit length, average green fruit weight, marketable green fruits per plant, non–marketable green fruits per plant, total green fruits per plant and marketable fruit yield per plant. Correlation studies showed that marketable green fruits per plant, total green fruits per plant, per cent marketable green fruits per plant and fruit girth had positive significant association, with marketable yield per plant indicating the importance of these traits in selection for yield. Path analysis revealed that total green fruits per plant, average green fruit weight, percent marketable green fruits per plant, fruit length, primary branches per plant and days to first harvest had the maximum positive direct effect on marketable green fruit yield per plant indicating that these traits are the main contributors to fruit yield. Based on these results, it can be concluded that due consideration should be focused on primary and secondary branches, fruit length, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and harvest duration for genetic improvement of chilli.