Studies on parameters of genetic variability for yield and its attributing traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Chilli is an important vegetable as well as spice crop of India. Being an important commercial crop, it finds diverse utilities as a spice, condiment, culinary supplement, medicine, vegetable and ornamental plant. The important states growing chilli are Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Chilli has two important commercial qualities, red colour due to pigment capsanthin and biting pungency attributed by capsaicin. Importance of genetic variability in any breeding material is a pre-requisite as it provides not only a basis for selection but also some valuable information regarding selection of diverse parents for use in hybridization programme. The plant breeder has to identify the sources of favourable genes, incorporate them in breeding populations and aim for isolation of productive genotypes and cultivars.