Genetic variability in local collections of Byadgi chilli (Capsicum annum L) for qualitative and quantitative traits

Abstract

The often-cross pollinated nature of chilli has contributed to the heterogeneous composition of many locally adapted landraces. Byadgi chilli is a famous local variety of chilli grown in Karnataka state and many variants are found. The present work was carried out to assess genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in 22 Byadgi chilli variants and two checks using RCBD with three replications at seed farm, College of Agriculture, Hanumanamatti, UAS, Dharwad. Analysis of variance revealed presence of significant differences among the variants for all the characters studied. Greater magnitude of heritable variation was observed for number of fruits/plant, fruit weight, capsaicin content and dry fruit yield in both Byadgi kaddi and dabbi as reflected by high PCV and GCV estimates. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance over mean was observed for number of fruits/plants, fruit length, fruit weight, capsaicin content, oleoresin content, and dry fruit yield/ha. This indicates that these traits are governed by additive gene action and selection for these characters will be effective. K-2, K-6 and K-7 were found to be on par with check for fruit yield and fruit colour and significantly superior for fruit wrinkles, capsaicin content and oleoresin content. In dabbi D-5 out-performed for fruit yield and oleoresin content.