Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in F4 Population of the Cross JNA1 and Byadgi Dabbi in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
V. Hanumanth Nayak *
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Raichur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, 584104, Karnataka, India.
Rakesh S. Patil
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Raichur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, 584104, Karnataka, India.
B. V. Tembhurne
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Raichur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, 584104, Karnataka, India.
Poornima
MARS, Raichur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, 584104, Karnataka, India.
Hasan Khan
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Kalaburgi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, 584104, Karnataka, India.
Harshitha M
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Dharwad, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, 580005, Karnataka, India.
Sampathkumar M V
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Raichur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, 584104, Karnataka, India.
Yashashwini M H
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Raichur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, 584104, Karnataka, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), an annual herb of the Solanaceae family (2n=24), originated in Tropical America and was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Among the 30 species of Capsicum, five are cultivated, with C. annuum being the most commercially important due to its high economic and nutritional value. Its fruits are rich in vitamins A, C and E, and bioactive compounds like capsaicin, capsanthin and oleoresin, which have culinary, industria, and medicinal applications. The present study evaluated genetic variability and trait associations in F4 population of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) derived from the cross JNA1 × Byadgi dabbi. Conducted during the late Kharif season of 2024-25 at UAS, Raichur, the experiment involved 45 F4 lines and four check varieties in an Augmented Block Design. Eleven morphological and yield-related traits were recorded. Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic differences for most traits, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. Descriptive statistics and high coefficients of variation for fruit diameter, test weight, fruit weight per plant and dry fruit yield per plant confirmed this variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean were observed for fruit length, chlorophyll content and leaf area, suggesting strong additive gene action. Correlation analysis showed that dry fruit yield per plant had strong, significant positive correlations with fruit weight per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, test weight and plant height. These traits emerged as reliable indicators for yield improvement. In contrast, fruit diameter, number of primary branches and days to 50% flowering had weak or non-significant correlations with yield. The findings underscore the genetic potential within the F4 population. Traits with high heritability and strong yield associations should be prioritized for selection in chilli breeding programs.
Keywords: F4, population, Byadgi dabbi, genetic variability, GCV, PCV, correlation