Combining ability analysis in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Six genetically diverse lines/varieties of chilli namely PC-1, Jwala, 339, 7722, 8601 and raj-1 were selected from the germplasm available at Vegetable Research Station, Kalyanpur of C.S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur for making diallel cross to study the combining ability during 1996-97. During 1997-98, 15 F1s and their 6 parents were studies in RBD with three replications. Results indicated that parents namely Pant C-1, 339 & 7722 were best general combiners for yield, earliness & pod characters. The hybrids 8601 x 7722, PC-1x339 and 8601 X Raj-1 were best specific crosses for several characters on the basis of specific combining ability effect. The results suggested exploitation of hybrid vigour in chilli.