Genetic divergence in chilli accessions

A study of genetic diversity in 25 chilli genotypes for various characters revealed substantial differences for all the traits. Based on D² values, the genotypes were clustered into eight constellations. Cluster I contained nine genotypes fallowed by cluster-II (four) cluster IV and V (two each). The maximum inter cluster distance (D=12.75) was observed between cluster VI and cluster VIII. The cluster IV recorded maximum intracluster distance (D=5.91). Intercrossing among the genotypes belonging to cluster III, IV and I was suggested to develop high yielding varieties with other desirable characters or may be used as potential donors for future hybridization programme to develop better chilli variety with good fruit yield.