Heterosis for biochemical traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

An experiment was conducted to estimate the magnitude of heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for seven biochemical traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). A total of 54 F₁ hybrids were developed by crossing nine lines with six testers using line (L) x tester (T) fashion design. A total of 71 genotypes (54 F₁ hybrids along with their 15 parents and 2 commercial checks) were evaluated using randomized block design during kharif season. Analysis of variance for L × T revealed significant differences among the parents and crosses for all the seven characters studied indicating the presence of wide range of variability among them. The hybrids LCA 355 × LCA 678, LCA 504 × G4, LCA 654 × G4, LCA 654 × LCA 705-2, LCA 654 × G4, LCA 466 × LCA 453 and LCA 355 × LCA 678 appeared to be promising for ascorbic acid, oleoresin, capsaicin, red carotenoids, yellow carotenoids, total carotenoids and total colour value, respectively, thereby significant heterosis in desirable direction over the best check. Cross LCA 466 × LCA 453 was the most promising hybrid for colour parameters over the best check Indam-5 for red caroteanoids, total carotenoids and total colour value. The identified promising hybrids could be further utilized in future breeding programmes to obtain desirable segregates for development of superior genotypes with quality traits.