GENETIC DIVERGENCE, HERITABILITY AND GENETIC ADVANCE IN CHILLI (CAPS/CUM ANNUUM L.)

Abstract

Genetic divergence, heritability and genetic advance for 10 characters in 32 genotypes of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) were studied. Based on 0 2 values, the genotypes were clustered in 11 gene constellations. Grouping of genotypes in different clusters was not related to their geographical origin. Considerable amount of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation was observed for leaf area index, fruits/plant, fruit weight, and total yield, indicating existence of greater diversity for these characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean and genetic coefficients of variation was observed in respect of leaf area index, fruits/plant, fruit weight, seeds/fruit, plant height and fruit length, indicating that these characters are under control of additive gene or nonenvironmental effects and could be dependable for yield improvement in chillies.