Evaluation of paprika (Capsicum annum L.) lines and hybrids for yield and colour

Abstract

An investigation was carried out in paprika (Capsicum annum) to study the extent of heterosis, combining ability and thereby to locate high yielding paprika hybrids with high colour and ascorbic acid. Data obtained from 21 hybrids of 7 lines x 3 testers were subjected to RBD and Line x Tester analysis. The mean performance of hybrids was superior over their parents for most of the yield and quality parameters. Non-additive gene effects were predominant for fruit length, fruit number; dry fruit, yield, percent pedicel, ascorbic acid and capsaicin content whereas additive genes were found to be predominant for pericarp, seed and capsanthin content. However, involvement of additive and non-additive gene effects were observed for fruit width. Among female parents L1 showed significant gca effects for 7 out of 10 characters studied, excluding number of fruits per plant, dry fruit yield and ascorbic acid content; L2 showed significant gca effects for the similar characters as L1 except fruit length. Among male parents T1 had significant gca effects for quality parameters and pericarp yield. The data on magnitude of heterosis over better parent, best parent and commercial check revealed the superiority of some outstanding cross combinations. Considering total yield, yield of pericarp and quality parameters like capsanthin, capsaicin and ascorbic acid content, two hybrids of paprika type and are comparable with best parent L1 for capsanthin and parent L2 for capsanthin content. They have fairly high ascorbic acid content and suitable for paprika Oleoresin industry. 87