The Study on Genetic Variability in Chilli Landraces

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted during summer and winter season, 2020 and summer season, 2021 at the Experimental Farm of Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station Dhaulakuan, District Sirmour (HP), Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The experimental material comprising of variable 19 chilli landraces which were collected from different villages of Block Shillai and compared with the recommended cultivar DKC-8. The data were analyzed and the inferences were drawn for PCV and GCV, heritability (%) and genetic advance, High PCV and GCV were recorded for green fruit yield plant-1. Heritability was recorded maximum for all the traits under study and high value of genetic advance at 5 per cent selection intensity was recorded for green fruit yield per plant, number of green fruits per plant. These findings highlight the substantial genetic variability among local chilli landraces and their potential as valuable genetic resources. The study clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of selection in improving yield-related traits, indicating that these landraces can be effectively utilized in breeding programs aimed at enhancing chili productivity and adaptation.