Assessment of genetic diversity in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes for maturity duration, yield, and quality attributes

Abstract

Chilli also known as hot pepper is an essential vegetable that is grown all around the world. It is a good source of minerals and vitamins but its yield in Pakistan is lower than average yield of the world. Chilli has been facing several edaphic factors such as temperature fluctuations, drought and soil conditions in Pakistan. Consequently, its growth and yield are reducing significantly. The impact of climate conditions on chili production is a critical concern, particularly due to the extended growth period of chili crops, which exposes them to a heightened risk of insect infestations and diseases while they remain in the fields. The current study was conducted to evaluate chilli germplasm collection comprising of 50 genotypes for maturity duration and yield. The experiment was conducted in Augmented Block Design (ABD) with two high yielding check varieties. The data regarding various morphological (days to 50 % flowering, days to 50 % fruiting, plant height, etc.) and quality (guaiacole peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase etc.) traits was collected. The results were subsequently analysed using the ANOVA technique. The LSD method was used for the comparison of means. The correlation among various metrics was also determined using Pearson’s correlation. The genetic variation across 50 genotypes of chilli was investigated by doing analysis of variations for each parameter. A highly significant variable with varieties is shown in the analysis of variations among every single parameter of the chilli genotypes when intervention adjustment is evaluated alongside all parameters. The research made it very clear that overall fruit output is critical, thus finding a genotype with a high yield is essential. The genotypes with the greatest recorded yields were R-56 (4381.6), R-49 (1569.1), R-74 (3597.4), and R-83 (1068.3). This finding suggests that four different genotypes have the ability to mature early and produce a lot of fruit.