Correlation and path analysis studies among biochemical traits and yield in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes

The present investigation was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh to elucidate the interrelationship among seven biochemical traits and fruit yield and to estimate the direct and indirect effects of biochemical traits on yield in seventy one genotypes of chilli comprising 54 F₁ hybrids, 15 parents and two commercial checks. Fruit yield per plant has showed positive, non-significant association with ascorbic acid and capsaicin whereas, it's association with oleoresin was negative and significant. The path analysis revealed that the quality parameters viz., ascorbic acid, capsaicin, red and yellow carotenoids had positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant. Among these four, only red and yellow carotenoids have recorded high positive direct effect indicated that direct selection for fruit yield per plant through these traits will be effective.