Genetic correlation and path coefficient studies on yield and biochemical traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L)

An experiment on chilli (Capsicum annuum L) was undertaken to study the genetic correlations and path coefficients among twenty traits under study. Green yield per plant showed positive and significant correlation with average green fruit weight, fruit length and fruit breadth at middle while dry fruit yield exhibited the same with fruit length, green yield per plant and â-carotene content indicating the effective improvement in yield (green and dry) through above characters. Capsaicinoid content showed positive association with number of fruits per plant while average green and dry fruit weight had negative effect on capsaicinoid content in chilli. Positive and significant associations between capsaicinoid content in green and dry chilli, ascorbic acid content in green and red ripe chilli indicated continuous increase in capsaicinoid and ascorbic acid contents with the maturity. Path analysis towards dry yield per plant revealed the importance of average dry fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, green yield per plant and â-carotene content in improvement of dry yield per plant.