Combining ability in chilli

Extent of combining ability and reciprocal effects were studied in a 8 × 8 diallel cross in chilli (Capsicum annuurn L.) for non-edible, seed and shell ratio in fruits. Combining ability analysis indicated importance of both general and specific combining ability variances for non-edible, seed and shell ratio. Significant reciprocal effects were observed in all the three characters, in both F₁ and F₂ generation. General combining ability × year inter-action was more than specific combining ability x year for all the characters. Parent 5438 was the best general combiner for non-edible and shell ratio, whereas the parent 5417 was the best combiner for seed ratio. The crosses 5439 × 6004, 5416 × 6004 and 5403 × 5438 in that order were the best specific combinations for non-edible, seed and shell ratio in F₁s whereas the progenies of cross 5439 × 5416, 5403 × 5438 and 5403 × 6004 were found to be the best in F₂ generation for non edible, seed and shell, respectively. Reciprocal differences were also significant in few crosses. Under such circumstances recurrent selection may be useful in handling such populations.