Prediction of heterosis and combining ability for yield and yield characters at seedling stage in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

An attempt was made to predict heterosis and combining ability for yield and yield components at seedling stage in crosses between 12 powdery mildew resistant (PMR) lines and 3 powdery mildew susceptible (PMS) testers of sweet pepper. Heterosis over MP, BP and the best parent was recorded for seedling height, number of leaves, growth rate, leaf production per week, and number of basal and secondary roots at transplanting. Results of line X tester analysis and correlation studies suggest that F₁ hybrids with high sca effects and parents with high gca effects for yield and yield components can be identified at seedling stage using parameters like height at transplanting and seedling growth rate.