Variability and character association in chilli landraces and genotypes under arid environment

The extent of genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance as per cent of mean and correlation coefficients in respect of 17 quantitative characters in 30 chilli genotypes were studied under hot arid environment. There was high phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations for red ripe fruit yield per plant (44.20 and 42.91), followed by green fruit yield per plant, weight of seeds per fruit, fruit weight and number of fruits per plant. High heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, and number of seeds per fruit, which could be improved by simple selection. A significant positive correlation of economic traits like green fruit yield per plant, fruit weight, fruit diameter, number of seeds per fruit and weight of seeds per fruit with red ripe fruit yield was recorded suggesting that selection for these characters could lead to improvement in yield. Path analysis revealed that red ripe fruit weight followed by green fruit yield per plant, weight of seeds per fruit and number of branches per plant had maximum direct effects on red ripe fruit yield. Thus emphasis should be given on these characters to improve yield potential. The traits such as green and red ripe fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, green and red ripe fruit weight and number of seeds per fruit are important yield contributing characters and deserve due weightage, while formulating selection strategies for improvement of chilli under arid conditions.