Division of Vegetable Science, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi 110 012.
1Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat 791 102 (Arunachal Pradesh).
The genetic diversity was studied in 30 genotypes of chilli using 14 quantitative traits. D2 analysis using Tocher's method resulted in eight clusters representing the genetic diversity among the genotypes studied. The cluster I (ACS 2000–02, Green Wonder, Motikeera 39) representing genotypes with highest fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight and ascorbic acid could be selected if the aim of the breeding programme is to improve any of these traits. The cluster VIII having a single genotype Pusa Sadabahar, possesses either higher or lower value for most of the traits, justifying its inclusion as a separate cluster. Cluster VII (DCL 228, DCL 335, DCL 901, DCL 001, DCL 268, Red Star, Soldier, DCL 344 and DCL 266) topped in having maximum number of genotypes among clusters formed, while maximum inter-cluster distance was noticed between cluster I and cluster VIII. Cluster I and VIII were identified as important clusters with respect to various traits. Therefore, the genotypes in these two clusters may be utilized in multiple breeding programmes to recover transgressive segregants with desirable combinations. The genotypes incluster VI (RC 1–1, DCL-008) exhibiting high yield might be tested for their stability for few years in multilocation trials and if found suitable, may be directly adopted as high yielding varieties. Cluster VII topped in having maximum number of genotypes among clusters formed, while maximum inter-cluster distance was noticed between cluster I and cluster VIII. Cluster I and VIII were identified as important clusters with respect to various traits. Therefore, the genotypes in these two clusters may be utilized in multiple breeding programmes to recover transgressive segregants with desirable combinations.
Capsicum annuum, Genetic diversity, Cluster, Chilli
