Genetic analysis for some plant and fruit traits, and its implication for a breeding program of hot pepper (Capsicum...

Two separate field experiments were conducted on hot pepper in which the genetic, heritability and environmental components of variation for seven plant and fruit traits in 78 genotypes and gene effects for four fruit traits in six generations of five crosses were estimated. The objectives were to determine the variation and effects of genes controlling inheritance of plant and fruit traits, and to propose efficient breeding procedures for improving the crop. Analysis of variance in half-diallel crosses revealed the presence of total genetic variability for seven traits among the 78 experimental entries with an excess of over-dominance genes. The presence of unequal distributions of dominant genes with positive and negative effects was observed among the parents and indicated the need to be cautious while selecting hot pepper parents for breeding purposes. Significant variability was also revealed in environmental sensitivity among the 78 experimental entries for some traits along with high heritability, which could be an advantage for a plant breeder but provides less clear opportunities for an agronomist to achieve better plant and fruit traits. Progeny generations (F(1), F(2), B(1) and B(2)) were found to perform better for fruit traits than their parents (P(1) and P(2)). The presence of significant gene interactions indicated a polygenic inheritance of the fruit traits studied and the possibility of pyramiding favorable alleles in the required directions at different levels of progeny generations. Heterosis, backcrossing, multiple crossing and pedigree breeding methods with recurrent selection may facilitate simultaneous exploitation of the genetic components and gene effects obtained. Nevertheless, it is doubtful whether selection efforts within the current set of hot pepper parents would be beneficial to achieve superior fruit traits for developing new varieties.