“Biometrical studies in chilli (Capsicum spp.) genotypes of North East India”
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Date
2022-09-12
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College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat -791102
Abstract
In the present study, single descriptors such as, intermediate growth habit (65.71%), intermediate branching habit (54.29%), pale green leaf colour (42.86%), lanceolate leaf shape (40%), intermediate flower position (45.71%), white corolla colour (82.85%), calyx pigmentation (11.43%), elongate fruit shape (77.14%), pointed shape at blossom end of fruit (74.29%), smooth fruit surface (74.29%), green fruit colour at maturity (62.86%), red fruit colour at ripe stage (62.86%), absence of anthocyanin spots on fruit (71.43%) were observed more predominantly than remaining descriptors for each of the 14 morphological traits. Highest value for yield was recorded for CHFCG-30 (344.40 g) and CHFCG-19 was observed to have earliness among all the genotypes. The high GCV and PCV (>30%) values for fruit length, fruit width, fresh weight of fruit, dry weight, fresh to dry weight ratio of fruit, number of seeds per fruit and fruit yield indicated huge genetic variability among the genotypes. High heritability accompanied with high genetic advance were observed in fruit width, fresh and dry weight of fruit, fresh to dry weight ratio, number of seeds per fruit which might be due to additive gene action. Correlation coefficient revealed that fruit yield per plant had significant positive correlation with fruit length, fruit width, fruit pedicel length, fresh weight, dry weight of fruit, number of seeds per fruit and 100 seed weight. Path coefficient analysis indicated maximum direct effect and significant positive association with fruit yield per plant through days to first fruiting, fruit length, fresh weight of fruit and number of seeds per fruit both genotypically and phenotypically. Among quantitative characters, fresh to dry weight ratio (51.60%), dry weight (21.68%), fruit width (9.24%) were the most contributing traits towards genetic diversity. Among biochemical parameters, capsanthin (52.10%) followed by ascorbic acid (19.83%), capsaicin (19.66%) contributed dominantly towards diversity. Six clusters based on quantitative traits were found wherein; Cluster V and Cluster VI had highest inter-cluster distance (13953.39). Cluster V had highest mean value for fruit yield per plant (344.40 g). Based on biochemical parameters, five clusters were recorded wherein, Cluster II and Cluster III had highest inter-cluster distance (137.93). Cluster II had highest values for TSS and ascorbic acid (5.97 0Brix, 251.95 mg/100g), Cluster IV had highest value for total chlorophyll (2.12 mg/g), Cluster V had highest value for capsaicin (2.09%), Cluster III had highest value for capsanthin (155.76 ASTA units). Overall, the genotypes exhibited abundant variability which can be exploited for further chilli crop improvement.
Description
Chilli (Capsicum spp. L., 2n=2x=24) is one of the major solanaceous vegetable cum spice crop originated in Central to South American region. India is a major producer, consumer and exporter of green and dry chilli in the world. Chilli is a rich source of vitamin A, C, K, calcium, phosphorus and it is mainly grown for its characteristic flavour and pungency. There are 25 to 30 wild types of chilli in the world and mainly 5 species (Capsicum annum var. annum, Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum, Capsicum pubescens, Capsicum chinense and Capsicum frutescens) are recognized and domesticated. Gangetic plains, North Eastern foothills of Himalayas and Southern Peninsular region of India possess wide diversity of chilli. Despite having wide variability in chilli genotypes in North East India, the production and productivity is below the national average owing to cultivation of unimproved cultivars coupled with high incidence of pests and diseases. Therefore, it is paramount to characterize the variability of chilli genotypes available in the region and identity superior genotypes for commercial cultivation as well as for future use in chilli breeding. With this background, the present investigation entitled, “Biometrical studies in chilli (Capsicum spp.) genotypes of North East India” was carried out during 2021-22 at the Vegetable Research Farm, College of Horticulture and Forestry, CAU (Imphal), Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh with the objective to identify the variability in 35 chilli genotypes collected from different parts of North East India based on morphological and biochemical parameters.