Combining ability and gene action in crosses among Asian and Ethiopian genotypes of hot pepper (&lt;i&gt;Capsicum annuum&lt;/i&gt; l. var. annuum)

R Sigvald,C Fininsa,L Desalegne,H Singh,F Marame

doi:10.4314/eajsci.v3i2.53214

Abstract

Lack of availability/scarcity of genetic information has limited improvement work on hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum) in Ethiopia. However, information regarding the types and relative importance of gene actions can be generated using combining ability analysis and utilized in the selection of suitable genotypes for hybridization and for obtaining promising hybrids. This study aimed to generate useful information with respect to combining ability and gene action from p(p + 1)/2 half-diallel crossing pattern using twelve selected hot pepper genotypes of Ethiopian and Asian origins. Twelve parental lines and their 66 F1s were tested in randomized complete block design with three replications at Melkasa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, in 2004/2005 cropping season. Significant GCA and SCA effects were obtained for dry fruit yield per plant and related traits. The results showed the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions with the predominance of the non-additive variances for dry fruit yield per plant and related traits, except for plant height and fruit length. An efficient breeding strategy for hot pepper could, therefore, be based on recurrent selection, inbred-derived hybrids or multiple crossing using genetically diverse hot pepper genotypes.Keywords: Breeding Strategy; Capsicum spp.; Diallel Analysis; Fruit Yield; Genetic Diversity; Hybrids

Highlights

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum), 2n = 24, is a vegetable crop grown and consumed world-wide (Martelli and Quacqarelli, 1983)
The results showed the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions with the predominance of the non-additive variances for dry fruit yield per plant and related traits, except for plant height and fruit length
Estimates of General Combining Ability Effects The estimates of general combining ability (GCA) effects of the parents depicted in Table 3 indicated significant and useful as well as significant and undesirable directions depending on the trait under consideration

Summary

Introduction

Annuum), 2n = 24, is a vegetable crop grown and consumed world-wide (Martelli and Quacqarelli, 1983). The first introduction of hot pepper to Ethiopia was by the Portuguese probably in the 17th century (Huffnagel, 1961). The crop is adapted to different agroecological zones and different local genotypes have evolved. Hot pepper fruits have a high nutritional value, since they contain a considerable amount of vitamin C at green stage and are consumed as a fresh vegetable or, when dried or processed, as spice or condiment. The dried mature fruit of hot pepper is rich in Vitamin A (Poulos, 1993). The pungent types are preferred and have medicinal value; they stimulate saliva and the gastric juices that aid digestion

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion