Diallel analysis of yield and its components in processing hot pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Capsicum chinense Jacq. plays a pivotal role in imparting pungency and flavour to cuisines in the Caribbean. Despite its popularity, hot pepper production in the region has declined. A major constraint has been the low yields associated with cultivation of uncharacterised landraces, high cost of production and poor profitability. Although breeding high yielding varieties has been recognised as critical to expanding production and profitability, it has been impeded by the limited understanding of yield components and their genetics. The objective of the study was to understand the inheritance of yield, yield components and partitioning components. Progenies of a 9 - 9 half diallel mating design were evaluated in an open field experiment in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Considerable genetic variation was observed for all 12 yield components except for flowers per node. Diallel analysis revealed predominance of non-additive genetic effects for most yield components except fruits per cluster, clusters per plant and reproductive efficiency. The narrow sense heritability for clusters per plant, fruits per cluster, reproductive efficiency, harvest index and shoot dry weight was moderate to high, but was low for yield, fruit number and average fruit weight. Breeding methods to improve yield are discussed.