Variability, heritability and correlation studies in chilli (Capsicum spp.) under shade

Seventy genotypes of chilli belonging to Capsicum annuum (35), C. frutescens (20) and C. chinense (15) were evaluated in open and 25% shade to estimate variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation coefficients. Higher phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed for fruits/plant, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, yield and leaf area in both open and 25% shade. Heritability and genetic advance were also higher for these characters in open and 25% shade, indicating the possibility of selection to improve these characters. A significant positive correlation of economic traits like fruits/plant, fruit length, fruit weight with yield was recorded suggesting that selection for these characters would lead to improvement in yield both in open and 25% shade.