Combining ability studies for yield and component traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Combining ability for yield and its component traits in chilli was studied in a line x tester mating system. The mean squares due to females, males and female x male were highly significant for all the seven characters, namely plant height, no. of primary branches plant-1, no. of secondary branches plant-1, no. offruits plant-1, fruit length, fruit width and yield plant-1. Higher values of sca for almost all characters over gca indicated preponderance of non-additive gene action for expression of these characters. Parents, A-8, NA-12 and 35-2 were observed to be the good combiners for a number of characters. The F1 hybrids 651-61-10 x A-4, Assam 5B x A-8 and SPS-1 x A-8 were found promising specific combinations for a number of characters including yield. Either one or both parental lines having high gca effects were involved in the crosses having better sca effects. Preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the characters suggested that heterosis breeding might be effective for the improv~mentof yield and its contributing attributes in chilli.