Genetic architecture and trait relationship in bell pepper under sub-temperate conditions of North-Western Himalayas

An experiment was conducted during 2004-2005 to generate genetic information on economic traits in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) to estimate genetic variation for thirteen traits including fruit yield. Trait association was also studied with correlation analysis. Significant genetic variation was observed for all the traits among twenty five diverse genotypes revealed presence of sufficient variability for these traits, which was confirmed by broad range of variability. Little or no difference of genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) in all the traits indicated that these were less influenced by environment. Estimates of PCV were high for fruit yield, fruits/plant and marketable fruits/plant, indicating the role of additive genes. High heritability alongwith high genetic advance was recorded for fruit yield/plant, indicating role of additive gene action for its inheritance. However, days to 50% flowering, days to first picking, branches/plant and harvest duration had high to moderate heritability with low genetic advance, indicating the role of non-additive genes. The genotypic correlation indicated strong inherent association among fruits/plant, marketable fruits/plant, harvest duration and average fruit weight with fruit yield/plant, which could be considered as one of the important selection criteria in improvement of fruit yield. The lines SKAU-SP-633-1, EC 464107, SKAU-SP-625-4 and SKAU-SP-601 recorded the highest yield and can be considered as a remunerative off-season crop during summer and rainy season in sub-temperate conditions of North-Western Himalayas.