Performance of CGMS Lines of Chilli Under Humid Tropical Plains of Kerala

Abstract

Hybridization is a tedious process in chilli due to the hermaphrodite nature of sex and tiny flower size. Male sterility is a fascinating pollination control mechanism that can be employed for heterosis breeding in chilli. The current research investigates the scope of utilizing Cytoplasmic Genic Male Sterile system (CGMS) in chilli for developing hybrids in tropical plains of Kerala. The study was conducted in the Department of Vegetable Science, Kerala Agricultural University, during 2021–2023. The pooled data on various parameters of CGMS lines were subjected to statistical analysis. The lines AVPP9907, AVPP9911, AVPP0516, and AVPP0517 were found to be completely sterile across both seasons. Among the restorers, AVPP9905 recorded significantly superior performance for yield-contributing traits, followed by EC566920. Similarly, among the male sterile lines, AVPP9907 exhibited significantly higher values for yield-contributing characters, followed by VI037614.Traits such as the number of primary and secondary branches per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, and yield per plant were found to contribute substantially to overall yield potential. Characters such as primary and secondary branches per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruits per plant and yield per plant have recorded high values of GCV, PCV, heritability, genetic advance as percent of mean. Correlation analysis revealed that all the six characters had significant positive correlation with yield traits. The identified male sterile lines can be effectively used as a potential female parent in hybridization.