Character association and path co-efficient analysis studies on yield and yield attributing characters in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Seventy one genotypes (54 F1 hybrids, 15 parents and two commercial checks) of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) were evaluated at Horticultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh to carry out the correlation studies between twelve quantitative traits and to estimate the direct and indirect effects of yield attributing traits on yield per plant. The phenotypic and genotypic association of fruit yield per plant was significant and positive with plant height, plant spread, number of fruits per plant and days to fruit maturity indicating the importance of these traits in selection for yield. The path analysis revealed that the direct contribution of number of fruits per plant and average dry fruit weight was high and positive on yield per plant. Whereas, it was moderate, positive for days to fruit maturity and low, positive for fruit length indicated that its true relationship with yield and direct selection based on these traits may be helpful in evolving high yielding genotypes of chilli.