Evaluation of F2 Segregating Population of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) for Yield and Leaf Curl Virus Resistance

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important vegetable crop, cultivated worldwide for its fruits which are valued for pungency, flavor, and nutritional benefits. However, chilli production is significantly restricted by various biotic stresses, especially the Chilli leaf curl virus (CLCV). The present study was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University during 2020-2021 to evaluate the F2 segregating population of chilli crosses viz., CHIVAR-6 x Sel-4 and CHIVAR-10 x Sel-3 for yield and leaf curl virus resistance. Evaluation of vegetative and yield related traits was conducted on these populations under the field conditions. Significant variability was observed for various traits such as plant height, fruits per plant, fruit length, yield per plant and resistance to leaf curl virus. The scoring for chilli leaf curl virus was done and based on the scoring the segregants were categorized into highly resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible, susceptible and highly susceptible. Among the F2 population of the first cross, fruits per plant, plant height, fruit weight and fruit girth showed high and positive correlation with yield per plant. The segregants of the second cross recorded significant positive correlation for fruits per plant, plant height and fruit length with yield. The results of the study provide valuable insights into breeding for both high yield and leaf curl virus resistance, crucial for enhancing chilli production under the challenging situations.