Assessment of Combining Ability and Per se Performance of CGMS Based Hybrids in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Through L×T Design

Exploitation of male sterility in Chilli offers an efficient and strategic approach to maximizing heterosis for hybrid development. Aim: The present research investigates combining ability, per se performance and gene action in chilli by using CGMS lines through L T mating design. Location of Study: The present study was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University from May 2022 to November 2024. Methodology: Combining ability was assessed using a Line Tester mating design involving twenty four crosses. Three male sterile lines and eight testers were used to generate twenty four F₁ hybrids. F₁ seeds, obtained from the male sterile lines, were subsequently grown for hybrid evaluation and combining ability analysis. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) and conducted under a rain shelter structure. Results: Combining ability analysis serves as a fundamental and highly effective tool for identifying desirable parents in breeding programs. Variance due to GCA and SCA showed significant and non-significant effects across different traits. The CGMS lines AVPP0517 and AVPP9907 along with tester Ujwala, Anugraha, VI059382 and AVPP9703 showed significant GCA for yield and other component trait. Highest significantly positive SCA recorded in AVPP0516 Anugraha (34.25) for fruits plant-1. These crosses are also exhibited desirable SCA and the highest per se performance for yield plant-1 with highest SCA in AVPP0516 Anugraha (176.55) and AVPP0517 VI059382 (172.57). Among the lines, AVPP9907 exhibited positive GCA for plant height, whereas the cross AVPP0517 LC217 recorded the highest SCA for this trait. Three hybrids AVPP0516 Anugraha, AVPP0517 VI059382 and AVPP9907 Ujjwala were identified as most promising based on combining ability studies and per se performance. Conclusion: The analysis of gene action revealed that non-additive gene action predominantly influenced the expression of most the traits. The inheritance pattern strongly emphasized the importance of a hybrid breeding strategy for enhancing specific traits in Chilli.