Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Fruit Yield and Yield Related Traits of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Landrace Genotypes at Raare Research Station, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Hot pepper is an important spice used for flavoring, taste enhancement and coloring of food worldwide, with demand increasing over time. Methods: The present study was conducted on 2022/2023 season to assess genetic variability in landrace accessions, characterize associations among traits and perform multivariate analysis under semi-irrigation conditions. The study evaluated 19 landrace and one improved hot pepper genotype using 12 quantitative and 9 qualitative parameters. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed as the experimental design. Result: High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, along with high genetic advance coupled with high heritability, were recorded for yield per plot, number of fruits per plant and fruit width, suggesting the potential for improvement through selection. Genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than their respective phenotypic correlation coefficients, indicating inherent associations among traits beneficial for breeding purposes. The results revealed that genotypic correlation of fruit yield per plot was highly significant and positively correlated with the number of fruits per plant (rg=0.370). The number of fruits per plant showed a high positive correlation with dry fruit yield per plot due to its high direct effect and indirect effects through plant height, number of flowers per plant, days to harvest and fruit width. Path analysis indicated that the number of fruits per plant exerts a direct positive effect on fruit yield through plant height, number of flowers per plant, days to harvest and fruit width. Therefore, selection based on these traits would be crucial for developing high-yielding varieties.