Estimation of Genetic Variability and Trait Association for Yield and Yield Related Traits of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

The selection of superior traits in plants is a key component of natural selection. Genetic diversity in plant populations is one of the fundamental drivers of natural selection and serves as a valuable resource for crop improvement through trait selection. The present experiment was conducted on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) during the autumn–winter season of 2024–2025, with the primary objective of assessing the genetic variability, heritability (in the broad sense), and genetic advance as a percentage of mean among chilli genotypes. The experimental material consisted of 35 genotypes, including a check variety (Kashi Anmol), laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Observations were recorded for thirteen quantitative traits. Among all the traits, the highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were observed for ascorbic acid content (39.13% and 37.48%, respectively), followed by average fruit weight (35.45% and 31.86%), fruit yield per plant (34.54% and 31.84%), fruit length (28.11% and 22.83%), and plant height (22.65% and 19.45%). Heritability (in the broad sense) estimates ranged from 24.56% (in days to mature red ripe stage) to 98.18% (in ascorbic acid content). High heritability was recorded for ascorbic acid (98.18%), followed by fruit yield per plant (94.37%), pedicel length (90.00%), average fruit weight (88.68%), fruit length (88.00%), number of fruits per plant (79.89%), and plant height (74.90%). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that there exists substantial genetic variability within the studied chilli genotypes. The high heritability coupled with high genetic advance for key traits such as ascorbic acid content, fruit yield, and fruit size indicates that selection would be effective and genetic improvement through breeding is feasible. Therefore, there is ample scope for successful crop enhancement aimed at improving yield and yield-attributing traits in the current chilli germplasm.