Combining ability and gene action analysis for fruit yield and associated traits in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) using a Line × Tester mating design

Combining ability analysis is an effective methodology for selecting superior parents and crosses for hybrid development in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The present experiment was undertaken to assess general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) and nature of gene action governing fruit yield and associated traits. A total of 72 F1 hybrids were produced by crossing eight testers with nine elite lines in a Line × Tester mating design. The hybrids along with their 17 parents were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in three environments (Bengaluru, Munugudu and Satthanapalle) during kharif 2025-2026. The combined analysis of variance indicated significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect of environment for all the studied traits indicating considerable genetic variability and differential genotypic responses across environments. Line × Tester analysis identified several parents with good GCA effects for fruit yield and associated traits. Significant positive SCA effects for fruit yield per plant were observed in the hybrids H17, H65, H8, H67 and H55 indicating the importance of specific parental combinations for the exploitation of heterosis. The relative importance of SCA variance over GCA variance for all the studied traits indicated the major role of non-additive gene action in trait inheritance. The superior general combiners and promising hybrids identified in the present study provide valuable genetic resources for the breeding of high-yielding commercial hot pepper hybrids and future breeding programmes.