Variability and Heritability Estimates in Some Reproductive Characters and Yield in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Forty one chilli genotypes were grown in a randomized block design with three replications during autumn-winter season of 2010-11, at the AB block Farm, Kalyani, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India, to estimate variability and heritability for important reproductive and yield characters. In the present experiment genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation estimates closely corresponded with regard to days to 50% flowering, fruit length, placenta length and 1000 seed weight; in others it differed moderately, altogether suggesting low to medium influence of environment in the expression of these characters. Close estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were noted in all characters except fruit width, which imply that contribution towards final phenotypic expression of these characters are mostly genetic rather than environmental. Very high genetic advance as % of mean was recorded in fruit yield/plant and moderately high genetic advance as % of mean was recorded in days to 50% flowering, placenta length, fruit length, number of fruits/plant and number of seeds/plant, indicating that these characters are most likely governed by additive gene action and hence would be rewarding in selection.