Selection of the superior traits in plants one of the important phenomena of natural selection. Genetic variability in plants also considered one of the important bases of the natural selection, which can open a new way of trait selection in crops. The present investigation was carried out on chillies (Capsicum annuum L.) crop during autumn and winter season of 2021–2022, with the aims of to determine the genetic variability among the genotypes and the heritability in general and genetic advance in percentage of mean. The experimental sample size included 40 genotypes including one check (Kashi Anmol), in a Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. Observation was based upon thirteen quantitative characteristics. For all characteristics, the phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) estimations were greater than the genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV). Ascorbic acid had the greatest phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, followed by fruit yield per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit circumference, pedicle length, plant height, number of fruits per plant, primary branches per plant, and secondary branches per plant. The heritability estimates for various traits ranged from 26.00 (days to mature red ripe stage) to 99.7 (ascorbic acid). The percentage of mean genetic advancement varied from 4.11 to 78.59 percent ascorbic acid (days to mature green stage). As a result of the aforesaid findings, it is possible to infer that there is significant potential for successful crop modification for better yield and yield attributing trait in existing chilli germplasm.

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), variability, GCV, PCV, heritability, genetic advances

The all-yield attributing characters showing high genetic advance provide a broad way for the improvement in genotypes for specific character. Thus, there exist ample scope for improvement in available germplasm to develop new improved varieties of chilli in future.

Dharmendra Bahadur Singh, G.C. Yadav, Prashant, Nitesh Kumar Singh and Anuj Tiwari (2023). Estimates of Genetic variability for Yield and its Attributes and Scope of Selection in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(11): 96-99.