Thirty genotypes were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications in rabi seasons of the year 2016-17 at the experimental, field of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Rajendranagar. Results indicated that in the year 30 genotypes were grouped into eleven highly divergent clusters. Some of genotypes were so divergent in all the character; hence each single genotype formed a separate cluster. Thus seven clusters viz., IV (EC-391088), V (IC-255958), VI (IC-255944), VIII (EC- 390033), IX (IC-208591), X (EC-399569), XI (IC-255916) were solitary with one genotype in each cluster. The two genotypes were, hence they have formed two separate clusters viz., II (LCA-999, LCA-620), VII (IC25913, LCA-625). The remaining two clusters were having maximum number of genotypes. Cluster II was biggest with 10 genotypes followed by Cluster III was found with 9 genotypes. The intra cluster D2 values ranged from 0.00 (Cluster VI, V, VI, VIII, IX, X and XI) to 139.55

Chilli, Genotypes, Genetic divergence, Clusters, Improvement.

On the basis of present investigation, we could conclude that, the selection of genotypes from Thus seven clusters viz., IV (EC-391088), V (IC-255958), VI (IC-255944), VIII (EC-390033), IX (IC-208591), X (EC-399569), XI (IC-255916). Can be utilized as potential parents and crossing between this genotypes results is high heterotic expression for high yield and its components. So the genotypes from above clusters may be including in hybridization programme for obtaining superior and desirable recombinants. Hence, it will be rewarding to bring improvement in chilli.

Srinivas, J., Reddy, K.R., Saidaiah, P., Anitha, K., Pandravada, S.R. and Balram, M. (2021). Studies on Genetic Divergence in Chilli (Capsicum Annuum L.) under Southern Telangana Region. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 13(2): 522-528.