Heterosis for green fruit yield and its components in chilli (Capsicum annuum var. longicum (D.G) Sendt) over environments

Heterosis for green fruits and related characters in chilli was studied in line x tester fashion involving five GMS lines and 10 testers. The hybrids differed significantly for all the characters, as evident from their highly significant mean square values. Mean squares due to hybrids x environments were significant for all the characters except average fruit weight, which indicated more sensitivity of hybrids to environments. The hybrids ACMS 8 x IPS -2005-15, ACMS 5 x IPS -2005-15, ACMS 6 x ACS -2004-03, ACMS 4 x IPS -2005-15, ACMS 6 x IPS -2005-15 and ACMS 8 x ACS -2004-03 exhibited higher magnitude of heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for green fruit yield per plant and number of fruits per plant. In general the hybrids, which depicted higher magnitude of heterotic effects also exerted greater amount of heterotic effects for various growth attributes and yield related traits; therefore, heterotic effects for green fruit yield could be because of direct and indirect effects of various yield contributing characters. Hence, to obtain maximum advantage of heterotic effects for green fruit yield, desired level of heterosis of each component character should be determined to identify superior hybrids in respect to yield, yield contributing characters and quality parameters. A cross ACMS 8 x IPS -2005-15 was consistent across the environments and so, it can be used for commercial exploitation after its critical evaluation.