Effects of the combining ability of piquin pepper (Capsicum annuum var. Glabriusculum) from different geographical sites

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) in agronomic variables of piquin pepper genotypes (Capsicum annuum var. Glabriusculum).

Methodology: A total of 36 F1 and nine parental crosses were used as plant material. The genotypes were distributed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Ten agronomic variables were evaluated.

Results: Differences (P≤ 0.01) were found in genotypes as well as in GCA and SCA for all the variables evaluated. Heritability was influenced by additive gene action where the variables days to harvest, chlorophyll, plant height, average fruit weight, fruit equatorial diameter and fruit polar diameter stood out. Regarding GCA, genotypes G6 and G7 stood out for having presented the highest positive values in the yield variable with 143.96 and 66.97 kg ha^-1. On the other hand, in SCA, 58% of the crosses had favorable results in the yield variable. However, the highest positive values were found in the crosses G6xG7, G8xG9, G5xG9, G3xG4, G4xG8 and G1xG8 with 427.1, 190.5, 167.4, 146.8, 129.7 and 125.7 kg ha^-1, respectively.

Conclusions: According to the effects of GCA and SCA on the agronomic variables of piquin pepper, the genotypes G6 and G7 can be used for variety development and the crosses G6xG7, G8xG9 and G5xG9 are recommended for hybrid formation in a breeding program.