Varietal Improvement of Hybrid Chili by Male Sterility

Abstract

Male sterile varieties (S msms) were selected and crossed to maintainer varieties and male parents by three way crossed method. The three way crossed F₁ hybrids were significantly different in yields. Three way crossed F₁ hybrid (KY 16 × PEPAC 35) × CA 1447 was the highest yielding line among the F₁ hybrids.  However, it was not significantly different from male parental varieties and commercial varieties. Specific combining ability (SCA) of the hybrid (KY 16 × PEPAC 35) × CA 1447 was positive and significant on yield and fruit number per plant. Moreover, it showed positive and significant heterosis over male parent CA 1447 on fruit number per plant.  Line (KY 16 × PEPAC 35) × CA 1448 showed lower yield than (KY 16 × PEPAC 35) × CA 1447.  It showed positive and significant heterosis over male parent CA 1448 on fruit length and plant width.  General combining ability (GCA) of the single crossed hybrid and both male parents was positive and significant.  The results suggested the major role of non-additive gene action in association with additive gene effects in the expression of these traits.  Results suggested that variety PEPAC 35 was suitable to be used as a restorer variety for the male sterile KY 16 and the male parents CA 1447 and CA 1448 for hybrid seed production.  Selection of restorer lines for male sterile lines by three way crossed method shall be an innovation for high yielding F₁ hybrids.