Performance of paprika and paprika alike chillies (Capsicum annuum L.) under warm humid tropics

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 21 paprika alike chillies (indigenous germplasm) and nine paprika line (exotic collections) under rain-shelter. Highly significant variation was recorded among the genotypes for all the characters. The results indicated that KtPI -19 variant - I, ICBD-6, ICBO-12, ICBO-13, ICBO-11 were promising for yield and yield attributing characters, while ICBD-12, ICBO-11, ICBO-2, ICBO-13, Kt-PI -J9 variant - I proved to be better for high seed numbers. With respect to total extractable colour, ICBO-5, ICBO-7, ICBO-4, ICBO-1, ICBO-18 were measured with high colour value, among the indigenous germplasm. Among the exotic collections, PBC-171, SSP-1999, EC-J8, EC-45, EC-71 proved better for yield and yield attributing characters. The genotypes, Paprika King, EC-45, PBC-171, EC-43 produced maximum number and weight of seeds, whereas PBC-l71, IMI-5, EC-71, EC-45 we re found promising for high colour value. Based on these observations, the genotypes Kt-PI-19 variant -I, ICI30-6, ICI30-12, PBC-l71, 551'-1999 and EC-18 were found suitable for high yield, whereas ICI30-12, ICBO-ll, Paprika King, EC-45 and PBC-I71 for high seed numbers and ICBD- 5, ICBO-7, ICBO-4, PBC-171, IMI-5, EC-71 for high co lour value in Kerala . Among the various traits, wide range of variation was recorded for number of seeds per fruit and narrow range of variation for fruit length.