Vol. 12, Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
Swati Saha, K Chandrashekar and SS Kushwah

Abstract:
Twenty-three chilli genotypes were evaluated during rabi season of year 2022-23 in a Randomized Block Design for yield traits and tolerance to thrips. The chilli accessions differed significantly for all the traits evaluated. The lowest thrips population recorded in the genotypes Seln-BBL and Seln-14 throughout the cropping period, whereas Percent leaf curl index was lowest in Seln-BLG-1(15%) and Seln-BBL-1 (18%) while the susceptible lines showed 100% leaf curling. Maximum number of fruits per plant were recorded in Seln-BBL-1(252.82) followed by Seln-14 (205.91). However, maximum yield/plant (556.57 g) and total yield (20.61 t/ha) was recorded in Seln-14 due to larger individual fruit size. It was interesting to note that yield of 20 t/ha recorded in Seln-14 was much higher the national average of 7-10 t//h. The ascorbic acid content was maximum in Seln-43 (176.67 mg/100 g) and maximum Total Soluble Solids recorded in genotype EC787067 (11.57 ᵒBrix). The study identified the chilli lines Seln-14, Seln-BBL-1, Seln-BLG-1 and Seln-43 as the promising selections for different traits under Western Ghats agro-climatic region. Hence, they may be used in future breeding programmes.