Correlation and path coefficient analysis of green pod yield and yield attributing traits of chili (Capsicum annum L.) genotypes in Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, chili (Capsicum annum L.) is an important dietary component. Chili is produced as a source of income for smallholder farmers covering a large share of the national as well as export market. A field experiment was conducted to study the association of green pod yield (FYD) and 11 yield-related traits in 29 chili genotypes under flood irrigation conditions in Ethiopia. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three biological replicates. Phenotypic and genotypic correlations and path coefficients were analyzed for FYD and 11 yield-related traits. The genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients showed that all investigated traits, except days to 50% flowering and days to the first harvest, showed a positive and significant correlation with FYD. The phenotypic path coefficient analysis revealed that the number of flowers per plant (NFP, 0.4114), and fruit length (FL, 0.3678) showed a significant (p < 0.01) positive direct effect on FYD. The genotypic path coefficient showed a significant (p < 0.01) positive direct effect of NFP (0.7968), number of primary branches (0.3982), and FL (0.3982) on FYD. The traits with positive direct phenotypic and genetic effects on fruit yield indicate that improving these traits could increase fruit yield.

Keywords

• capsicum
• chili in ethiopia
• correlation
• green pod
• path coefficient analysis