Gene action, heritability and combining ability studies in F2 generation of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum)

Six diverse homozygous parents, BWR-1, BWR-6-1, BWR-29, BWR-39, EC-464107 and EC-464115 were evaluated for gene action, heritability combining ability using 6X6 diallel cross excluding reciprocals. The results showed that analysis of variance revealed significant differences due to crosses parent’s vs crosses. Mean squares GCA SCA all traits days 50% flowering, first picking, plant height, primary branches per plant, harvest duration, lobes fruit, fruit length, width, pericarp thickness, average weight, fruits yield marketable total soluble solids. Non-additive effects more important than the additive in inheritance 50 cent Additive effect was width thickness. Average degree dominance over plant. Narrow-sense estimates high BWR-39 good general combiners BWR -1 X EC -464115 BWR-6 -464107 specific