Effect of fruiting habit traits on fruit yield and its contributing traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) produces fruits with varying orientation and number at each node. They are considered as fruiting habit traits in chilli. Farmer, producer and consumer preference for fruiting habit traits varies from region to region. For increased acceptability by farmers and consumers, high yielding cultivars should be bred with preferred fruiting habit traits. An investigation was carried out to study the influence of fruiting habit traits on fruit yield and its components in chilli at Bengaluru, India. The F2 individuals derived from crosses involving parents differing for single or both fruiting habit traits were grouped into fruiting habit classes. The means of fruiting habit classes in F2 populations were compared and statistically tested. The non-significant mean differences of fruiting habit classes for fruit yield and its components indicated lack of influence of fruiting habit traits on fruit yield and its components.