Combining ability and heterosis in bell pepper grown in the north-western hills of India

In this study, 51 hybrids were developed using Line × Tester mating design, including 17 lines and 3 testers. Analysis of variance for combining ability indicated that differences among parents were significant for all the characters under study except for days to first picking. The σ2 SCA were higher in magnitude than σ2 GCA for almost all the traits except for days to first picking, which indicates the predominant role of non-additive gene action. Lines viz., UHF CAP-23, UHF CAP-1 and UHF CAP-22 and 2 testers viz., Yolo Wonder and California Wonder were the most promising for yield per plant and the majority of yield contributing traits. The SCA effects for fruit yield per plant were significantly desirable in UHF CAP-30 × California Wonder, UHF CAP-2 × Solan Bharpur and UHF CAP-29 × Solan Bharpur. Heterosis over the standard check and other genetic parameters 3 cross combinations viz., UHF CAP-30 × California Wonder, UHF CAP-23 × Yolo Wonder and UHF CAP-22 × California Wonder performed well for a majority of yield and yield contributing traits. These hybrids can be recommended for cultivation after multi-locational testing.