Multivariate analysis in paprika (Capsicum annuum L.)

Forty four genotypes of paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) which were evaluated to understand the extent of genetic diversity through 13 yield attributing and 7 quality traits at Horticultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, revealed that the analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Based on hierarchical cluster analysis, the 44 genotypes were grouped into 7 clusters. Among all the clusters, cluster I was the largest containing 13 genotypes followed by cluster II with 10 genotypes, cluster III and cluster V with 6 genotypes, cluster VII with 4 genotypes, cluster IV with 3 genotypes and cluster VI with 2 genotypes. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster IV and cluster VII (1217.10) and the minimum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster I and cluster II (424.49). The cluster VII exhibited highest intra-cluster distance (475.42) and cluster VI had minimum intra-cluster Euclidean2 distance value of 231.65. The maximum per cent of contribution towards genetic divergence for yield contributing traits was shown by dry fruit yield per plant, weight of seeds per fruit followed by 1000 seed weight, fruit diameter, fruit length and number of fruits per plant. Whereas, higher contribution to the total divergence for quality traits were reported for total extractable colour followed by red carotenoids, yellow carotenoids, ascorbic acid, oleoresin content and capsaicin content. The principal component analysis revealed that first eight principal components with eigen value more than one were observed to contribute 83.62 per cent towards the total variability. Among the eight principal components, PC1contributed maximum towards variability (25.18%).Considering the diversity studies, hierarchical cluster the genotypes viz., Warangal chapata double patti, Warangal chapata single patti, LCA511 and LCA-512 belonging to cluster I and genotypes of cluster IV (LCA 466, LCA 480 and Jangareddygudem local) were identified as promising parents and could be utilized for efficient hybridization programme for high yield coupled with good quality traits in paprika.