Effects of the combining ability of piquin pepper (Capsicum annuum var. Glabriusculum) from different geographical sites

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the general combining ability (GCA) and the specific combining ability (SCA) on the agronomic variables of piquin pepper (Capsicum annuum var. Glabriusculum) genotypes. Methodology: A total of 36 F1 and nine parental crosses were used as plant material. The genotypes were distributed in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Ten agronomic variables were evaluated. Results: Differences (P≤ 0.01) were found in all the evaluated variables, both in the genotypes and in GCA and SCA. Additive gene action influenced heritability, where following variables stood out: days to harvest (DTH), chlorophyll (CHL), plant height (PH), average fruit weight (AFW), fruit equatorial diameter (FED), and fruit polar diameter (FPD). One the one hand, genotypes G6 and G7 recorded the highest positive yield values for GCA, with 143.96 and 66.97 kg ha-1, respectively. On the other hand, 58% of the SCA crosses obtained favorable yield results. Meanwhile, the highest positive values were obtained by the G6xG7, G8xG9, G5xG9, G3xG4, G4xG8, and G1xG8 crosses, which recorded 427.1, 190.5, 167.4, 146.8, 129.7, and 125.7 kg ha-1, respectively. Conclusions: According to the effects of GCA and SCA on the agronomic variables of piquin pepper, the genotypes G6 and G7 can be used to develop varieties, while the G6xG7, G8xG9, and G5xG9 crosses are recommended for hybrid formation within breeding programs.