Genetic Improvement for Yield in Chilli (Capsicum annum L) for Dry Consumption in the Central-Southern Chihuahua State, Mexico

Abstract

This research was carried out in order to develop a breeding program to obtain improved populations of chili used in dried-fruit consumption, ecologically adapted to the conditions of Center and South Chihuahua. Visual Stratified Mass Selection was conducted during a cycle with unimproved populations of Negro and Mirasol chili; 66 lines were evaluated. The evaluation included a total of 113 lines and improved populations of chili. The Field evaluation was conducted in a randomized design of complete blocks with six repetitions. In order to measure fresh fruit yield, a variance analysis and a Tukey (p=0.05) test were performed. The results indicated in some cases, a high and significant expression of heterosis in regard to their parent and their creole populations. The most outstanding resulted to be the hybrid Negro X Mirasol-8, which significantly exceeded to both of its parents, in 178% to Negro (best parent) and 249% to Mirasol. This research is of great importance to the scientific and farming areas, due to the fact that it provides absolute and truthful data about the improvement of regionally produced seeds; which leads to the benefits of profitability for national chili seeds producers.