Genetic Variability, Heritability and Path Analysis Identify Direct Selection Criteria for Seed Number Per Fruit and Attributing Traits in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

The global demand for sweet peppers is increasing in countries such as Cameroon, highlighting the need for a robust breeding program. This study aimed to identify indirect selection criteria for seed number per fruit and associated traits among 12 accessions of sweet bell pepper using 17 quantitative traits. Fifteen plants per accession were randomly selected to measure agromorphological traits in a randomized complete block design with three replicates at Obala. Statistical analyses, including analysis of variance, hierarchical clustering, and path coefficient analysis, were performed using R software. Significant variation was observed across most traits, with the date of first fruiting ranging from 32.67 to 40 days after planting and 50% maturity occurring between 48 and 53.33 days after transplanting. Broad-sense heritability (H²) values ranged from 4% (date of first fruiting) to 94% (date of first harvest). Path analysis revealed that fruit weight (0.57), total fruit weight (0.56), length of the fruit peduncle (0.35), Date of First Fruiting (0.30), Width of Mature Leaves (0.16), and date of 50% maturity (0.12) had positive direct effects on the number of seeds per fruit. Among these, fruit weight, total fruit weight, and peduncle length exhibited the largest direct effects. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into four distinct clusters, indicating significant genetic diversity. These findings underscore the potential to improve the seed number per fruit in sweet pepper through targeted breeding. Further studies involving biochemical and molecular markers are recommended for deeper characterization.