Dissecting the Genetic Diversity of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.): A Germplasm-Wide Analysis of Agro-Morphological traits

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is a widely cultivated and consumed Solanaceous crop, valued both as a vegetable and a spice, primarily because of its characteristic pungency. Capsicum species exhibits remarkable morphological variability, particularly in fruit shape, color, size and pungency levels. In the present study, 470 Capsicum annuum germplasm selections were comprehensively characterized using 18 agro-morphological traits. Multivariate statistical techniques including correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were employed to assess genetic diversity. PCA revealed that the first three principal components accounted for substantial 81.4% of the total phenotypic variation. Fruit girth, fruit diameter, days to 50% flowering and days to first fruiting were identified as the major contributors to this variability. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between various traits, while HCA grouped the 470 genotypes into four distinct clusters. The results highlight the extensive genetic diversity present within the C. annuum germplasm. The characterization data generated in this study provide valuable insights for the identification of superior lines and will be instrumental for further chilli breeding programmes, new variety development and overall crop improvement efforts.