Variation studies for bell pepper [Capsicum annuum (L.) Sendt. var. grossum] improvement under cold desert conditions of North-Western Himalayas

Abstract

Bell pepper [Capsicum annuum (L.) Sendt. var. grossum] holds a very coveted position as a leading off-season vegetable in Himachal Pradesh, a state in North-Western Himalayas generating cash revenues to the farmers by selling the produce in the neighbouring states and metropolitan cities. In recent years, its demand has increased tremendously with the emergence of pizza culture. In order to maximize such benefits, there is a need for the genetic restructuring of the bell pepper germplasm for increasing the productivity considering the preference of the consumers for the typical bell shaped fruits. Hence, an attempt was made with specific objectives to examine the genetic parameters of variability in order to identify major characters for achieving higher yields.