Genetic variability of Red Chili Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) in the M2 generation resulting from gamma-ray irradiation
Keywords:
Red chili peppers, Heritability, Gamma irradiation, Coefficient of Genetic Variation, Genetic variabilityAbstract
Red chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are a horticultural commodity of high economic value, but increasing their productivity still requires the support of high-yielding varieties with adequate genetic diversity. This study analyzed phenotypic and genotypic variability, broad-sense heritability, the Coefficient of Genetic Variation (CGV), and the expected response to selection in the M2 generation of the local red chili cultivar 'Putih' derived from gamma-ray irradiation. The study was conducted in Tanjung Sari Village, Medan Selayang District, Medan City, from February to June 2025. The planting material consisted of a 0 Gy control population and M2 populations irradiated at 100 Gy and 200 Gy. Observations were made on 30 sample plants from each population. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, tests of mean differences relative to the control, phenotypic variance, genotypic variance, heritability, and CGV. The results showed that the 100 Gy population exhibited wide phenotypic and genetic variability in dichotomous height, plant height, fruit length, and number of fruits per plant. The 200 Gy population exhibited extensive genetic variability only in the number of fruits per plant. High heritability was found in dicot height, flowering time, leaf length, and fruit length in the 100 Gy population, as well as in flowering time and leaf length in the 200 Gy population. High CGV was found in fruit length in both irradiated populations. Based on the combination of genetic variability, heritability, and CGV, the traits of fruit length and dichotomous height in the 100 Gy population have the potential to serve as initial selection criteria for the next generation.
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