This paper reports on the combining ability and gene action among elite inbred lines of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), in an attempt to identify inbreds with good potencial to generate competitive commercial hybrids. The trial included 30 hybrid combinations: (a) 18 hybrids obtained via a North Carolina II scheme, representing hybrid combinations betwen two parental groups: group 1 - seed parents (L-005, PIM-013, PIM-014, Magda, PIX-021G_0818pl#01 e PIX-022E31pl#14) and group 2 - polen parents (L-004, L-006 e MYR-29); (b) 5 additional experimental hybrids: F1(Hércules x L-004), F1(Itapetininga x L-004), F1(L-3509-Yellow Fruit x L-004), F1(PIX-021F0818 x L-006) e F1(PIX-023E39 x L-006); (c) 3 hybrids among the testers in group 2 F1(L-006 x L-004), F1(MYR-29 x L-004) e F1(MYR-29 x L-006); (d) 4 commercial hybrid checks (Magali R, Magali, Fortuna Super and Atenas). The hybrids were tested in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. The following traits were evaluated: total yield, average fruit mass, early yield, fruit length, presence of cuticular stipples, penducle insertion depth, and plant height. Additive genetic effects predominated over non-additive effects for all traits studied, with the exception of total yield, a trait for wich non-additive effects were also important. Hybrid combinations F1(PIM-013 x MYR-29) e F1(PIX-022E31pl#14 x MYR-29) stood out for their favorable general and specific combining ability effects for both yield and fruit related traits.
Capsicum annuum; hybrid; combining ability; gene action; diallel analysis