Combining ability studies to develop superior hybrids in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum L.)

General combining ability (GCA) among parents and specific combining ability (SCA) of crosses were studied to identify best crosses for growth and yield traits in bell pepper. Experimental material included 21 F1 hybrids developed by crossing seven parents in half di-allel mating design. Parents and crosses were planted in randomized block design during Rabi 2019 for estimating their combining ability. Among parents, Arka Mohini showed good GCA effects for most of the traits (number of secondary branches, early flowering and harvesting, fruit weight and yield). Among crosses, Arka Mohini × CW308, Arka Mohini × California Wonder and Yolo Wonder × California Wonder were identified as potential one for yield attributing traits based on SCA effects.