Combinatory ability and heterosis for quantitative traits related to productivity and the pungency in F₁ hybrids of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Abstract The objective of this work was to obtain high‐yielding F 1 hybrids of the habanero pepper, using 10 outstanding parents in a line‐tester genetic design. General combinatorial ability and specific combinatorial ability were evaluated in the parents' and the hybrids F 1 obtained, respectively. Heterosis was determined in the 18 hybrids obtained. The technique of HPLC was used to evaluate the capsaicin content in the fruit of 10 parents and 18 hybrids of habanero pepper. The DNA profiles were analysed as part of the characterization of the germplasm of the species conserved at the CICY. Furthermore, the molecular variation of the genotypes under investigation was assessed using eight SSR and nine ISSR markers. The results showed the presence of substantial morphoagronomic and molecular variability among the habanero pepper genotypes evaluated. Genetic similarities of 83%–93% between parents and 76%–94% between hybrids were found. The most productive hybrids were H8, H10 and H19 with 3.13 to 4.29 kg/plant, respectively, these came from crosses where RNJ‐04 (P26) as the male parent and the hybrid H60 (4.92 kg/plant) that comes from the male parent RES‐08 (P30). Likewise, the H7 hybrid had the highest capsaicin content (128.41 mg/g dry weight, 960,687.00 SHU). Hybrids H43 with 114.39 mg/g DW and 90,444.30 SHU, and H51 with 11.61 mg/g DW and 934,745.07 SHU respectively, also stood out.