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The present investigation entitled “Heterosis and Combining Ability Studies for Yield and other Horticultural Traits in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L. var. acuminatum Fingerh.)” was carried out at Vegetable Research and Demonstration Block of Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, during 2016-2017. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Six diverse chilli lines were crossed in a diallel fashion (excluding reciprocals) to obtain fifteen cross combinations to study heterosis and combining ability for yield and other horticultural traits. Significant heterobeltiosis was observed in desirable direction for all traits. Similarly, significant increase or decrease heterosis over check (Arka Harita) was observed for all the traits under study. Nine crosses over better parent and three crosses over the commercial check exhibited positive and significant heterosis for yield per plant. The cross Byadgi Dabbi × G-4 exhibited maximum heterosis over the better parent and Byadgi Dabbi × Arka Lohit over standard check. Hybrids performed better in yield and other horticultural traits that opened the way for further evaluation and release as hybrids. Hence, Byadgi Dabbi x G-4, Byadgi Dabbi × Arka Lohit and Byadgi Kaddi x Arka Lohit can be recommended for commercial cultivation after multi-location testing.

Key words: Heterosis, Chilli, Yield, Horticultural traits