Hierarchical cluster analysis of parents of F<inf>1</inf> and F<inf>2</inf> pepper hybrids based on morphological markers and quantitative traits

Abstract

Full diallel cross without reciprocals has been performed in order to hybridize five divergent parental genotypes (KP-01, KP-03, S-15, CH-1 and HM-6) and obtain progeny of F1 and F2 hybrids. The aim of this study has been to research the divergence of parents of F1 and F2 hybrids by applying the cluster analysis based on morphological markers, calculating the values of (according to UPOV) genotypes of parents and F1 hybrids, and quantitative traits, taking into account the effect of five traits (early ripening, number of fruits per plant, pericarp thickness, fruit weight and vitamin C content). Cluster analysis based on quantitative values gave more applicable results in pepper breeding comparing to cluster analysis based on morphological factors. The most important trait in F1 and F 2 generation has been fruit weight.