Evaluation of Morpho-physiological Traits of F ₁ Hybrids and Estimation of Standard Heterosis of Sweet Pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) in Sylhet

Sweet pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) is a highly demanded crop valued for its culinary and nutritional benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological, physiological, and yield-contributing traits of developed hybrids and check varieties, as well as estimate standard heterosis. The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Department, Sylhet Agricultural University, from October 2022 to June 2023, using eight hybrids (P ₃ ×P ₁ , P ₄ ×P ₃ , P ₆ ×P ₅ , P ₅ ×P ₁ , P ₇ ×P ₁ , P ₅ ×P ₃ , P ₃ ×P ₂ , and P ₆ ×P ₃ ) and two check varieties (CV ₁ and CV ₂ ). The field and laboratory experiments followed RCBD and CRD designs, respectively, with three replications. Significant morphological variations were observed in growth habit, leaf shape, flower position, fruit color, size, and nodal anthocyanin. The hybrids P ₅ ×P ₁ , P ₇ ×P ₁ , P ₆ ×P ₅ , P ₃ ×P ₂ , and P ₅ ×P ₃ exhibited superior morphological, physiological, and yield traits compared to check varieties. Earliness in flowering (30.33 days) and fruit setting (38.33 days) was recorded in P ₃ ×P ₁ . Maximum fruit length (13.57 cm) was observed in P ₅ ×P ₁ , while the highest fruit diameter (8.71 cm) and individual fruit weight (214.51 g) were found in P ₃ ×P ₂ . The highest fruit yield per plant (1.94 kg) and per hectare (61.98 kg) was recorded in P ₅ ×P ₁ . Positive standard heterosis was observed for key traits over check variety and mostly developed hybrids showed better performance in all traits compared to check variety. Pearson correlation and PCA analysis revealed key trait associations and genetic variation among sweet pepper hybrids, aiding breeding strategies. Considering morphological, physiological, yield potential and heterosis, P ₅ ×P ₁ , P ₇ ×P ₁ , P ₆ ×P ₅ , P ₃ ×P ₂ , and P ₅ ×P ₃ are recommended for further evaluation and breeding programs.