Ana Fardiah Syam 1, Abd Haris Bahrun2, Muh Farid 2, Yusniwati Yusniwati 3, Nurwanita Ekasari Putri 3, Erna Siaga 4 and Muhammad Fuad Anshori 2*
1Agrotechnology Study Program, Graduate School, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia; 2Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia; 3Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agronomy, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia; 4Agroecotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Sriwijaya University, Indralaya, 30662, Indonesia
*Corresponding author: fuad.anshori@unhas.ac.id
Developing bird's-eye chili lines using a multiple-cross concept generates high genetic diversity. Selection in advanced generations, such as F6, requires a systematic multivariate approach. This study aimed to identify superior F6 chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) lines using genetic diversity analysis, correlation, path analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and selection indices. The research was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, from June to October 2025 using an Augmented Design with five blocks, comprising 59 F6 lines and four check varieties. Observations covered 13 agronomic traits. Adjusted means for the unreplicated F6 lines were derived from the Augmented Design analysis, correcting for block effects using the repeated check varieties. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (P<0.01) in most traits, with high broad-sense heritability (>50%) for yield (95.57%), fruit weight per plant (87.07%), total fruit quantity (73.68%), fruit stalk length (73.85%), and number of productive branches (71.84%). Path analysis indicated that total number of fruits per plant (TFQ) had the strongest direct effect on yield (0.928), followed by fruit weight per plant (0.363). PCA showed that two principal components explained 63.17% of the total variation. Based on a selection index integrating yield, fruit weight, and fruit number, six lines (G16, G9, G84, G57, G25, and G28) demonstrated superior performance. These lines are recommended as promising candidates for further multi-environment testing. The multivariate approach effectively screened F6 chili lines with high yield potential under the tested conditions. From a practical breeding standpoint, these six lines represent ready-to-use genetic resources for accelerating the development of high-yielding, multiple-cross bird's eye chili cultivars.