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Abstract
Chilli (Capsicum annuum) is an important commercial and export-oriented crop in India. In this paper, an overview of chilli breeding research in India has been given.Germplasm sources resistant to Chili/pepper leaf curl virus (ChiLCV) Chili veinal mottle virus (ChiMoV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), anthracnose, bacterial wilt, nematodes and powdery mildew have been identified and used in current breeding programs. The northeast region has emerged as having a novel diversity in the cultivated species of the genus Capsicum. Nuclear and cytoplasmic male sterility system have been developed and exploited at commercial scale to develop hybrids and their seeds. The developmental accomplishments including national releases of commercial chilli cultivars (open pollinated varieties and hybrids) and dissemination of their seed has been discussed. Changes in climate and society are explored as they relate to chilli production; research across multiple sectors is advocated to address these and other concerns to boost the chilli industry.