Vol. 11, Special Issue 11 (2022)

Author(s):
Sapna JS and Dr. Chikkalingaiah

Abstract:
The major concern of the plant breeder is the genetic improvement of both the qualitative and quantitative characters of a crop. The genetic improvement can be enhanced at a faster rate if the genetic architecture of different growth parameters are correctly deciphered. Heterosis studies in 21 F₁ hybrids including two checks was assessed based on some morphological and yield contributing traits. The experiment was carried out in an randomized complete block design at University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, during 2020-21. Hybrids were found to be highly significant for all the characters studied, suggesting that these traits are under the control of additive genes. M. cathyana × V1 showed significant positive heterosis over standard check for plant height and total shoot length. Number of branches per plant and leaf yield/ plant showed significant negative heterosis over standard check in MI-494 × C-776 hybrid. M. indica × V1 showed significant positive heterosis over mid parent, better parent and standard check for internodal distance. M. multicaulis × C-776 and BC-259 × V1 showed significant negative heterosis over mid parent, better parent and standard check, indicating their superiority as promising hybrids for single leaf area and number of leaves per plant respectively. It has further been observed that among the twenty one F₁ hybrids, M. cathyana × V1 and M. multicaulis × C-776 were found highly promising for future utilization.