Exploitation of heterosis for biochemical component in African marigold (Tagetes erecta) by using different male sterile types

Abstract

Two types of male sterile lines isolated in marigold were evaluated for their effective contribution for heterosis exploitation of biochemical components. Among seven male sterile lines used as seed parents in the study, three are petaloid sterile lines and four are apetaloid sterile lines. Three fertile pure lines, were used as pollen parents evaluated in different cross combination with all the 7 sterile lines. Line versus tester mean squares for combining ability were significant for all the biochemical components. The results of combining ability revealed that, total carotenoids, zeaxanthin and lutein appeared to be governed by non-additive gene action. Estimates of general combining ability effects showed that parent IIHRMO 9-7 was a good general combiner for lutein and total carotenoid. For total carotenoids and lutein, the highest positive values of heterotic effects were recorded in hybrid combination IIHRMO 9-8× IIHRMO 12-12 relative to the better parent.