Extent of heterosis for grain yield and its contributing traits in rabi sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Abstract

Heterosis has been successfully exploited commercially in kharif sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. However, the progress in rabi sorghum is restricted and there is a need for critical studies heterosis and combining ability involving diverse sources of germplasm and landraces. A total of 50 sorghum hybrids were derived by line × tester design using two male sterile lines viz., M 31-2A and 104A, as testers and were assessed for Extent of heterosis for grain yield and its contributing traits in rabi 2019-20. Among 50 crosses 13 exhibited significant standard heterosis for yield over popular variety M 35-1 (check). The crosses M 31-2A × IS 32439 (65.28 g) and M 31-2A × IS 11619 (60.83 g) recorded maximum heterosis for grain yield per plant. The cross M 31-2A × IS 4581 exhibited maximum heterosis for 100 seed weight followed by M 31-2A × IS 30451, 104A × IS 30451 and 104A × IS 4581. for panicle length, the cross 104A × IS 602 exhibited highest significant positive standard heterosis over the checks M 31-2A, BJV 44 and PKV Kranti.