Exploitation of heterosis through diallel analysis in bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract

A study was undertaken to identify the potential parents and superior hybrids for yield improvement in Bhendi at the Plant Breeding Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University during the year 2015. The experimental material consisted of six genotypes collected from various sources representing wide genetic diversity. The selected six genotypes namely Arka Anamika, Arka Abhay, Hissar Unnat, Kamini, MDU 1 and Pusa Savani were crossed in all possible combination (diallel fashion) and produced 30 hybrids (including reciprocal crosses). The characters observed were days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height at maturity, number of branches per plant,fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. Standard heterosis was computed for commercial exploitation of hybrid vigour. One of the parents Hissar Unnat, a national check variety was considered as standard variety to work standard heterosis. The hybrids selected based on the magnitude of heterosis, the hybrid Hissar Unnat ´ Pusa Savani possessed significant positive value for number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. Hissar Unnat ´ Pusa Savani recorded maximum negative and significant heterosis for days to 50 per cent flowering, Arka Abhay x Hissar Unnat negative and significant heterosis for plant height and Arka Anamika × MDU 1 recorded maximum negative and significant heterosis for fruit girth. These hybrids have been identified as best hybrids from the productivity point of view, further these high yielding hybrids may be tried under different environments to test their stability over locations and to confirm their superiority