Heterosis analysis for seed yield and quality traits in karingada [Citrullus lanatus (Thumb) Mansf.]

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the heterosis analysis for seed yield and quality traits in karinagda [Citrullus lanatus (Thumb) Mansf.]. Experimental material consisting of 35 entries comprised of eight diverse genotypes (used as females) and three diverse genotypes (used as males) and their 24 crosses developed through line × tester mating design along with standard check (GK-1) were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed that mean squares due to genotypes were significant for all yield and yield attributes characters indicate the presence of considerable genetic variability among the material under studied. Heterosis analysis revealed that among all crosses, significantly positive heterosis over check GK-1 with regards to seed yield per plant were recorded by the top performing crosses viz., MGPK 11 × SKNK 1102 (81.13 %), CAZJK 14-1 × MGPK 1 (67.38 %), SKNK 679 × SKNK 1102 (55.12 %), CAZJK 14-1 × CAZJK 13-2 (48.54 %) and SKNK 679 × CAZJK 13-2 (44.83 %). The cross CAZJK 14-1 × MGPK 1 recorded significant and positive for all three heterosis viz., over mid parent heterosis, over better parent and standard heterosis (over check GK-1) for fruit yield per plant among the crosses evaluated. For quality traits cross combinations SKNK 138 × SKNK 1102 (4.98 % oil and 8.12 % protein) was recorded significant and positive standard heterosis over check GK-1.Where ever cross combinations involving either CAZJK 14-1 as female parent recorded significant positive heterosis for most of the yield and yield contributing characters. Thus, the female parent CAZJK 14-1 can be used within breeding programmes aimed for heterosis breeding after proper evaluation within multi-location trials.