Studies on heterosis for earliness, seed yield and yield components in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp)

Abstract

This study investigated heterosis in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp) using a line x tester mating design. The experimental material consisted of 3 female testers, 11 male lines, their 33 resulting crosses and 3 check varieties. The research focused on evaluating average heterosis, heterobeltiosis, and standard heterosis for seed yield and yield components across the 33 crosses. Results showed that the cross AKTE 12-04 x ICPL 151 exhibited maximum heterosis over mid-parent (94.39%), better parent (80.66%) and the check PKV Tara (110.93%) for seed yield and most yield-attributing traits. Crosses such as AKTE 12-04 × AL 882, PDKV Ashlesha × AL 2255 and BSMR 736 × AL882 exhibited maximum desirable negative heterosis for days to maturity. Based on all three types of heterosis, several hybrids demonstrated significant high positive heterosis for yield and yield-attributing traits. These promising crosses include PDKV Ashlesha x ICPL 332 WR, AKTE 12-O4 x ICPL 151, AKTE 12-04 x IPAE 19-21, BSMR 736 x AL 2207, BSMR 736 x ICPL 332 WR, and BSMR 736 x IPAE 20-11. These hybrids show potential for further utilization in hybrid breeding programs aimed at improving pigeon pea yield.