Heterosis for morphological and biochemical traits in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) under mid hill zone of North Western Himalayas

Abstract

Heterosis breeding is a quick and convenient way of combining desirable characters, which has assumed greater significance in the production of hybrids. Enough information is available regarding heterosis for components related to yield. However, we are lacking information regarding the heterotic behavior of biochemical traits in cauliflower. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to elicit information about the extent of heterosis for morphological and biochemical traits in cauliflower by hybridizing four diverse parents during rabi 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. Six cross-combinations, along with parents and standard checks, were evaluated in randomized block design during rabi 2015-2016. Among the hybrids, significantly highest levels of heterosis were found in DPCaY-3 × DPCaY-6, Palam Uphar × DPCaY-6 and DPCaY-8 × DPCaY-6 for earliness, marketable yield per plant and its related traits, whereas cross DPCaY-8 × DPCaY-6 for biochemical traits. Hence these hybrids offer a higher scope and can be further tested under different agro-climate for commercial production.