Combining ability and heterosis for latex yield, seed yield and other agronomic traits in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)

Abstract

Twentyone hybrids alongwith seven parents and two checks viz., Chetak Aphim and IC-42 were evaluated for combining ability and standard heterosis for latex yield/plant, seed yield/plant, husk yield, stem diameter, number of effective capsules/plant, plant height, peduncle length, days to flower initiation and days to 50% flowering. Both additive and non-additive gene effects were present in the material under study. However, the ratio of additive and non-additive genetic variance revealed that there was preponderance of non-additives gene action in the expression of all the traits under stUdy. Among the parents, the UOP-82 was identified as good general combiner for latex yield/ plant, seed yield/plant, husk yield/plant, plant height and peduncle length. The hybrid UOP-82 x NOP-204 exhibited highest magnitude of positive significant sca effects with highest standard heterosis and per se performance for latex yield/plant. This hybrid also exhibited positive significant sea effects for stem diameter, number of effective capsules/plant and peduncle length. In general, close association between sea effects and standard heterosis was observed among the best hybrids identified on the basis of sea effects for latex yield.