Heterosis for yield and yield related attributes in muskmelon (Cucumis melD L.)

Abstract

The scope for exploitation of hybrid vigour in any crop largely depends on the direction and magnitude of heterosis and ease with which hybrid seed can be produced. Inspite of wide range of genetic variability available in muskmelon (Cucumis mela L.), very little attention has been given to exploit it. Information obtained from limited crossing studies indicated that F1 hybrids yield more than the standard cultivars [1-4]. Therefore, the study reported here was designed to gather information on the extent of heterosis for desirable attributes. Eight genetically diverse inbred lines viz., MS1, RM-43, MHY-3, Punjab Sunehri, Jobner Local, Hara Madhu, Tonk Local and Durgapura Madhu were crossed in a dialiel fashion excluding reciprocals. The resultant 28 F1's along with eight parental lines were grown in a randomized block design with three replications during summer season of 2001. Heterosis was determined as per the method given [5].