Heterosis for yield and yield attributing traits in castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Abstract

Heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for seed yield and its attributes were studied in 45 hybrids developed through diallel mating design (ten parents) without reciprocal in castor. The magnitude of heterosis over mid parent (MP) and better parent (BP) for seed yield ranged from 47.73 % to 131.77 % and 39.15 % to 123.9 %, respectively. None of the hybrids exhibited significant positive heterosis over standard check i.e., GCH 5 for seed yield. The cross combination DCS 89 ⨯ PCS 124 (131.77 %) and JI 321 ⨯ PCS 124 (123.9 %) exhibited significant positive heterosis over mid parent and better parent, respectively. These superior cross combinations also exhibited significant and positive heterosis for raceme length, number of capsules on main raceme, number of branches per plant and test weight, which are yield attributes.