Heterosis in bhindi

Abstract

Six parents and their six hybrids were evaluated during 1984-'85 on the basis of percentage of heterosis manifested by them for yield and its components. All the hybrids displayed desirable heterosis for the major economic characters such as weight of fruits per plant, number of fruits per plant etc. Negative heterosis was exhibited by the hybrids for crude fibre content, the most important quality attribute in bhindi. The results suggested that heterosis breeding could be effectively employed in augmenting the yield potential and allied attributes in bhindi. The present study could identify two hybrids Selection 2-2 x Kilichundan and Sevendhari x Kilichundan with high yield potential coupled with other desirable attributes. The hybrids, Selection 2-2 x Kilichundun and Sevendhari x Kilichundan have out yielded the standard cultivar, Pusa Sawani, by 65.06 percent and 50.34 per cent respectively. Both the hybrids produced large number of long heavy fruits with good thickness and low crude fibre content. These hybrids will go a long way in boosting up the production potential of bhindi in homestead and commercial cultivations.