A Brief Study on Heterosis in Indian Brinjal for Horticultural Traits

Abstract

Brinjal is one of the most popular vegetables grown throughout the world and heterosis has been extensively used in developing hybrids in the crop. 11 F1 hybrids of brinjal were developed through crossing of 7 brinjal genotypes selected on the basis of divergence in the late kharif season of 2022-23. These 11 F1 hybrids along with the parental lines and check Pusa Hybrid-6 were evaluated in Randomized Block Design in the late kharif season of 2023-24 and were transplanted in three replications, with spacing of 75 cm x 60 cm. Direction and magnitude of heterosis was studied for various yield attributing characters. Negative standard heterosis which is favoured for earliness traits was observed in ten hybrids for days to 50% flowering trait. For total yield, 4 hybrids exhibited significant heterobeltiosis and 5 hybrids showed significant standard heterosis. Based on heterosis from total yield (q/ha) point of view, Pant Samrat × Swarna Mani (53.40 %), Sabour Krishnakali × Pant Samrat (33.65%) and Sabour Krishnakali × Swarna Mani (30.58 %) were top performers for total yield as compared to standard check- Pusa Hybrid-6. The estimates of heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis effects were moderate to high in the positive direction for most of the yield and its contributing components.