Heterosis for economic traits in single cross-hybrids of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during 2016-18 to estimate the heterosis for economic traits in radish (Raphanus sativus L.). The significant differences of mean squares among parents and hybrids for various traits of economic importance indicated the presence of sufficient variation. Heterosis was observed to the tune of 22.6% for root length followed by 22.4% for root weight, 21.5% for marketable yield, 19.6% for shoot weight, 11.7% for shoot length, 8.3% for days to maturity, 7.5% for number of leaf, 6.4% for root diameter and lowest -1.6% for days to first harvesting. The parents namely VRRAD-201 & VRRAD-4 as female and VRRAD-90, VRRAD-216 & VRRAD-89 as male were found to be superior general combiner and promising. However, for marketable yield best five specific cross-combinations were VRRAD-201×VRRAD-150 (78.8 t/ha) followed by VRRAD-201×VRRAD-216 (76.0 t/ha), VRRAD-201×VRRAD-90 (75.8 t/ha), VRRAD-201×VRRAD-89 (72.6 t/ha) and VRRAD-4×VRRAD-150 (69.9 t/ha). In F1, leaf and root shape showed dominance pattern as Lyrate > Entire > Sinuate type leaf and Cylindric > Triangular type root, respectively. Keeping in view the importance of marketable yield, usefulness of CMS line and consumers’ preference altogether three most promising F1 hybrids i.e. VRRAD-201×VRRAD-150, VRRAD-201×VRRAD-216 and VRRAD-201×VRRAD-90 have the potential for commercialization.