Dietary micronutrient content, heterosis and combining ability for breeding mineral-rich hybrids in early- and mid-maturity groups of Indian cauliflower

Abstract

Introduction Food-based approach is a sustainable and cost-effective option to counter micronutrient malnutrition in public health particularly in poor communities. The present study aimed to develop F1 hybrids from early-and mid-maturity groups of Indian cauliflower rich in essential dietary nutrients.

Materials and methods Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) based 50 F1 hybrids (10 CMS lines × 5 testers) from early-maturity group and 20 F1 crosses (5 CMS lines × 4 testers) from mid-maturity group were generated in line × tester mating design and evaluated in randomized block design in respective maturity groups in 2020–21. Eight dietary minerals content were analysed in curd portion using atomic absorbance spectrophotometer and sulphur by barium sulphate turbidimetry method.

Results The CMS lines, fertile inbred lines and F1 crosses from both maturity groups showed significant variation in minerals content. Best combiners for minerals in early group were CMS 999–41–5 (Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, S) and CMS 4348–41–5 (Zn, Na) in CMS lines while DC 98–2 (Cu, Ca) and DC 67 (Zn, Mn, Na) among the testers. In mid group, CMS 8401 (Fe, Na, Ca, K) and CMS 1944–309 (Zn, S) CMS lines and DC 401 (Fe, S, K) and DC 476 (Cu, Mn, Na) testers were good combiners. The best heterotic hybrids in early group were CEH35 for Fe, CEH27 for Zn and Na, CEH38 for Cu and Mn and CEH43 for Ca. In mid group, CMH2 was most heterotic for Fe and Mn and CMH4 for Ca content.