Heterosis for grain yield and its components in pearl millet.

摘要

Heterosis for yield and yield components in pearl millet were studied in 3 male sterile lines, 15 restorer lines and 45 F1 hybrids grown in Rahuri, Maharashtra, India, during the kharif of 2002. High level of heterosis was observed for grain yield per plant, flag leaf area, number of productive tillers per plant, ear head girth, ear head weight, ear head length, and 1000-grain weight. However, heterosis for plant height and peduncle length was moderate. A lower level of heterosis was recorded for number of days to maturity and number days to 50% flowering. Crosses showing higher per se performance and heterotic effect for grain yield were RHRB 13A x RHRBI 1284, RHRB 13A x RHRBI 1135, RHRB 5A x RHRBI 1135 and RHRB 13A x RHRBI 1183. Most of the crosses showing higher per se performance and heterotic effects originated from the following parents: RHRB 13A, RHRB 11A, RHRBI 1135 and RHRBI 1183. These parents can be used in future breeding programmes for the exploitation of hybrid vigour in pearl millet.