Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding (Jun 2013)
Heterosis and inbreeding depression for seed yield and its component traits in castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Abstract
The present investigation was undertaken with a view to generate genetic information on heterosis and inbreeding depression for seed yield and its component traits. The heterosis over better parent was found significant in desirable direction for number of capsules on main raceme in JP 96 x JI 368; for length of main raceme, effective length of main raceme and number of capsules on main raceme in cross JP 96 x JI 372; and for oil content in cross JP 101 x SKI 215. Inbreeding depression was observed significant for shelling outturn, seed yield per plant and 100-seed weight in JP 96 x JI 368; for length and effective length of main raceme, number of capsules per plant and oil content in cross JP 96 x JI 372; and for days to maturity, plant height, number of nodes and 100-seed weight in cross JP 101 x SKI 215. In majority of cases, a close agreement was seen between the observed and the expected values of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and inbreeding depression in all the three castor crossses with few exemptions
